Hammond Bus Accident Lawyer
There are many reasons why individuals choose to use public transportation to go about their daily lives. Unfortunately, bus collisions do occur and can cause serious harms in an accident.
If you or a loved one were harmed in a bus collision, it may be wise to seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney. They could work on your behalf to help you seek compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. Speak to a Hammond bus accident lawyer to learn about your rights and legal options to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
Types of Bus Accidents and Injuries
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, bus accidents occur frequently and cause significant injury as well as property damage.
In a bus collision, individuals could sustain serious injuries such as:
- Head trauma
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and spinal cord damage
- Cuts and scrapes
- Organ damage
Following a bus crash, it is best to seek medical care and treatment from a medical professional. A dedicated Hammond bus accident attorney can use medical reports to prove the extent of the injured claimant’s damages in court.
What are the Comparative Negligence Laws in Hammond?
Hammond follows comparative negligence principles. This means that the plaintiff may be partially liable for the accident and their injuries. Fortunately, injured claimants may be eligible to recover compensation even if they are 99 percent at fault for an accident. Under Civil Code Art. 2323, the amount of damages may be allotted proportionally. The injured claimant’s award may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
What are the Regulations for Buses and Drivers?
Buses are subject to many of the same regulations as other Hammond motor vehicles. These rules of the road have been codified in Louisiana’s Revised Statutes. A knowledgeable attorney may be familiar with transportation rules that apply to specific bus accident claims in Hammond.
Implied Consent for Blood Alcohol Content Testing
Commercial drivers, such as operators of buses, have given their implied consent to be tested for certain impairing substances, by virtue of operating a bus in the state. Under RS 32:414.2, the driver of a bus may be tested by breath or by blood for any amount of alcohol in their system.
An injured claimant may present evidence that a bus driver had alcohol in their system as part of the lawsuit.
Bus Driver Required Physical Exam
Collisions can occur when a bus driver suffers an adverse physical event, such as a heart attack or stroke. Under RS 32:403.4, commercial drivers are required to undergo a physical examination before a specialized license will be issued by the Department of Transportation.
Bus operators must obtain a medical examiner’s certificate of health before they are able to renew a commercial license. This mandate may apply for both intrastate and interstate travel.
School Bus Safety
Under RS 32:293, children are prohibited from standing while a school bus is in motion. For this reason, the number of students allowed on each bus has been limited by law.
The number of passengers on a school bus is not allowed to exceed the number of available seats. Bus drivers and their employers may be found at least proportionately liable for injuries that happen to standing students.
Contact a Hammond Bus Accident Attorney
After being involved in a collision with a public transportation vehicle, it may be difficult determining who is liable for damages. Let a Hammond bus accident lawyer be your legal advocate and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Call today to schedule an appointment to learn about your legal options.