Proving fault in a bus accident involving multiple buses varies on a case-by-case basis. Witness accounts, photographs of damage to the buses, video of the accident, and various other evidence may establish why the accident happened and who is at fault.
You might know who is at fault for an accident that resulted in injury. Proving who is at fault comes with a higher degree of difficulty. A Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyer from our team can help you prove fault and pursue all the compensation you are entitled to.
Proving Fault in Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident Claims
Proving fault in bus accidents can vary in difficulty. Assuming that fault will be obvious could set you up for unexpected challenge. This may leave you over your head if you handle your case without a lawyer.
An attorney can take all necessary steps to prove fault and determine Fort Lauderdale bus accident liability, which may include:
Documenting the Scene
A bus accident lawyer cannot always document an accident scene, as this generally requires the client to hire them shortly after the collision. When possible, a lawyer will:
- Photograph the damaged vehicles
- Obtain video footage from bystanders
- Speak with any responding law enforcement officers
- Secure any other relevant evidence from the scene
If your lawyer is not able to visit the accident scene while relevant evidence is still available, they will have several other ways to prove fault.
Interviewing Witnesses and Using Existing Witness Accounts
Your attorney may use both existing witness accounts and transcripts of their own discussions with eyewitnesses. A witness may provide valuable testimony to insurance companies, law enforcement officials, and perhaps even to you.
Seeking Footage of the Accident
Video footage of a multi-bus accident may come from:
- Cameras mounted on traffic poles
- Cellphones
- Dashboard cameras
- Cameras mounted on the inside of one or both buses
- Outward-facing cameras on one or both buses
Video footage can be uniquely valuable when proving fault for bus accidents, especially if the video is clear.
Obtaining Relevant Evidence from Bus Companies
When multi-bus accidents happen in Fort Lauderdale, a lawyer must consider that both buses (and bus companies) are sources of evidence. Your attorney will secure any black-box data, video, inspection and maintenance records, and other relevant evidence from bus companies.
Hiring Experts
It’s common for two parties involved in an accident to accuse the other side of being at fault. Having compelling experts on your side could help settle the argument.
Experts may testify to who they believe is at fault, reconstruct the multi-bus accident, or contribute to your case in other ways.
Who Might Hire an Attorney After an Accident Involving Multiple Buses?
Many people may hire a lawyer to handle their multiple bus collision claim in Fort Lauderdale, including:
- Bus passengers
- Bus drivers
- Motorists whose vehicles were involved in a multi-bus accident
- Pedestrians injured as a result of a multi-bus collision
- Those affected by deaths related to a bus accident
Accidents involving multiple buses can involve other vehicles, too. If you need an auto accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or an attorney with another accident-related focus, we can help.
Possible Victims of Multiple Bus Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
A bus accident lawyer proves fault because they want to secure fair compensation for their client. An attorney will also determine what party should pay for their client’s damages.
Your attorney may seek compensation from:
A negligent bus driver
- A bus company (which may be liable for its employee’s negligence, or may contribute to an accident in a number of ways)
- Another negligent driver who contributed to the multi-bus accident
- Insurance companies covering any of the at-fault parties
It is highly likely that one or both bus companies will have insurance. Your own insurance may also come into play. Your lawyer will evaluate all your options and recommend the course that is best for you.
Damages You May Seek After a Bus Accident
Bus accidents can cause significant financial harm for the victim, which may include:
- Medical costs: Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to medical bills. Your lawyer will include all accident-related medical bills in your case.
- Property costs: If your vehicle was damaged during the bus accident, your lawyer will seek compensation for repairs or replacement of a totaled or damaged automobile. If any other property was ruined or damaged, they will account for that property, too.
- Professional costs: While you recover from your injuries, you may not be able to work. Some injuries can be so serious that you are not able to go back to work at all, or you have to find a new job you can perform. Whether you lose income or long-term professional benefits, a lawyer can seek compensation on your behalf.
Attorneys are thorough, and yours will account for any other financial losses your accident has led to.
Non-Economic Damages Can Be a Bus Accident Victim’s Most Costly
The non-economic toll of a multi-bus accident can be even worse than your financial damages. Pain and suffering is the primary class of non-economic damages accident victims endure, and this can include:
- Physical pain
- Lost quality of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
Your only responsibility post-accident should be healing. Let your lawyer worry about fault, damages, case strategy, and securing the money you deserve.
Get Help From a Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident Lawyer Today
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato have secured more than $200 million in personal injury settlements, including many recoveries for bus accident survivors. We encourage you to review some testimonials from our former clients, who attest to our relentless pursuit of justice for accident victims.
Do not wait to call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today for your free consultation about a Fort Lauderdale bus accident attorney. You aren’t obligated to hire our firm when you call, so there’s no need to hesitate before calling us.
