Connecticut bus accidents happen with more frequency than many would believe. Oftentimes, bus accidents result in debilitating and catastrophic injuries. Buses are much larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road and have much higher centers of gravity. If Connecticut bus accident victims are lucky enough to survive a crash, they are often left with serious, life-changing injuries.
The type of bus accident is usually indicative of the amount of compensation awarded to the injury victim. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we encourage you to speak with an attorney who has experience handling Connecticut bus accident cases if you believe that you have reason to file a lawsuit. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident due to the actions or negligence of another, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses.
To begin exploring your legal options, contact our bus accident attorneys today by completing the free case evaluation form.
There Are Many Causes Of Bus Accidents
The first step in establishing liability is determining the cause of the crash. In many cases, both the bus driver and the company that employs them will be found liable for the crash. Some of the most common causes of Connecticut bus accidents include:
- Insufficient driver training
- Bad driving conditions
- Equipment defects or mechanical failure
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Speeding
- Reckless and aggressive driving
- Driver error or negligence
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
If one of these causes resulted in a bus or other commercial vehicle accident that injured you or your loved one, we encourage you to contact our firm today to see how we may be able to help you recover your losses.
Schedule a free legal consultation with our personal injury team.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Injuries in a Connecticut bus accident often range in severity, depending on the type of collision that has occurred. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by those involved in a crash include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns and lacerations
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
It can sometimes take days for the symptoms of serious injuries to become apparent, and bus accident victims may not realize the extent of their injuries right away. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after being involved in a bus accident.
Once you have seen a physician, it is important that you begin exploring your legal options. We encourage you to schedule a free, initial consultation with one of our attorneys. A member of our legal team can assess the merits of your claim and offer guidance on how to best pursue legal and financial recourse for your losses.
What Are Some Of The Different Types Of Bus Accidents?
Tour Bus Accidents
When many people want to travel together, they will often choose a tour bus as their mode of transportation. Most people assume that a tour bus is a safe way to travel; however, these vehicles can be involved in collisions. In recent years, there have been several tragic tour bus accidents in the Northeast.
School Bus Accidents
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year, about 19 children die in school transportation-related traffic accidents. School bus accidents in the United States are some of the most catastrophic, traumatic collisions today. When a school bus is involved in a crash, the safety of the nation’s children is compromised.
Public And Transit Bus Collisions
Many Connecticut residents use public buses as their mode of transportation. Unfortunately, public buses are involved in traffic accidents from time to time. A public bus collision can cause significant property damage and serious bodily harm.
Charter Bus Crashes
Charter buses are often used in the state of Connecticut when a larger group of people needs transportation to and from an event of some kind. In order to reduce the number of vehicles on the roadways while using fewer resources, charter bus activity is a widely used service. When multiple vehicles are traveling to the same location, there are a number of potential risks involved.
Common Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents
What types of compensation are available after a Bridgeport bus accident?
If you are injured in a bus accident in Bridgeport, you can seek economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. You may also pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the driver or bus company, Connecticut law allows for punitive damages to punish extreme wrongdoing and deter similar conduct.
What should I do after a bus accident in Bridgeport, CT?
After a bus accident, get medical attention right away, even for minor injuries. Document the scene with photos and notes, collect witness information, and file a police report. Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers as soon as possible so we can review your case, identify who is legally responsible, and help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
How is liability determined in a bus accident in Bridgeport?
Fault is based on the events and actions that led to the crash. The driver could be at fault for negligence, the bus company for poor maintenance or unsafe policies, and sometimes a manufacturer or government entity may share responsibility. Connecticut law allows you to recover damages even if you are partly at fault, as long as your share is 50% or less. Acting quickly and consulting a lawyer helps ensure all responsible parties are identified. Fault is determined from evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident documentation.
How long do I have to file a bus accident lawsuit in Bridgeport, CT?
Connecticut law usually gives you two years from the crash to file a lawsuit. Wait too long, and you could lose your right to compensation. If the bus is government-owned, the rules can be stricter, so it’s best to speak with a bus accident lawyer right away to make sure you don’t miss your deadline.
Our Knowledgeable Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help You
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have an established track record in helping injury victims seek justice and financial compensation for their losses. To make sure that our clients can afford proper representation when seeking justice for their injuries, our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that if you choose to hire our lawyers, we do not charge you any fees until we are able to successfully obtain a favorable outcome for your claim. If we fail to do this, there is never any cost to you.
For more information on the legal rights that may be available to Connecticut bus accident victims and their families or to schedule a confidential, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our attorneys, please complete our free case evaluation form. Or, call us toll-free at 800-PERKINS.
