Bus accidents can leave both the passengers and other motorists with major injuries. If you sustained injuries in one of these collisions, you should reach out to a Windsor bus accident lawyer. A skilled Windsor personal injury lawyer could advise you on seeking financial compensation by filing a claim for damages with the negligent party’s insurance company. A lawyer could be your legal advocate during negotiations with the insurance company or while presenting your case before a judge in court.
How Do Bus Accidents Occur in Windsor?
Driver negligence is often the cause of bus crashes. A driver may be negligent if they tailgate, speed, fail to yield, run a stop sign, drive drunk, text while driving, or otherwise engage in careless or reckless driving. Whatever the cause of an accident, there is a high likelihood of injury to passenger or motorist. The most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Organ damages
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
A South Windsor bus accident attorney could work to identify the individual or entity responsible for the accident and pursue damages on the injured person’s behalf.
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How to Collect Damages
Connecticut has a “modified comparative fault” system for insurance claims. This means anyone seeking compensation from a bus accident must show fault on the part of the bus operator or company for their claim to be successful. If there is more than one individual or entity that might have contributed to the accident, the plaintiff may name all the contributors as defendants. However, if the plaintiff is deemed to be more than 50 percent responsible for their accident, the court has the right to bar them from recovering any compensation whatsoever. If they are less than 50 percent responsible, then their final award will be reduced by the percentage of fault that they hold.
The typical compensatory damages that someone could receive include those that cover medical payments, vehicle or other property repairs, as well as the wages that they missed out on while recovering. They could also be awarded non-economic damages for the intangible losses such as psychological trauma, the embarrassment of having any scars, or having to live with a new disability. A lawyer takes the role of presenting these losses to the court.
Statute of Limitations
For most Connecticut traffic collisions, including bus accidents, a claim must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. However, if the bus was a government-owned vehicle, the plaintiff might have to file with a tortfeasor in as little as 90 days. A public transit collision lawyer in Windsor could identify whether the statute of limitations has been reduced, which is why an injured person should call one immediately.
Arrange a Consultation with a Windsor Bus Accident Attorney
It can be challenging to navigate a legal claim during times of extreme stress, especially if the defendant is a public entity. A South Windsor bus accident lawyer could offer an initial review of your case and speak to you about what your next moves are. Call today to book your introductory case consultation.