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Albany Bus Accident Attorney
The Albany bus accident lawyers at Bailey, Johnson, & Peck P.C. help bus accident victims recover fair compensation for serious injuries. If you suffered injuries during a bus crash in Albany, NY, you need an experienced bus accident attorney.
After New York bus crashes, typically, bus companies will quickly offer settlements to the injured victims involved in a crash. They do this to close as many bus accident cases as soon as they possibly can. The sooner their insurance company can close the case, the less damage it does to the company’s reputation and profit margin.
For a free case evaluation to discuss your personal injury case with an experienced bus accident attorney from Bailey, Johnson & Peck, P.C., call 518-456-0082 today. Our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, so injured clients won’t owe any legal fees unless their personal injury lawsuit is successful.
U.S. Bus Accident Statistics
In 2022, the FMCSA reported 15,033 bus accidents, with 47% (approximately 7,119) causing injuries and 13,268 individuals injured, indicating multiple injuries per accident.
Additionally, over 240 people died in these accidents, with 16% being passengers. New York, Florida, and Texas had the highest numbers of accidents with injuries suffered, totaling 1,118, 596, and 528, respectively. Texas and Florida also led in fatal accidents with 20 each, followed by New York with 16.
This data suggests a higher likelihood of bus accidents in New York. We urge bus accident victims to contact an Albany bus accident attorney from Bailey, Johnson & Peck, P.C.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Similar to a car accident, bus accidents can be caused by many factors. Unfortunately, when these circumstances occur, many more people are injured, including bus passengers, the driver, and other vehicles involved. The most common causes include:
Bus drivers can also suffer from fatigued driving or driving while sleep-deprived. Fatigue can cause slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a reduced ability to make quick decisions.
This includes mistakes such as misjudging road conditions, failing to observe traffic signs, improper turning or lane changing, and not maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
Bus drivers, while typically not known for being distracted drivers can engage in this behavior. Additionally, other distracted drivers on the roads can cause accidents.
Operating a bus under the influence of alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal drugs can severely impair a driver’s motor skills, reaction time, and decision-making abilities.
This includes mechanical issues like brake failure, steering system defects, tire blowouts, or engine problems.
Like other personal injury claims, those injured in bus accidents can pursue compensation for their injuries and other damages. If you were involved in a bus accident in Albany, a bus crash lawyer from Bailey, Johnson & Peck is ready to help.
Types of Bus Accidents
School Bus Accidents
While school buses are typically safer, school bus accidents can still occur. While school bus design and stringent safety protocols outlined by federal law and the school district minimize the number of serious injuries and fatalities, there may be times when a personal injury lawsuit is merited for school bus accidents in Albany, New York.
Parents of children hurt on a school bus should contact an Albany bus accident lawyer from Bailey, Johnson & Peck, P.C. Our Albany child injury lawyers understand the significance of serious injuries involving children and will work relentlessly to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable. To learn more about filing a school bus accident case, call 518-456-0082 today.
Charter Bus or Motorcoach Accidents
Charter buses are regulated by the FMCSA, which inspects the different charter and other private bus companies every few years. The strict guidelines that charter buses must adhere to contribute to the overall safety of these passenger vehicles.
However, they’re not completely free of bus accidents. If you’re injured in a New York charter bus accident, an Albany bus accident lawyer can help.
Public Transportation Bus Accidents
Due to the large number of New York residents who rely on public transportation and traffic, it’s no surprise the number of accidents they’re involved in is so high. City bus accidents range from minor collisions with other vehicles to more serious incidents involving pedestrians.
The impact of these bus accidents can be widespread, not only causing potentially serious injuries to passengers and others but also disrupting the flow of public transit services. Our Albany bus accident attorneys can help you determine if you have a valid bus accident claim during your free case evaluation.
Freight Bus Accidents
Causes of freight bus accidents often include driver fatigue, mechanical failures, and challenging road conditions. However, the added complexity of cargo handling and weight distribution plays a crucial role. Overloaded or improperly loaded buses can lead to vehicle stability and control issues, increasing the risk of rollovers or collisions.
The aftermath of a freight bus accident can be severe, causing road blockages, environmental hazards, and extensive property damage, alongside the risk of injury to the bus driver and others on the road. Contact one of our experienced attorneys if you’ve been injured by a freight bus accident in Albany, New York.
Shuttle Bus Accidents
Accidents involving shuttle buses can range from minor collisions to more serious bus accidents, often occurring in congested areas like airport loops or urban centers.
A personal injury lawyer at our law firm can help you recover compensation for severe injuries sustained.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can result in various injuries, with the severity and type largely influenced by factors such as the collision’s force, the impact area, and whether the vehicle had seatbelts.
The most common types of injuries bus accident victims can sustain include:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Internal injuries
- Head injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Spinal cord injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
Victims of bus accidents can often suffer catastrophic injuries due to the bus’ size and weight. If you or a loved one was injured in a bus crash, the Albany bus accident lawyers from Bailey, Johnson & Peck, P.C. have extensive legal knowledge to guide you as you navigate your bus accident claim.
If the Albany bus accident resulted in wrongful death, our legal team can also provide compassionate legal services for families struggling with the untimely death of a loved one. If you’re looking for an experienced bus accident lawyer in the Capital District, look no further than Bailey, Johnson & Peck.
Call our legal team today to schedule your free consultation with an Albany wrongful death attorney.
