Evansville, IN Bus Accident Lawyer

There are fewer accidents more devastating than bus accidents in Evansville. If you have been harmed by a negligent bus driver or any other person while on a bus, you deserve to recover compensation for your damages.

Bus accidents can be complex cases depending on the type of bus involved. Bus drivers have a heightened duty of care and can be held liable if they fail to drive with this level of care or ignore their maintenance responsibilities. Bus accident claims could be more challenging because several parties could be responsible for your damages. However, you can be entitled to a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, depending on the type of injuries you sustained.

For a free review of your case with our skilled bus accident attorneys, call Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166 today.

Types of Bus Accidents That Occur in Evansville, IN

Evansville is no stranger to various bus accidents, with each case presenting unique challenges depending on the type of bus involved. Nonetheless, every type of bus accident can result in serious injuries for which you can seek compensation. Fortunately, our bus accident lawyers have the experience to help you get the damages you deserve no matter what kind of bus you were injured in. The following are the most common types of bus accidents that occur in Evansville:

Common Carrier Bus Accidents

Bus accidents often involve common carrier buses, which offer transportation services for a fee. Examples of common carrier buses include Megabus and Greyhound, as well as buses operated by governmental agencies and schools. These drivers are held to a higher standard of care than regular drivers and are expected to exercise extraordinary diligence while operating their vehicles. If they fail to meet this standard, they can be held liable.

Public Transit Bus Accidents

Evansville offers multiple affordable and dependable public transportation options that the community utilizes. The city buses and their drivers cover a considerable distance each day, serving thousands of residents with transportation services. However, it is not uncommon for public transit bus accidents to occur, and in such cases, the bus driver's negligence would usually be the cause. Nevertheless, there are typically a few obstacles to address before the public transit company can be held responsible.

School Bus Accidents

In Evansville, school bus accidents are a regrettable yet frequent occurrence. Parents trust school buses to transport their children to and from school securely. Nevertheless, with the vast number of children being transported daily, accidents are inevitable.

Common Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents in Evansville, IN

Buses can cause severe injuries due to their size and power. Regardless of whether you are a bus passenger or in another vehicle, you deserve compensation for any injuries you sustained, whether minor or significant. In Evansville, the most common types of injuries that victims suffer in bus accidents are as follows:

Broken Bones

In the event of a bus accident, broken bones are unfortunately a common occurrence. Fractures can come in the form of either open or closed breaks. Open fractures are typically more severe and usually require surgery or even result in amputation if the bone is significantly damaged. On the other hand, closed fractures can often heal with the proper medical care, but the recovery process can take several months or even years to complete fully.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Bus accidents can cause severe damage to the spinal cord due to the lack of protection for victims in case of a rollover or flip. Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, including paralysis and loss of sensation in specific body parts. Those who experience such injuries typically require continuous medical treatment for their condition throughout their lives.

Head Trauma and Brain Injuries

When someone experiences a severe impact on their head, it can result in severe head trauma. This type of trauma can cause various injuries, such as bleeding inside the skull or brain, concussions, and subdural hematomas. It is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately if you suffer from a head injury during an accident. These injuries can lead to further harm to your brain, which could be life-altering or even fatal.

Internal Injuries and Bleeding

Untreated internal injuries can be fatal as they may cause damage to the internal organs and internal bleeding. These injuries are particularly hazardous as they can remain undetected if not treated promptly. If you experience pain in your body cavity or notice blood in your urine, it could indicate internal bleeding. This is why seeking medical attention immediately after a bus accident is crucial.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are generally minor and do not require surgical intervention to heal. These injuries refer to strains and sprains affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage. However, severe injuries such as torn tendons, ligaments, and ruptured disks in the neck or spine due to whiplash can be extremely painful and require years to fully recover. Rest and physical therapy are the usual treatments for such injuries, but surgery is often necessary in some cases. For example, multiple surgeries might be needed to repair a torn ligament, followed by months of painful physical therapy. These treatments should be included in the compensation you claim in your bus accident case.

Compensation You Can Recover for an Evansville, IN Bus Accident

After an Evansville bus accident, the compensation that can be claimed is categorized into two types, economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages. On the other hand, non-economic damages, commonly referred to as "pain and suffering," aim to compensate for the emotional and physical effects the victim endures due to their injuries.

Economic Damages

When you are injured in a bus accident, much of the financial impact can be quantified in terms of economic damages. These damages include costs such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses related to your injuries. Additionally, they should cover expenses incurred for emergency room visits, office visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and follow-up care. Also, if you are hospitalized due to your accident, you are entitled to compensation for the total cost of your hospital stay, including surgery. You can also receive damages for rehabilitation services like physical therapy and chiropractic care.

If your injuries result in permanent disability, you should be compensated for any additional expenses associated with future treatment. Furthermore, you are entitled to lost wages if you are forced to miss work due to medical treatment or rehabilitation. But, if serious bus injuries prevent you from working in your previous capacity or field, you can claim a loss of future earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses that cannot be quantified in terms of money but are nevertheless crucial to the victim. These damages include emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of companionship, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Although it can be difficult to establish non-economic damages, your personal testimony can often demonstrate the extent to which your injuries have affected your life. Additionally, expert witnesses can be called upon to testify about the long-term emotional and physical consequences of your injuries.

Our Evansville, IN Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help

Contact Wruck Paupore today at (219) 322-1166 for a free case assessment with our bus accident lawyers.