Car-Bus Collisions
Buses provide public transportation, carry children to and from school, and can be rented for private events. While buses provide valuable services, they cannot be operated without risk. Car-bus collisions can lead to significant injuries and property damage. If you were involved in a car accident with a bus, you may be able to recover compensation for any harm caused by the accident. Car crash cases involving buses can be complex and benefit from the assistance of a skilled attorney. The attorneys at Peter Thompson and Associates have over 60 years of collective experience representing victims. Our seasoned New Hampshire car accident lawyers can advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Causes of Car-Bus CollisionsCar collisions with buses can happen for a variety of reasons. The driver may be distracted or may fail to comply with the laws regarding the safe operation of motor vehicles. In some cases, a bus driver may not be properly trained, or they may be fatigued due to working too many hours without a break. At other times, the bus will have a mechanical issue that will cause it to malfunction and cause an accident to occur.
Identifying the Responsible PartiesWhile the bus driver most likely is in some way liable for the accident, other parties may be responsible as well. The company that owned the bus and employed the driver may be responsible for failing to adequately maintain the bus or provide proper training. Additionally, if the bus was not properly maintained or repaired, the company that serviced the bus or inspected the bus and determined that it was safe for operation may be liable.
Proving Liability for Car Accidents With BusesGenerally, to prevail in a car accident case, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused you to sustain damages. In the New Hampshire courts, to successfully show that negligent behavior caused your harm, you must show that another party owed you a duty of care to act in a certain way, the duty was breached, and the breach caused the accident to occur. You must also show that you suffered injuries or property damage because of the accident. In order to prove that the breach of duty caused the accident, you must show that the accident would not have occurred absent the breach, and the breach played a substantial role in causing the accident.
Discovery is an important part of the process of proving liability for a car accident involving a bus. Records regarding driver training, vehicle maintenance, and driving logs can offer support for an argument that the driver or their employer failed to comply with the duty to ensure that the bus was safely operated.
Depending on the facts of your case, there may be additional theories of liability that your attorney can set forth to pursue compensation. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can analyze the circumstances surrounding your accident and help you seek damages from any party that contributed to the cause of the accident.
Compensation Following a Car-Bus CollisionYou may be entitled to recover the cost of any expenses incurred due to the accident. This includes the reasonable cost of any past medical treatment and any medical treatment that you will need in the future. If you could not work after the accident, or if you were left permanently disabled, you may be able to recover damages for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. In addition to damages for economic costs, you may be entitled to compensation for any pain and suffering caused by the accident. It can be overwhelming to try to determine the extent of the damages caused by a car-bus collision. It is in your best interest to meet with a knowledgeable attorney to fully assess the damages that you may be entitled to recover.
Discuss Your Case With a Skilled New Hampshire AttorneyIf you were involved in a car accident with a bus that caused you to sustain damages, you may be entitled to recover compensation from whoever caused the accident. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our attorneys are well versed in what it takes to obtain favorable results in New Hampshire car accident cases. Our knowledge and skill have allowed us to sustain a high success rate and a record of substantial verdicts. We have offices in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester, from which we represent clients throughout New Hampshire. Contact us at 800.804.2004 or via our online form to set up a free appointment.