Possible Liable Parties in an Albany Bus Accident
In the event of a bus crash in Albany, identifying the liable parties is a crucial step in filing your personal injury claim. The possibilities of potential liability are broad, from bus drivers and bus companies to manufacturers and government entities responsible for road maintenance.
An Albany bus accident lawyer from Bailey, Johnson & Peck will evaluate your bus accident claim to find the party or parties who can be held responsible for your personal injury claim.
Bus Drivers
In bus accident cases linked to the driver’s behavior, including reckless driving, distraction, fatigue, or traffic law violations, the driver can be held accountable. This encompasses incidents involving alcohol or drug influence, ignoring safety protocols, or engaging in risky maneuvers like speeding or sudden lane changes. Additionally, the driver’s employment status and training are examined to assess if negligence or insufficient qualifications contributed to the accident.
Other Drivers
Bus accidents may occur due to another driver’s negligence, such as DUI, speeding, or texting, making them liable for damages. In accidents involving multiple vehicles, liability may be distributed among various drivers, including the bus driver. Determining each driver’s fault is essential for the injured parties’ legal claims and typically requires a detailed investigation, including analyzing traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
Bus Companies
Following a bus accident, the bus company may be scrutinized for liability, encompassing fleet maintenance, vehicle safety, and adherence to safety regulations. The company’s duties include hiring qualified drivers, offering proper training, and ensuring drivers have adequate rest to prevent fatigue-related incidents. The bus company could face legal accountability if an accident stems from neglected maintenance, insufficient training, overworked staff, or regulatory non-compliance.
Bus Manufacturer
The bus manufacturer may be liable for accidents caused by vehicle design flaws or manufacturing defects, such as faulty brakes, steering issues, or structural weaknesses. This liability arises from manufacturing errors, poor quality control, or not issuing recalls for known defects.
Investigations assess whether the manufacturer followed safety standards and regulations during design and production. If an unaddressed defect in the bus contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable under product liability laws.
How Bus Accident Victims Can Successfully Prove Fault in Their Case in New York
When pursuing a personal injury claim, you need an Albany bus accident lawyer on your side. Our Albany bus accident lawyers guide injured clients through the process of proving fault by establishing key legal elements essential for a successful bus accident claim:
- Duty of Care: Your Albany bus accident attorney will demonstrate that the defendant (the bus driver, company, or manufacturer) was legally obligated to ensure passenger and public safety. T
- Breached Duty of Care: Your Albany bus accident attorney will establish that this duty was breached.
- Causation: Your Albany personal injury lawyer will link the breach of duty directly to the bus accident. They will gather evidence to show that the accident directly resulted from the defendant’s negligence.
- Damages: Finally, our Albany bus accident lawyers will quantify the damages resulting from the accident.
Our Albany personal injury lawyers can adeptly navigate bus accident claims to help bus accident victims establish fault, which is critical for recovering compensation in Albany, New York.
Average Settlement for Bus Accident in Albany, NY
The average settlement for a bus accident case in Albany can vary widely based on several factors.
Key factors influencing the settlement amount include medical expenses, including past and future medical bills, the severity of injuries, any long-term disability or chronic pain, lost wages or earning capacity, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Generally, more serious injuries resulting in significant medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, and substantial non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, tend to lead to higher settlement amounts.
Bus accident victims increase their chances of recovering compensation when they work with experienced bus accident lawyers. Our Albany bus accident attorneys understand the challenges of litigating this type of personal injury claim. We’ll work to recover fair compensation and will work with the insurance company on your behalf.
Bus Accident Damages
Victims can recover damages to compensate for losses caused by the incident. These can include:
- Medical expenses, both past and future
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Bus Accident Injury FAQs
Do I Need a Bus Accident Lawyer in New York?
Albany bus accident lawyers are well-versed in the complexities of New York Law and can effectively navigate your personal injury claim. While not required, having a personal injury lawyer can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
What is the Trauma After a Bus Accident?
The trauma following a bus accident extends beyond physical injuries and often includes emotional and psychological distress. Victims may experience shock, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
What to Do if You Are in a Bus Accident in Albany, NY
If you’re involved in a bus accident in Albany, take the following steps:
- Call 911
- Seek Medical Attention
- Gather Evidence
- Contact a New York Bus Accident Lawyer
Can You Claim Whiplash From a Bus Crash?
You can claim whiplash from a bus crash. Whiplash is a common injury sustained in many motor vehicle accidents and is caused by the sudden movement of the neck and head.
How Do I File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Albany?
To file a bus accident lawsuit in Albany, gather evidence, including medical records, police reports, and evidence of property damage. Consult with a personal injury attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Bus Accident in New York?
In New York, there are specific time limits for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, so it’s important to act promptly. Your New York bus accident attorney will help determine the liable parties, whether it’s bus drivers, bus companies, or other entities, and assist in filing a lawsuit in the appropriate court to put you in the best possible position to secure fair compensation.
Albany Bus Accident Lawyer
Whether you were a bus passenger, pedestrian, or other party injured in the bus accident, the Albany personal injury attorneys from Bailey, Johnson & Peck, P.A. will provide quality legal representation. Schedule a free consultation with an Albany bus accident attorney by calling 518-456-0082 today.
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Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury law, including car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. If you have questions about insurance coverage and how to get the financial compensation you need, contact us today to see how we can help.
We have represented many clients on both sides of personal injury and insurance disputes. Let us use our depth of knowledge and experience to help you and your family get the medical care and financial compensation you need and deserve.
