Experienced Virginia Beach Bus Accident Lawyers Advocate for Injury Victims
Law firm helps clients in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area get compensation
Buses can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, so it isn’t surprising that injuries in crashes with these enormous vehicles can be especially severe and require extensive, and expensive, medical treatment. If you have been hit by a bus or injured while riding as a passenger on one, our Virginia Beach bus accident lawyers from Ernest Law Group, PLC may be able to help you obtain substantial compensation. Our law firm assists residents from across the Hampton Roads area, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Suffolk and Northern Virginia.
Why bus accidents are dangerous
Collisions involving buses pose extra dangers because of the vehicles’ weight and the number of passengers who might be aboard. A bus might be more likely to get in a crash because their large size makes them difficult to maneuver and stop in a crash situation. For passengers, a lack of safety equipment such as airbags and seatbelts increases the possibility of serious injuries. When you’ve been injured in a dangerous bus accident, we can explain what options you may have for receiving compensation and advise if there are special rules associated with suing a public agency.
Common causes of bus accidents in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads
Frequent contributing factors in Virginia bus accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Inadequate driver training
- Failure to regularly or properly inspect buses
- Mechanical malfunctions and errors
- Improper repairs to buses
- Roadway hazards on government-maintained roads
If you have been hurt in a bus crash, a bus accident lawyer from our firm can investigate the cause and work to hold the at-fault party liable.
Determining potential defendants in a bus crash
Fault in a bus crash could involve one or more parties. If a bus is in a collision with a car and it is determined that the car driver was liable in some way for the accident, that motorist might be a defendant in a legal claim. The bus driver may also be accountable as well as the company or transportation agency that manages the bus service. Along with national bus lines that travel through the state, there are several regional bus services in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. They include:
- Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)
- Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA)
- Virginia Regional Transit (VRT)
- Bay Transit
- I-Ride Transit
To determine potential defendants to sue for your crash, we will interview eyewitnesses and review the crash scene, the police report, photographs or video of the scene and other evidence.
When do you need a bus accident lawyer?
An experienced bus accident lawyer understands how much payment you should demand from the defendant based on the facts in your case. Accepting a quick settlement offer might leave you unable to pay your bills, especially if you cannot work. Our Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys have a long track record of achieving strong results for victims such as yourself and can handle the complex legal details so you can concentrate on recuperating.
Filing a lawsuit for a loved one lost in a Virginia Beach bus accident
If your family member died in a bus accident, you may be able to collect compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages in wrongful death suits may include compensation for funeral costs, loss of comfort and companionship, lost wages the deceased may have earned in their lifetime and more. In Virginia, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the suit (except if a fetus died, then the mother can file), but any damages will go to eligible beneficiaries.
Contact a skilled Virginia Beach bus accident attorney for a free consultation
At Ernest Law Group, PLC in Virginia Beach, we help people who are seriously hurt in bus accidents in the Hampton Roads area get compensation for their injuries. Call our law firm at 757-289-2499 or contact us online for a free consultation.
