Accidents involving buses can be much more damaging than those with smaller cars, potentially causing severe injuries. Bus drivers must always drive cautiously while on their route.
Unfortunately, they may get distracted or break a traffic law, and other people suffer the consequences of their poor choices. If you were hurt in this type of crash, a Dumfries bus accident lawyer on our team can help you seek justice.
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, represents injury victims throughout Eastern Virginia, including Prince William County. Being local to this part of the state has enabled us to get to know the community, including doctors and first responders.
Our experience and knowledge help our Dumfries personal injury lawyers build strong cases that result in favorable outcomes. Learn more about our processes by calling us today for a FREE claim review.
Our Dumfries Bus Accident Attorneys Will Support You Throughout Your Case
The aftermath of a bus accident isn’t easy. You’re in pain, trying to stay on top of your doctor’s appointments, and attempting to regain some sense of normality. Throwing a legal case into the mix isn’t conducive to an efficient, successful recovery.
That’s where one of our Dumfries bus accident injury lawyers can come in. While you rest and focus on your medical treatment, we can assume the following tasks for you:
Finding and Compiling Evidence
To succeed in your personal injury claim, your personal injury attorney must prove the liable party was negligent by establishing these four elements:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act with your best interests in mind.
- Breach of duty: They failed to fulfill their duty.
- Causation: Their carelessness led to an accident.
- Damages: You’ve experienced non-economic and economic losses.
Your testimony is a crucial piece of your case, but it will take more than that to convince the insurance company or a judge that you deserve a financial award. To that end, your Dumfries bus accident injury attorney may gather different types of evidence, such as the following, to help your case:
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Pictures of the accident scene and your injuries
- Bus maintenance records
- The accident report from the Dumfries Police Department
- Medical bills and records
- Bus driver logs
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
Every piece of evidence counts, so if you have any documentation or information that you think could help bolster your claim, inform your lawyer.
Handling All Communication and Settlement Matters With the Insurance Company
If the negligent party’s insurance provider contacts you, refer them to your attorney. Jim Parrish, our firm’s founder, used to work for insurance companies, so he knows the questionable tactics they use when negotiating with injured claimants. He can apply his experience from inside the industry to protect your rights.
Some insurance companies use AI to mass reject personal injury claims, which can be especially unfair to those who are really hurt and need help.
If you’re in this position, our attorneys can counter this decision and request a fair settlement on your behalf. We will pursue justice through negotiations or in court, if necessary. Achieving the financial outcome you deserve will always be our main goal.
Contact the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC today to learn more about how we can help you during a FREE claim review.
Different Forms of Compensation You Can Request After a Bus Accident in Dumfries, VA
Our legal team can review your case’s details to understand what appropriate compensation would look like for you. The amount of compensation you receive generally depends on the following factors:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- The cost of medical treatment and your prognosis
- Your age
- Your ability to return to work and in what capacity
- Your psychological and emotional state
In general, the longer your recovery is, the more serious your injuries are, and the more time you need off work, the higher your compensation may be. The types of financial awards you may qualify for include:
- Medical bills for past, current, and future treatment
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning capacity
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
Because bus accidents can be so severe, victims might succumb to their injuries. We send you our deepest sympathy if your family has suffered such a loss.
Our Dumfries wrongful death lawyers can work with you to seek compensation covering the decedent’s funeral, burial, and final medical care bills, among other damages.
Dumfries Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Common Ways Bus Accidents May Occur in Dumfries
Bus drivers often cause accidents by engaging in negligent acts such as the following:
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Improper lane changes or turns
In some situations, other parties are liable for the crash. For example:
- The bus company, if the bus driver was on the clock when the accident occurred or if it failed to train the driver thoroughly
- A vehicle parts manufacturer, if the bus experienced a mechanical failure
- A third–party driver, if they didn’t follow the road rules
- A local government agency, if it failed to maintain the roads and warn everyone about hazards
- A school district, if the accident involved a school bus
Our attorneys will determine each responsible party and fight to hold them accountable for their portion of liability so you can seek fair compensation.
Our Lawyers Can Help You Comply With Virginia’s Deadline for Bus Accident Injury Lawsuits
Virginia allows a limited time to take legal action against the liable party after a bus accident. Waiting to sue may bar you from seeking compensation.
According to Va. Code § 8.01-243, you usually have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Va. Code § 8.01-244 imposes a similar timeline for wrongful death lawsuits. Certain circumstances may shorten or extend the applicable time frame.
Determining the deadline in your case isn’t always easy. However, our Dumfries bus accident attorneys can identify which deadline you must follow and take legal action before time runs out.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Let a Dumfries Bus Accident Lawyer from Our Personal Injury Team Represent You
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, is here to assist you after you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus crash. Learn more about how our Dumfries bus accident lawyers can serve you during a FREE claim review. Call us today.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form