Navigating Roanoke by bus is not uncommon, but it can be dangerous if the driver makes critical errors. Whether you are a bus rider, pedestrian, or in another vehicle, you have the right to pursue fair compensation if you suffer injuries resulting from negligence.
Find the Roanoke bus accident lawyer you need at MartinWren, P.C., founded in 2009, and let us make sure you know what all of your rights are. Request a free consultation with a Roanoke personal injury lawyer now.
Buses Are Common Causes of Accidents in Roanoke
From the tour buses that arrive throughout the year carrying visitors to the public transportation on Valley Metro, every bus driver must provide safe transport for those on board while minimizing risk to those outside the bus.
The most common causes of bus accidents are avoidable, including:
- Distracted drivers sometimes use phones, navigational systems, or eat and drink behind the wheel
- Fatigued drivers cannot control the bus as well, leading to a serious risk of injuries, especially after long hours on the road on a cross-state trip
- Impaired driving, including through the use of alcohol or drugs
- Driver inexperience, especially in situations where the driver lacks proper training to operate the type and size of vehicle
- Bus breakdowns and mechanical failures are often preventable with routine maintenance and upkeep
- Unsafe conditions within the bus, such as from damaged seats, glass, or other surfaces, or trip hazards
- Poor road conditions that result in the accident occurring due to a driver failing to operate safely or the city failing to maintain road conditions
These examples of common causes of bus accidents are just the start of what may happen. No matter who is to blame, get medical care as soon as possible after the accident, document as much detail as you can about what happened, and then call our Roanoke bus accident attorney for guidance. Let the Roanoke car accident lawyer at MartinWren, P.C., make them pay for the injuries you have.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Who Is At Fault in a Bus Accident
One of the steps our bus accident lawyer in Roanoke will take is to identify all parties responsible for your injuries and losses. We are diligent in identifying all potential parties so that we can seek maximum compensation for you. Some examples of parties that may be at fault include:
- Bus drivers for reckless operation, impairment, or unsafe driving
- The company behind the bus driver, such as one of the private companies that operate in the area
- The charter bus company that hired the driver
- The city, if the accident involved Valley Metro or other public service transportation in the city
- School bus drivers or districts, if their driver caused your accident
- Shuttle bus service companies, if they cause the accident
These examples demonstrate that there are numerous parties that could be responsible for the injuries you have. We encourage you to seek legal advice in all of these cases. Let us verify what took place, how it happened, and who is responsible. Expect our Roanoke traumatic brain injury lawyer to maximize claims by gathering evidence.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents may result in serious injuries and life-changing losses. Victims should seek medical care as soon as possible after any injury or serious accident occurs, even if they feel okay.
Some of the most common injuries we see in these accidents that warrant legal representation include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including open skull fractures and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or full spinal paralysis, chronic pain development, or disc damage
- Neck and back pain, including whiplash
- Broken bones with or without complex fractures and surgical needs
- Lacerations and deep wounds often increase the risk of infections
- Internal organ injuries
- Amputations of digits or limbs
- Burns from heat or chemical exposure
- Road rash from the bus dragging you as a pedestrian
There is also a high number of people who lose their lives in accidents like this. If your family member died as a result of a bus accident, contact our firm for immediate guidance. Let us fight for justice to the fullest extent of the law.
Roanoke Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
What Your Roanoke Bus Accident Claim May Be Worth
The value of a Roanoke bus accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, whether you will heal, and the impact it has on your physical and emotional well-being.
Our goal is to identify all losses you have incurred so we can build a clear, evidence-based claim that insurance companies cannot refute. Examples of losses you may have include:
- Medical costs: Emergency costs, hospitalizations, medications, long-term rehabilitation, and in-home help are some examples
- Loss of income: Loss of wages if you cannot work for a period of time, loss of benefits or bonuses in some cases, and for those with permanent injuries, loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering: It can be hard to put a value on this type of suffering, but we will demonstrate exactly how devastating this incident was
- Damage to property: If you have vehicle damage or losses to other assets, we include those in your claim
- Emotional trauma: This includes losses related to the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety
- Loss of quality of life: Implications for the way you live your life due to ongoing injuries or pain
In Virginia, the statute of limitations (§ 8.01-243) for most personal injury cases, like bus accidents, is two years. That gives you ample time to allow our legal team to negotiate a fair settlement for you or, when necessary, to pursue a lawsuit against those at fault.
Claims against bus companies often involve much shorter notice periods as well. However, there is a lot to do, and we encourage you to schedule a free consultation now.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Roanoke Bus Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Needs
Expect the entire team at MartinWren, P.C. to become your allies in this fight. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident with us and share how it is impacting your life.
Our bus accident attorney in Roanoke will build your claim, work hard to develop a clear plan forward for you, and fight on your behalf. You pay us nothing until we win your case.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form