North Carolina Bus Accident Lawyers

A bus can be a convenient mode of transportation. People may use the bus to travel around urban areas, get to work, visit family and friends, or send their children to school. While bus accidents are not as common as car crashes, the damage inflicted upon victims can be severe. Whether you’ve been hurt as a passenger on the bus or struck by a bus while walking, biking, or driving, you could be facing significant injuries and long recovery. Getting compensation from a bus crash can help you to deal with these after effects.

Even though a personal injury lawsuit cannot undo the harm caused by the bus crash, it can help ensure that you and your family do not face a financial crisis due to the losses related to your injuries. An experienced Charlotte bus accident lawyer can explain what compensation may be available to you following your accident and who could be liable for your injuries. 

How Do Bus Accidents Happen?

Overall, buses are a relatively safe way to travel. According to a report published by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), there were 1408 bus crashes statewide during 2021, compared to 249,927 passenger vehicle accidents during the same timeframe. This number includes commercial, school, activity, and other buses. 

Although bus crashes are less frequent than car and truck collisions, they can still occur, often with disastrous results for victims. Some common causes of bus accidents include:

What Injuries Can Bus Accident Victims Suffer?

Buses are designed to transport passengers efficiently, but some of the features that make buses convenient can also make them more dangerous in a crash. For example, the height of a bus that allows passengers to walk and stand inside comfortably also makes the vehicle much more likely to tip over or roll in an accident. The lack of seatbelts means that people and objects can easily be thrown around due to an impact. Even relatively minor bus accidents can result in serious injuries, including:

Who May Be Liable for a North Carolina Bus Crash?

Companies and drivers involved in the transportation of passengers are held to a higher standard of care by common carrier laws because people trust that their safety and well-being will be a top priority when they pay to use these services. Unfortunately, the drivers and bus companies sometimes fail to meet these standards, resulting in harm. Injured victims may be able to seek compensation if they can show that the carrier did not exercise the utmost care in their actions.

However, even if the accident occurred due to issues outside the driver’s control, such as faulty brakes or the actions of a negligent car driver, injured victims may still be able to seek compensation from the responsible party. Frequently, bus accident claims will name several defendants who played a role in the crash. Parties who may be found at fault for North Carolina bus accidents include:

What Damages Could an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Help You Recover?

If you or a loved one have been hurt in a bus accident, you likely have incurred financial losses due to your injuries. By seeking economic damages through an insurance settlement or civil lawsuit, you can recover compensation for expenses, such as:

The injuries from a bus crash can have a broader impact on your life beyond your finances. A skilled lawyer can evaluate your non-economic losses to determine what fair and full compensation looks like in your circumstances. Non-economic damages may include:

How Could North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Laws Impact Your Claim?

North Carolina is one of a small number of states in the US that still follow a pure contributory negligence system. Under this strict system, victims are barred from seeking compensation for a personal injury if they share any fault in their accident.

Insurers and plaintiffs often exploit this fact to the fullest extent to avoid paying compensation to victims. They will attempt to gather evidence that shows you acted in a way that contributed to your injuries.

What Can Our Law Firm Do for You?

No matter the circumstances, it is essential never to assume that you will be unable to recover damages in your bus accident case. Only a lawyer can look at the facts of your unique situation and advise you on whether you may have a valid claim against one or more negligent parties. You could be eligible to seek both economic and non-economic damages for the losses you’ve suffered due to a North Carolina bus crash. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your bus accident claim and recovery options, contact Harman Law today at (704) 286-0947.

FAQs

Can I sue for compensation after being injured in a bus accident in North Carolina?
Yes, if you were injured as a passenger on a bus or were struck by a bus while walking, driving, or biking, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim in North Carolina. An experienced bus accident attorney can help identify who is liable and what compensation may be available to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Who can be held liable for a bus accident in North Carolina?
Multiple parties can potentially be held responsible for a North Carolina bus accident, including the bus driver, the bus company, a government agency operating a transit system, the bus manufacturer, maintenance providers, or negligent third-party drivers. Because bus accident claims often involve several defendants, it is important to work with an attorney who can thoroughly investigate all responsible parties.
What types of injuries are common in North Carolina bus accidents?
Bus accident victims can suffer a wide range of serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, burns, crush injuries, and PTSD. The lack of seatbelts on many buses and the vehicle’s height make passengers particularly vulnerable to severe harm, even in accidents that may seem relatively minor.
Are bus companies in North Carolina held to a higher legal standard than regular drivers?
Yes, under North Carolina common carrier laws, bus companies and their drivers are held to a higher standard of care because passengers trust them with their safety. If a bus company or driver fails to exercise the utmost care and that failure results in injury, victims may have grounds to seek compensation.
What are the most common causes of bus accidents in North Carolina?
Bus accidents in North Carolina can result from driver negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued, as well as improper vehicle maintenance, defective bus parts, and the actions of negligent third-party drivers. Poor road design and adverse weather conditions can also contribute to crashes, according to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.