Weymouth, MA Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents have a high propensity to cause significant harm. For instance, such accidents regularly result in serious injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, torn ligaments, and fractured bones. These injuries and the many others caused by bus accidents can produce physical pain, emotional anguish, and financial distress for victims.
Thankfully, you may be awarded payment for your bus accident injuries. However, the route to compensation may differ depending on factors such as the cause of your crash and the severity of injuries you suffered. The legal team at our firm can help review your claim and explain the appropriate next steps to take.
After suffering a crash with a bus in Weymouth, MA, seek support and guidance from our experienced bus accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.
Parties Who May be Responsible for Your Bus Accident in Weymouth, MA
Assessing fault for a bus accident can be a complicated task. For example, a crash may occur because of negligent conduct exhibited by a bus driver or a third-party motorist. On the other hand, an accident may happen because a bus company or government entity acted carelessly. Finally, some bus crashes occur because vehicles are equipped with malfunctioning parts.
No matter the circumstances of your collision, our bus accident lawyers will investigate your case and determine fault. Afterwards, we can file your claim and begin fighting for the full extent of financial compensation available to you.
Damages You May Recover in a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Weymouth, MA
There are multiple types damages that may be awarded to plaintiffs in bus accident lawsuits. During your free case review, our team will explain which of the following may be sought:
Medical Expenses
First, you can obtain payment for any medical expenses related to your bus accident injuries. These expenses include the costs of hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing or future medical care required because of the accident. A severe bus accident can lead to significant injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, resulting in high medical costs.
Lost Wages
Lost wages are another form of compensation that may be available to you. If your injuries from the bus accident prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, then you may seek compensation for the income you would have earned had the accident not occurred. This could include the cost of your lost earning capacity if you are no longer able to earn at the same level as before your crash.
Property Damage
Property damage is also a common type of damages sought by plaintiffs in bus accident lawsuits. For instance, crashes may result in damage to victims’ personal property such as cars, bikes, or other possessions. In such cases, plaintiffs can be compensated for the cost of replacing or repairing their damaged property. Our legal team can help calculate the value of property damage in your case.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses are another category of damages that may be available to you. These may include any miscellaneous costs incurred as a result of your accident, such as the cost of transportation to medical appointments, the cost of hiring help for household chores that you cannot perform, or the cost medical equipment needed for your recovery.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress that you suffered because of your bus accident injuries. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, these damages are subjective and typically rely on a detailed assessment of your personal experience. Accordingly, support from competent legal representation can be very helpful when pursuing pain and suffering damages in your bus accident lawsuit.
Punitive Damages
Lastly, punitive damages may be awarded. Unlike the other types of damages which are compensatory, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. In Massachusetts, punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or intentional. During your free case review, our team can help examine whether punitive damages may be warranted.
Filing a Bus Accident Case in Weymouth, MA
The time window for filing a bus accident lawsuit in Massachusetts is set forth by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Usually, you will have three years from the date of your crash to bring your case to court. If you do not comply with this deadline, then the defendant will likely move to dismiss your claim.
Despite potentially having three years from the date of your crash to file, you should begin working on your case as quickly as possible. Important evidence may become hard to preserve or gather as time goes on. For example, witnesses may forget crucial details and physical evidence may deteriorate. The sooner you begin building your claim, the more easily you can collect the information you need to succeed.
Common Sources of Bus Accidents in Weymouth, MA
There are many potential causes of bus accidents. For example, the following are all common sources of bus accidents in Weymouth:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving stands as a leading cause in bus accidents. Here, the bus operator’s attention strays from the road, often because of mobile device usage or other non-driving tasks. Operating a bus requires constant vigilance, and even a momentary lapse in concentration can cause a serious accident.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Falling short on vehicle maintenance can also lead to disastrous consequences. Keeping a bus in good working order is crucial for its safe operation. Overlooked or delayed maintenance often results in worn brakes, degraded tires, or other issues that can unexpectedly compromise the vehicle’s control and safety, leading to accidents.
Speeding
Many bus accidents are caused by speeding drivers. Bus drivers may travel at excessive speeds because they are pressured to adhere to tight driving schedules. While speeding, these drivers may experience difficulty controlling their vehicles. Furthermore, braking distances will be extended for speeding drivers, making accidents more likely and potentially more severe when they occur.
Defective Parts
Finally, defective parts pose their own risks. These can be a result of manufacturing errors, design flaws, or substandard materials. A bus component failure, such as a tire blowout or steering mechanism failure, can lead to an immediate loss of control. This sudden inability to operate the bus properly often results in accidents.
After Suffering a Crash with a Bus in Weymouth, MA, Call Our Bus Accident Lawyers for Support
Get help from our bus accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407.
