St. Mary Parish Bus Accident Lawyer
While a bus can generally provide a convenient alternative for a commuter, they can be a danger for other drivers and passengers when a bus operator or their employer acts carelessly. Because of the sheer weight and size of a bus, any accident involving these vehicles can result in significant harm to occupants or a driver in a much-smaller passenger vehicle.
If you were involved in a bus accident, you may have lasting physical and psychological damage that can quickly become costly. A St. Mary Parish bus accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation for these damages. Additionally, after an initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, you may gain a better understanding of your rights and what you can do next to further your case.
Causes of Bus Accidents
There are many different factors that could cause a bus wreck. However, one commonality between some of these causes is the negligent actions of one or more parties. Therefore, when a plaintiff brings a suit against a bus driver or the bus company, they are claiming that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident.
A St. Mary Parish attorney could assess the circumstances of a bus accident to determine which party may be liable based on the cause of the crash. Some common instances where either the driver or their employer may be at fault include:
- Speeding, failure to follow signals, or other traffic violations
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Being tired while behind the wheel
- Improper maintenance
- Defective mechanical components
- Tire blow-outs
Comparative Negligence
One potential argument that a plaintiff should prepare for with their attorney if they bring a lawsuit against someone is the possibility of being partially at fault. Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323 establishes the state as a “pure comparative fault” jurisdiction, which means that a court may reduce the damages a plaintiff may recover by their percentage of blame for the crash.
For example, if a court determines that a claimant is 20 percent at-fault for a bus accident, that may only receive 80 percent of their total damages. Because of this law, these claims can become complicated. A seasoned St. Mary Parish bus crash attorney could use their legal knowledge to help a plaintiff fight against these accusations of being partially to blame.
Contact a St. Mary Parish Bus Accident Attorney Today
After sustaining potentially severe physical and psychological damage from a bus accident, all you may want to do is put the traumatic experience behind you. Such an incident, however, can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses for which you should pursue compensation.
A St. Mary Parish bus accident lawyer could assist you in preparing a case for damages and explain how the legal process may work in your situation. More importantly, a legal advocate could take some of the burdens off of your shoulders while you focus on your recovery. Contact our office today to schedule an initial case consultation with one of your dedicated team members.