Due to the massive size and weight of buses in Evansville, bus accidents can lead to devastating injuries, putting passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers at serious risk. At Wagner Reese, LLP, our bus injury attorneys in Evansville are known for providing aggressive, results-driven representation.
Our legal team has been widely recognized for its exemplary record of recovering multi-million dollar damages for clients. We have earned prestigious honors such as being named Super Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America©. Founding partners Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese have been ranked among Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers®. Our Evansville personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Bus Safety Laws in Indiana
Indiana enforces various bus safety laws designed to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. At Wagner Reese, our Evansville bus crash lawyers are well-versed with the state’s bus safety laws.
- Driver Requirements: Bus drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with specific endorsements for passenger transport. They must also undergo regular health checks, including drug and alcohol screenings.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Buses are required to pass regular safety inspections, ensuring that brakes, tires, lights, and other essential systems are functioning correctly.
- Passenger Safety Measures: Buses must be equipped with seatbelts where required, and emergency exits must be provided. Drivers are also required to follow specific protocols for safely loading and unloading passengers.
- Speed Limits and Traffic Regulations: Bus drivers must adhere to posted speed limits and traffic laws, including those in school zones and areas with frequent pedestrian traffic. Additionally, reckless driving or the use of cell phones while driving is strictly prohibited.
- Prohibition of Lane Violations: Indiana law forbids buses from operating in specific lanes on highways and expressly prohibits reckless lane changes.
How Our Evansville Bus Accident Attorney Will Prove Liability of the Defendants to Maximize Damages
Our bus accident law firm, Evansville, will move fast to investigate your accident and prove the liability of the negligent parties. Here’s how we build a strong case for damages:
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We will immediately start by gathering critical evidence, including photos and videos, witness statements, surveillance footage, bus inspection records, driver logs, and police reports. These pieces of evidence help us identify whether the bus driver or company violated any safety laws.
Expert Testimony
We will consult with safety and accident reconstruction experts who can provide testimony regarding the cause of the accident and how the bus driver’s or company’s negligence contributed to it. They help establish a clear link between violations and the injuries sustained.
Proving Negligence of the Bus Company or Driver
Whether the accident was caused by a fatigued driver, poor vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, or the bus company’s negligence, we work to demonstrate the defendant’s fault. For instance, if a driver failed to perform mandatory safety checks or violated traffic laws, this evidence supports a claim for damages.
Building a Strong Liability Case
In many cases, more than one party could be liable for a bus accident, including the bus driver, the company operating the bus, or a third-party contractor responsible for vehicle maintenance. We ensure all liable parties are held accountable by examining every detail of the case, maximizing the chances for a favorable outcome.
Negotiating with the Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies is often a complex and challenging aspect of bus accident claims. At Wagner Reese, our attorneys are aggressive negotiators who understand the tactics that insurance adjusters may use to minimize payouts. We prepare by compiling all necessary documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and evidence of liability, while advocating fiercely on behalf of our clients.
Going to Trial, if Necessary
If negotiations with the insurance companies do not lead to a satisfactory settlement, our Evansville bus accident lawyers are ready to take your case to trial. Our bus and truck accident lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys with a track record of success in the courtroom. We are prepared to present a solid case for a judge and jury, presenting the evidence we have gathered and demonstrating the impact of the injuries on your life.
Get Our Battle-Hardened Bus Accident Lawyers in Evansville, IN, on Your Side
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Evansville, our dedicated team at Wagner Reese is here to help. We take immense pride in making a positive impact on our clients’ lives, fighting fiercely on their behalf when it matters most. With over $300 million recovered for our clients, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
We offer a free case evaluation with flexible evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything until we win your case. Our team also speaks Spanish. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (866) 991-4892 or contact us online.
