Bus accidents often result in multiple injuries, as passengers may be thrown around the interior of the bus. Bus accidents could also hurt other drivers or pedestrians walking along the road. If you suffered injuries in an Oakdale bus accident, we are here to help.
An Oakdale bus accident lawyer may be able to help you if you were involved in a collision with a large vehicle or while riding on a bus on Long Island. You may begin working on a case today by contacting Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. Call us at (631) 600-0000 to speak with a team member about your options for seeking compensation for your losses.
Facts About Bus Accidents in the U.S.
There are many bus accidents throughout the U.S. every year. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 15,000 injury crashes that involved a bus in the year 2017. These crashes resulted in 25,000 injuries.
There are also a number of fatalities associated with bus accidents around the country. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports on the number of fatalities in different modes of transportation, including buses.
You may want to get legal help on your side if you were hurt in a bus accident, or if you lost a loved one in a bus collision. Getting legal help may allow you to seek compensation for your losses, so you can move forward with your life.
Causes of Oakdale Bus Accidents
You may be able to get compensation for the medical expenses and other losses associated with your bus accident. However, this compensation may only be available if someone else caused your accident through their negligent actions. Bus drivers may be at-fault for these accidents in some cases, especially if they are:
Driving While Fatigued
Bus drivers often work a challenging schedule that can run down their energy. In addition, they may have a busy life outside of work that makes it difficult for them to get the rest they need to safely operate a vehicle.
Driving While Distracted
There are many distractions that may impact bus drivers in Oakdale. Drivers may be distracted by passengers or by an unfamiliar route. They may also look at electronic devices such as cellphones and become distracted. Distracted driving often leads to collisions.
Driving While Impaired
Some bus drivers get behind the wheel of their vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs. This is incredibly hazardous. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law throughout the state of New York because of its negative effects on an individual’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Liability for Bus Companies After an Accident
As we mentioned, a bus driver may be at-fault for causing a collision in Oakdale. However, the bus company that employs the driver may also bear a portion of the responsibility for a collision. Busing companies may be partially responsible for a collision if they:
- Do not hire experienced and qualified drivers
- Do not provide drivers with proper training
- Expect drivers to meet unreasonable scheduling demands
- Fail to complete proper maintenance on the bus
The bus company may also be held at-fault based on the actions of its employee, the bus driver. This means the company could be responsible for providing you with compensation for your losses. We can help you learn more about bus company liability after an accident by working with an Oakdale bus accident lawyer.
Bus Accidents and Injuries in Oakdale
Buses are very large vehicles. When they strike other vehicles, they may cause serious damage to the vehicles and passengers. Individuals riding on the bus may also be hurt during an accident. If you were involved in a bus accident, you could end up suffering:
- Broken bones, fractures, and sprains
- Injuries to your head and brain
- Spinal cord, back, and neck injuries
- Internal injuries to organs
- Burns, cuts, and abrasions
You may want to seek immediate medical treatment after a bus accident. Getting medical care immediately may be necessary, depending upon the severity of your injuries. Even if your injuries do not seem very serious, you may want to allow a medical professional to check you over, as some injuries may not be obvious without a medical assessment.
Getting treatment right away may also allow you to demonstrate that your injuries were a direct result of your accident. This could help you get compensation to cover your medical expenses after a bus accident in Oakdale.
Possible Compensation for Bus Accidents in Oakdale
You may be able to get compensation for your medical expenses after a bus accident in Oakdale. You may receive an award to cover your:
- Emergency medical care
- Stay in the hospital
- Surgical procedures
- Medications
- Physical therapy
If your vehicle was struck by a bus, you could also be eligible to receive compensation for vehicle repair costs. A bus accident could easily total smaller vehicles. Additionally, you may be able to get compensation for your:
- Lost wages at work
- Lost earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
You may discuss the specific compensation relevant to your case by speaking with an Oakdale bus accident lawyer. A lawyer may be able to investigate your case and put a claim together for you. Depending upon your situation, a lawyer may suggest that you work together to file this claim with the bus company’s insurance agents.
Many bus accident claims in Oakdale are resolved outside of court. You may receive a settlement that provides you with compensation after a collision. You may also file a lawsuit against the bus company or the bus driver to seek compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
Contact an Oakdale Bus Accident Legal Team Today
Take steps to get compensation for your medical expenses and other losses after a bus accident. Contact an Oakdale bus accident lawyer and speak with a member of their team to review your legal options. You may reach the team at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. by completing our online contact form or calling (631) 600-0000. Once you reach out to us, a member of the team may be available to assess your case immediately.
Start focusing on pursuing compensation today with a free legal consultation.
