If you’ve been hurt in a crash, finding a personal injury lawyer who understands the nuances of complex bus accident claims can be challenging. At Moore Law Firm, our bus accident attorneys in Mobile, AL, have helped more than 15,000 injury victims since 1985. We know how to identify all liable parties and fight to recover the fair compensation you need to put your life back together after a crash.
Key Takeaways
- Bus crash cases often involve multiple liable parties and different types of insurance policies.
- Filing a claim against public entities or government agencies involves a specific notice process and tight deadlines.
- Critical evidence like dashcam footage and driver logs can disappear fast, so it’s important to contact a bus accident lawyer in Mobile as soon as possible.
- Our personal injury law firm takes cases on contingency, which means no upfront costs or attorneys’ fees unless your claim is successful.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
From public transit to charter coaches, our personal injury attorneys have experience handling every type of bus accident case in Alabama.
School Buses
Children can be hurt while riding the bus or outside while boarding or exiting. Claims against school districts follow strict procedures and deadlines, so it’s vital to take quick action. If a school bus is operated by a private bus company, they may be liable for damages as well.
Public Transit Buses
Public buses in Mobile and other Alabama cities are often crowded, which means a single crash can injure many people. Whether you were hurt as a passenger, occupant of another vehicle, or pedestrian, our attorneys know how to navigate Notice of Claim rules and timelines that apply to these cases.
Charter and Tour Buses
When charter or tour bus operators cut corners, the consequences can be devastating. These carriers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations such as mandatory driver hours-of-service and maintenance requirements. Our bus and truck accident lawyers are well-versed in state and federal laws and understand how they may impact your case.
Pedestrian and Bike Collisions
Because pedestrians and bicyclists have no protection surrounding them, being hit by a bus can be deadly. If you’ve lost a loved one in a crash, our attorneys can help you understand your options and pursue a wrongful death claim if appropriate.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
There are countless ways in which a bus accident can happen. Identifying the cause of a crash is critical to determining who is responsible for damages.
Driver Error
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inadequate training or route unfamiliarity
- Failure to follow traffic signals or crossing rules
Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
- Brake or steering system failure
- Tire blowouts from inadequate inspection
- Defective or recalled parts
- Improper maintenance or repair
If any of these factors contributed to a collision, we know how to thoroughly investigate and uncover evidence that supports your claim.
Who Can Be Liable in an Alabama Bus Accident Claim?
Determining bus accident liability can be challenging, especially if multiple parties are involved. Our team knows how to identify all liable parties and pursue every possible source of compensation.
The Bus Driver
If a bus driver’s reckless or negligent actions caused a collision, they can be held personally liable for your injuries and damages.
The Bus Company
Bus companies must hire qualified drivers and meet FMCSA standards. When they fail to meet these obligations, they can be held responsible for any harm that’s caused.
Government Entities
City transit authorities, county agencies, and public school districts are government entities. In Alabama, some of these agencies enjoy special protections from liability. In addition, you usually have to file a formal Notice of Claim within months of the crash or you may lose your right to file a bus accident lawsuit.
Repair and Maintenance Contractors
If negligent repair or improper maintenance contributed to the crash, the company or mechanic responsible for servicing the bus may share liability for your injuries.
Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers
If a defective part or design caused a crash the manufacturer may be held responsible for damages regardless of how well a bus was maintained.
Navigating complex claims involving multiple parties is daunting, especially when you’re focused on your recovery. Our personal injury lawyers take the burden off your shoulders and handle all aspects of your claim.
Common Injuries and Damages in Bus Accident Cases
Because of their large size and weight and lack of passenger restraints, bus accidents often result in life-altering injuries.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken and crushed bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns, scarring, and disfigurement
- Psychological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression
Damages in Bus Accident Cases
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one
No amount of money can undo the harm caused by a serious bus accident, but fair compensation can protect your health and your family’s financial security. Our bus accident attorneys know how to accurately value your claim to ensure the full scope of your injuries and damages is covered.
Potential Challenges in Bus Accident Claims
Claims involving buses and large trucks like tractor-trailers are more complex than car accident claims. In addition to the complicated technical aspects of these cases, high policy limits make insurers fight even harder to minimize payouts and deny claims.
Strict Contributory Negligence
In Alabama, the law applies a strict contributory negligence rule to personal injury claims. This means that if an injured party is even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be completely barred from recovering any damages from other parties. Insurance adjusters try to use this to their advantage to shirk responsibility and avoid paying claims.
Don’t let them take advantage of you at your most vulnerable. Do not give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement before consulting a bus accident lawyer in Mobile first. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Multiple Insurance Policies
A bus crash can involve multiple insurance policies, including the carrier’s commercial policy, umbrella coverage, the driver’s individual policy, and auto insurance of any other vehicles involved. Sorting through these complex layers of coverage is challenging. Our attorneys make sure no liable party is overlooked and help you maximize any compensation you’re entitled to receive.
How We Build Your Case
Bus accident cases require fast action. Your bus accident attorney moves quickly to gather critical evidence that can be lost or destroyed if it’s not preserved right away.
Vital Evidence in Bus Accident Claims
- Police and accident reports
- Driver logs and hours-of-service records
- Bus maintenance and inspection records
- Black box and electronic data
- Dashcam, traffic camera, and surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
Our team develops a legal strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case. We often work with accident reconstructionists to prove how a crash happened and who was at fault. Testimony from medical experts helps demonstrate the scope of your injuries and how they have impacted your life. We identify every liable party and negotiate firmly on your behalf. If insurers refuse to offer fair settlements, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Why Choose Our Mobile Bus Accident Attorneys?
For more than 40 years, Moore Law Firm has been a trusted legal advocate for injury victims in Alabama.
We treat our clients like family. That means compassionate, responsive service from a team that genuinely cares about your well-being and the outcome of your case.
Our attorneys have a proven record of success resolving cases both outside and inside the courtroom.
Our team handles every bus accident case on contingency, and our Get Moore Fee Guarantee means you keep more of your recovery.
When you’re dealing with complex claims and powerful insurance companies, having Moore Law Firm in your corner makes all the difference.
Find a Bus Accident Lawyer Near You in Mobile, AL
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident in Alabama, our team at Moore Law Firm is here to help. To schedule a free consultation with a bus accident attorney near you in Mobile, Alabama, call us today at 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accident Claims in Alabama
What should I do after a bus accident?
Seek medical care immediately, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Take photos of the scene and your injuries and get contact information from any witnesses. Do not speak to any insurance representatives. Contact our bus accident lawyers as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
How long do I have to file a bus accident lawsuit in Alabama?
Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama is two years. However, if a government entity is involved, you may only have a few months to file a formal notice of claim. Missing that window can bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s critical to seek the counsel of a lawyer right away.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Moore Law Firm offers free case evaluations and takes cases on contingency. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.