A car accident seems devastating enough on its own. However, getting involved in a collision with a bus, whether you’re another motorist or a pedestrian, can be devastating.
Jacoby & Jacoby has seen various cases involving bus accidents on Long Island, so after you’ve been shaken up by a traumatic event, it’s critical to get in touch right away. You have various legal options at your disposal, and we can walk you through each one so you receive full compensation for any damages you’ve suffered.
Potential Causes of Bus Accidents on Long Island
From school buses to charter buses, many huge vehicles make their way through Long Island every single day. While drivers ideally have experience operating such massive vehicles, a litany of factors can contribute to a collision.
- Driver Error: The bus driver may not have been fit to drive a bus at that time, such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or not being sufficiently rested. They may also become distracted by looking at their phone while on the road.
- Speeding: Since buses are larger than regular cars, they require a greater distance to come to a complete stop, which means speeding can prevent them from safely stopping.
- Mechanical Failure: A lot of components are required to make a bus run smoothly. Buses need to undergo regular maintenance or else a critical part, like the brakes or tires, can give out while the vehicle is in motion.
- Hazardous Road Conditions: It’s possible the road itself, which should be maintained by the city, bears some of the responsibility. For example, a bus driving over a pothole can cause the driver to lose control when they wouldn’t have under ideal driving conditions.
Legal Options Following a Bus Accident
After a bus accident, you have a couple of options in terms of receiving compensation for any injuries or property damage.
File a Claim With the Insurance Company
Often, the first way to get compensation is to go through the insurance company. An attorney from Jacoby & Jacoby can help negotiate and ensure you submit all of the proper documentation, such as pictures from the scene, medical records, and police statements.
After reviewing everything, the insurance company may provide you with a settlement offer, which you can accept or decline.
Keep in mind that insurance companies work in the best interest of the company, not those who have been injured. If you believe the settlement is too low or doesn’t encompass everything you’ve gone through, you can refuse to take it and pursue legal action.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you believe you have a strong case, you can file a lawsuit with the courts. This could potentially result in greater compensation, but it will take longer for you to receive your money. No matter which route you choose to pursue, Jacoby & Jacoby can be there by your side every step of the way.
The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer After a Bus Accident
Even if you believe you’d be better off simply settling with the insurance company, it’s still a good idea to consult with a lawyer to go over all of your options. Plus, a personal injury attorney can assist greatly throughout every step of the process to try to get you as much compensation as possible.
- Gather Evidence: There are certain things you should do yourself at the accident scene, like take photos of any injuries and damage. However, a lawyer may have even greater resources for acquiring evidence beneficial to your case, such as obtaining video footage from nearby businesses that may have caught the incident on tape.
- Negotiate With the Insurance Company: Insurance companies will try to get you to settle for less than what your claim may actually be worth. If you have a lawyer by your side, the insurance agency may be more willing to play ball and give you a fairer settlement in the interest of keeping the case out of court.
- Represent You in Court: In the event the case goes to court, you’ll want a lawyer who has a great deal of experience with personal injury cases, specifically those related to bus accidents. Jacoby & Jacoby specializes in this area, so you can feel confident your case is in good hands.
We’re Here as Your Bus Accident Attorneys on Long Island
Bus accidents are cause for serious concern. Given their sheer size compared to sedans, there’s a greater potential for more dangerous injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer at Jacoby & Jacoby right away, as there may be injuries you’re unaware of just yet.
Contact Jacoby & Jacoby for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how best to pursue your case. You’ll receive invaluable information, and if you’d like to proceed with legal action, we can walk you through those steps, too.
