South Carolina Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are huge and a vital form of public transportation. For that reason, state and federal laws heavily regulate their operation. Bus drivers and companies owe it to the public to drive safely and keep their vehicles in safe working order. Yet statistics show 25,000 people suffered injuries in U.S. bus accidents in a recent year. Around 300 people died in crashes during the same time.

You could be entitled to compensation if you suffered injuries in a bus accident due to someone else’s negligence. But multiple parties could be at fault for the wreck, making these cases particularly complex to settle. A South Carolina bus accident lawyer can help you fight for the money you deserve for your losses.

Wilson Law Group, LLC is an accomplished personal injury law firm with 40 years of experience protecting the rights of injured South Carolinians. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Examples of Bus Accidents

All kinds of buses hit the roads every day. Understanding who owns and operates the bus is one step in determining liability for a crash.

Common types of bus accidents include:

• School bus accidents
• Child crossing accidents
• Public transit accidents
• Tour bus accidents
• Bus-car accidents
• Bus-pedestrian accidents

Our attorneys can provide representation for anyone injured in a bus accident, whether you were a bus passenger, pedestrian, or in another vehicle at the time of the wreck.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Buses have a high center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers. Since most buses do not have seatbelts, the force can throw passengers from their seats, causing severe injuries.

Examples of bus accident injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and bruising
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding

Not all injuries are noticeable right away, so see a doctor immediately if you are involved in a bus accident. Some delayed-onset injuries can be life-threatening.

Who is Responsible for a Bus Accident in SC?

Determining liability for a bus accident can be complicated because multiple parties could be responsible for what went wrong. Examples include:

• The bus driver
• The bus driver’s employer
• Maintenance workers
• Contracted maintenance or other companies
• The driver of another vehicle
• A government agency

A skilled bus accident attorney will gather detailed evidence to determine every party that should be held liable for the wreck. Your lawyer can negotiate with each defendant to obtain full and fair compensation for you.

Proving Fault in a Bus Accident

You must prove negligence to show someone is at fault for a bus accident. The evidence must demonstrate the responsible party had a duty to keep you safe but failed in that obligation, leading to the crash and your injuries.

For example, texting while driving is illegal in South Carolina. A bus driver who causes an accident while texting is negligent and could be held financially liable for any harm they cause in a bus wreck.

Or let’s say the brakes on a commercial bus needed replacement, but the bus or maintenance company delayed in making timely inspections and repairs. In that case, the bus company or repair shop would likely be considered at fault if a brake failure led to an accident.

Sometimes, more than one party is at fault for a bus collision. If a motorist runs a red light and hits a bus driver who was texting, both drivers are negligent. In that case, you could pursue compensation from both parties. It’s critical to work with a bus accident lawyer when questions of fault arise to receive full compensation for your losses.

Damages From a Bus Accident

Types of compensation you could receive in a bus accident lawsuit include money for:

• Past, current, and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning potential
• Long-term care or rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Most bus accident cases result in settlements with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if the other party refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your bus accident attorney may suggest taking the case to trial.

Statute of Limitations

Paying attention to the deadline to file an injury claim is critical after a bus accident. Generally, you have three years to file a personal injury claim in South Carolina. However, the timeline is much shorter if you plan to sue a government entity. Talk to a lawyer about how the statute of limitations applies to your case.

Buses and Lawsuits Against the State

Local government agencies own most public transit buses, so you would need to file an accident claim with the city, county, or state. In some situations, an poorly maintained road or malfunctioning traffic control device could cause an accident. In those cases, the government entity responsible for those roads would be at fault.

Filing a personal injury claim with a government agency differs from working with a private insurance company. Additionally, if the government agency denies your claim and you decide to sue, several laws restrict filing a lawsuit against the government. Notably, the statute of limitations is shorter, and there may be caps on the amount of compensation you can receive. When you have a bus accident claim against a government entity, hire an attorney who can get started on your case right away.

Contact a South Carolina Bus Accident Attorney Today

The months and weeks following a bus accident can be scary and frustrating. In addition to suffering from physical pain, you are likely dealing with complex emotions and financial stress. Even the small details can feel overwhelming after all you’ve been through.

The South Carolina bus accident lawyers at Wilson Law Group, LLC can relieve your burdens. Let us pursue the compensation you deserve while you recover from your injuries. Our attorneys stand up to stubborn insurance companies push aggressively for maximum compensation for our clients. Contact us now for your free case review.