Because bus accident cases often involve multiple parties and complex regulations, they demand the type of legal experience that only comes from decades of dedicated practice. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our Virginia personal injury lawyers spent over 50 years helping individuals throughout Virginia recover compensation after serious injuries.
Whether your accident involves a school bus, a private transportation company, or public transit, our team can guide you through each stage of the legal process. With in-depth knowledge of state and federal laws, our Virginia bus accident lawyers know how to build a strong claim and pursue the maximum compensation available for your case.
Do I Need a Bus Accident Lawyer in Virginia?
Filing a bus accident claim in Virginia requires navigating multiple layers of liability, from bus companies and drivers to maintenance contractors and government entities. Each party may have different insurance policies, legal protections, and competing interests that can affect your compensation. Making matters more complex, bus accidents often involve specific federal regulations, state laws, and local ordinances that don’t apply to typical car crashes. Here’s what makes these cases particularly challenging and why having experienced legal representation is essential.
Given these challenges, having a lawyer by your side isn’t just helpful but often necessary. An experienced bus accident lawyer can handle the legal system’s complexities, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Tronfeld West & Durrett?
Choosing the right legal team will make a meaningful difference in your case’s outcome. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our team offers:
- Decades of experience serving Virginia communities: We’ve advocated for injury victims since 1972, focusing exclusively on personal injury law.
- Client-centered approach with proven results: From start to finish, every case receives proper time and attention. Our case results show both the compensation we’ve secured and the commitment behind it.
- No fees unless we win: We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
This combination of experience and scale means we’re big enough to handle complex cases and small enough to give each one the personal attention it deserves. When you work with Tronfeld West & Durrett, you’ll have direct access to a trusted bus accident attorney who stays involved, answers your questions, and guides you through every step.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Virginia
According to the Virginia DMV’s Traffic Crash Facts, there were 538 bus crashes statewide in 2023. The most common bus accident causes involve some type of negligence, such as:
- Driver error or fatigue: Driving while drowsy, distracted, or under stress impairs judgment and reaction time. Bus drivers who engage in reckless behaviors like speeding or using a phone are also liable.
- Negligent hiring or training practices: Bus companies are responsible for screening drivers properly and ensuring they receive adequate training. Failing to vet for prior driving violations or skipping safety protocols constitutes negligence.
- Mechanical failures and inadequate maintenance: When a company fails to inspect brakes, tires, or steering systems regularly, small issues can escalate into dangerous malfunctions.
- Poor road conditions or weather: While weather is unpredictable, cities and municipalities must maintain roads, repair hazards, and issue warnings. When they fail to address known dangers, their inaction may be considered negligent.
Identifying the cause of a bus accident and determining fault is the first step toward fair compensation. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts, reviews maintenance records, and interviews witnesses to identify every responsible party.
Understanding Laws That Impact Virginia Bus Accident Lawsuits
Bus accident claims in Virginia are governed by a combination of federal and state laws. On the one hand, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) establish strict guidelines for commercial bus operators.
Specifically, 49 CFR § 395.5 limits the number of consecutive hours passenger-carrying drivers may operate. These regulations aim to prevent driver fatigue, a significant factor in many bus accidents. Violations of these rules can be critical in determining liability in bus accident cases.
In addition to federal rules, Virginia law imposes specific statutes. For example, Virginia Code § 46.2-1090.1 prohibits school bus drivers from using wireless devices while operating the vehicle. Likewise, Virginia Code § 46.2-859 requires all drivers to stop when approaching a stopped school bus, with failure to do so constituting reckless driving.
These regulations provide a framework for establishing negligence and determining fault. Understanding how they interact is key to identifying all sources of liability and building a strong legal claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bus Accident in Virginia?
A successful bus accident claim may provide compensation for the following damages:
- Economic damages: These include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and vehicle or property damage.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress are harder to quantify but equally important for your claim.
- Wrongful death damages: For fatal accidents, families may recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future income, as outlined in Virginia Code § 8.01-52.
Your bus accident attorney will thoroughly calculate these amounts, including both current needs and long-term implications. This ensures your claim reflects the full scope of what the accident has cost you, not just today, but in the months and years ahead.
Contact a Virginia Bus Accident Lawyer Today
With over five decades of experience and numerous offices located across Virginia, Tronfeld West & Durrett has what it takes to build a strong case on your behalf. During a free consultation, we’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions.
If you’ve been hurt in a bus crash, don’t hesitate to consult a Virginia bus accident lawyer from our team. Plus, there are no fees unless we win your case.
Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.