Bus accidents can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you were hurt in one, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys at McCarthy, Winkleman & Mester, LLC to discuss the specifics of your case and your options.
What are the common causes of bus accidents?
There are a number of different ways a bus accident can occur. In some instances, these accidents can be caused by inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, mechanical failure, and other drivers. However, the bulk of bus accidents can usually trace back to driver negligence. The most common forms of negligence include:
- Navigating directions while driving
- Texting and driving
- Operating the bus while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to take large blind spots into account
- Negligently changing lanes
- Negligently discharging passengers
- Abrupt stops and starts
- Ignoring all other rules and regulations of the road
- Operating the bus while drowsy or fatigued
What steps should I take after being injured in a bus accident?
You may have a valid personal injury claim if you were injured in a bus accident as a result of another’s negligence. If you are able, it is important that you take the following steps after your injury. These steps include:
- Call the authorities. The police will dispatch an ambulance to the scene and file a police report.
- Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident and what caused your injuries.
- Collect contact information from other passengers on the bus. These individuals may be able to support your translation of the events.
- Seek medical treatment to ensure your injuries are properly treated. Ask your doctor to provide you with medical documentation pointing to the origin and severity of your injuries.
- Retain the services of an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney that can help you work through the claims process and aid in recovering further proof of negligence.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Maryland?
If you are interested in pursuing legal action for your bus accident, you will need to ensure that you are punctually filing your claim. Maryland has a statute of limitations of three years for most personal injury claims. This means that if you fail to file your claim within three years from the date of the accident, you will likely lose the chance to recover the compensation you deserve.
Do not wait to reach out to our firm today to retain the services of a skilled personal injury attorney.
Contact Our Firm
At McCarthy, Winkelman, Mester & Offutt, L.L.P., our legal team has a strong focus on litigation that seeks just and fair compensation for victims of another party’s negligence. If you need a Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer that handles cases in Maryland, Washington D.C., or Virginia, our firm has the resources and knowledge needed to take a case as far as necessary, including to the U.S. Supreme Court. If you suffered an injury or loss because of another person’s negligence, contact us today.
