Bus accidents can be extremely dangerous and cause numerous injuries and deaths, as they often injure or kill multiple passengers at once. Bus accidents are also known to most often result in catastrophic injuries that require years and thousands of dollars to treat and recover from.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be feeling alone in your pain. Along with dealing with both physical and emotional wounds, you may feel overwhelmed with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and more. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this time alone.
Our Charleston bus accident attorneys have decades of experience representing injured clients and can hold those at-fault responsible for their negligent actions. When you work with Bostic Law Group, P.A., you work with a legal team who cares about your well-being and is committed to seeking justice for you.
Contact our team online or by phone at (843) 350-9646. We can get to work for you in a legal consultation the moment you call.
WHAT DUTIES OF CARE DO SOUTH CAROLINA BUSES HAVE?
Because buses transport passengers as part of their business, they fall under what is known as federal and state common carrier laws – both private and public buses. Common carriers have different responsibilities than private passenger cars in that they owe more duties of care to those they transport. If they’re proven to have failed any of their duties of care, they can be seen as negligent.
Some duties that common carriers owe to bus passengers in South Carolina include:
- Obeying road rules
- Maintaining safe and efficient vehicles
- Not driving under the influence
- Getting passengers to destinations safely
- Paying attention to the road at all times
- Repairing or replacing broken vehicle parts
- Conducting background checks before hiring drivers
- Hiring and training safe bus drivers
CAN I FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT?
While the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in South Carolina is three years after the date of the accident, claims filed against local and state governments follow a different set of rules, and the statute of limitations will be shorter. Our bus accident attorneys are well-versed in local and federal laws and can get started on your case as soon as you call.
After a bus accident, liability could fall to a company or its drivers or employees, depending on who the negligence falls on.
WHAT COMMON CAUSES LEAD TO BUS ACCIDENTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
Bus accidents can be caused in the same way car accidents can be caused. Factors that can contribute to bus accidents include distracted driving, fatigued driving, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, and in those cases, a bus driver can be held responsible for injuries.
However, bus companies may be found negligent if it can be proven that they failed to properly train their bus drivers, or did not conduct a safety inspection of their buses before usage. Additionally, manufacturers can be held responsible if a defect or broken vehicle part caused the accident.
In addition to the factors mentioned previously, there are other common causes of bus accidents that can result in serious injuries. One of these causes is poor driving on the part of a driver other than the bus driver. In these instances, dealing with the other party’s insurance may be tough, especially if other bus passengers may be pursuing compensation from the responsible party. Another cause is improper maintenance, as buses require regular upkeep to ensure their safety on the road. Additionally, driver error is a common cause of bus accidents, which can include speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or simply failing to pay attention to the road. We understand that navigating the aftermath of a bus accident can be overwhelming, and our experienced attorneys are here to assist you in holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INJURIES SUFFERED IN A BUS CRASH?
Bus accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries to passengers due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle, as well as the force of impact. When a bus collides with another vehicle, object, or even rolls over, passengers can be thrown around the interior or even ejected from the bus. This can cause injuries can ranging from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries such as amputations. In addition to the physical injuries, passengers may also experience emotional trauma due to the suddenness and severity of the accident. It is important for injured passengers to seek medical attention immediately and to consult with an experienced Charleston bus accident attorney who can help them recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
Common injuries associated with bus accidents include:
- Broken or crushed bones
- Bruises and lacerations
- Whiplash
- Sprains or fractures
- Facial injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord and neck injuries
- Head and brain trauma
- Death
HOW WE HELP
Our attorneys have the resources needed to strengthen your claim, from gathering evidence from the scene of the accident to consulting seasoned medical professionals. We also have a proven track record of success and can recover the amount of compensation you deserve.
Our team has been able to recover damages including:
- Medical bills, from surgeries and hospital stays to medications and aftercare
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Funeral and burial costs, if your loved one died in the bus accident
- Lost income if your family depended on your loved one financially
Only a high-quality law firm can be trusted with you and your family’s future. Our team is ready to help.
Our Charleston bus accident attorneys are available to help when you call usat (843) 350-9646. Allow us to hold negligent companies and drivers responsible and achieve justice on your behalf.
