Bus companies can have powerful attorneys behind them, and if you’re injured in a bus accident, you should too. The Indiana bus accident lawyers at Wagner Reese, LLP have been advocating for injury victims for over 25 years. We pride ourselves on being leaders in personal injury legal expertise, seeking the highest level of compensation for bus accident victims.
Our high success rate has allowed us to recover millions of dollars in rewards for our clients and bring justice to those who deserve it. With nationwide recognition through prestigious institutions, we are proud of our many awards and acknowledgements. Our legal team has earned the Best Lawyers and Best Law Firm for 2023 from U.S. News & World Report and has been named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys for 2021. We’re also members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a major distinction that is only granted to the top 1% of attorneys in the country.
The extensive experience our personal injury law firm holds means that we are capable of standing up for bus accident injury victims in Indiana. We are completely committed to using our legal expertise to hold bus companies accountable for their negligent actions and seek the highest amount for your damages. Let our award-winning attorneys help lead your case to get the results you deserve. We stand behind our many accolades, and we will stand behind you.
Bus accidents are not as common as other types of accidents, however, when they happen, they can often have devastating consequences. If you have been a victim of a bus accident, you can claim compensation for your suffering. You will have to file an injury claim against the at-fault party. Please continue reading to learn more about the bus accident claims process and how an attorney can help.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The bus had faulty equipment or was not properly maintained.
- The driver did not have adequate training or was not properly screened for the position.
- There were poor driving conditions such as inclement weather or slippery roads.
- The driver was fatigued or distracted.
How to Bring a Bus Accident Injury Claim
If you are filing a case against a publicly owned or operated bus, you will need to file a written notice of your internet intent to bring a claim. The content, form, and timing of the notice depends on which public organization you are notifying. If the bus accident resulted in a fatality, you may have a special statute of limitations. If the bus was privately owned or operated, there would be fewer procedural hurdles.
Establishing Liability
Depending on the specific cause of the accident, there are different parties that can be held liable for a bus accident. These may include the bus driver, maintenance company, bus manufacturer, or bus owner or operator. If you bring a lawsuit against a driver that was negligent or reckless, the bus owner or operator can also be held liable for their employee’s on-the-job incompetence or negligence. The bus owner or operator has a responsibility to hire qualified bus drivers, offer training, and ensure they are not overburdened with work.
Gathering Evidence
You can gather different types of evidence to strengthen your case. For example, if you had to receive medical treatment as a result of the bus accident, you should gather copies of all the medical records, including bills.
You can also gather witness statements and expert testimony to support your claim. If law enforcement officials arrived at the bus accident site, they likely made an incident report or police report. You can obtain a copy of this report to add more evidence to your case.
Some buses have event data recorders (EDRs) installed in them. These devices record the operational parameters of the bus, such as speed and acceleration. You can use this data to support your claim on how the accident happened.
If you claim that the accident happened due to driver negligence or wrongdoing, you can check their driving record to determine if they have a history of such violations. Lastly, you can use the bus maintenance and inspection records to prove any negligence in maintaining minimum safety standards for the bus.
Indiana Bus Accident Lawyer
Going against the bus company can often be challenging. In addition, Indiana laws for bus accidents are often complicated. It is best to hire an experienced bus accident lawyer. You are welcome to contact us at the law offices of Wagner Reese. We are an injury law firm serving clients across Indiana. We can take care of the legal paperwork, gather evidence, negotiate with the bus company, and handle all other legal processes required to get your full and fair compensation.
In conclusion, representation by our Indiana bus accident lawyers will give you the best chance to recover the highest amount of compensation in your case. At Wagner Reese, we are victim-focused and work tirelessly to negotiate and fight for your rights. We are committed to righting the wrongs made by bus companies in this state and will provide you with compassionate representation every step of the way.
Our founding partners, Attorneys Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese have cemented a position on Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers® lists, serving as an inspiration for our law firm. We are also on the Top 25 for Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers and have eight members of our firm on the Super Lawyer® or Rising Star lists for the year 2020.
When you choose a personal injury attorney to serve as your legal representation in a bus accident, you should choose one from a firm with our accolades. We have what it takes to stand up to the bus companies and insurance companies who will try to shirk the blame. Our attorneys at Wagner Reese will hold them accountable, protect your legal rights, and work to recover the maximum possible compensation to help you move forward. Call us today at 317-569-0000 to get a free initial consultation and valuable legal advice from the experts fighting for your bus accident claim.
