When bus accidents happen, they leave victims struggling with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. And due to the size and weight of a bus, we know how devastating these accidents can be, and how hard it could be to properly recover from all the damages caused by the negligence of others. In this scenario, it’s important to know what caused it to hold responsible parties accountable and claim the justice you deserve.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a bus accident in Richmond, Virginia, it’s possible to get adequate compensation to help with your injuries and other losses. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Tronfeld West & Durrett can help you through the whole legal process, building a strong case and fighting for the compensation you need to get your life back.

Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Richmond, Virginia

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 486 bus-related accidents in Virginia in 2022, from which 233 bus occupants were injured. This data proves the prevalence of these accidents despite prevention efforts and the importance of seeking adequate compensation for victims. Even in the most tragic cases, where a wrongful death occurs, insurance companies frequently propose settlements that fall short of adequately addressing the physical and emotional damages, despite what victims are entitled to under the law.

It’s important to consider that bus accidents can arise for many reasons, often involving multiple parties who may share varying degrees of fault. However, a leading cause remains negligent driving. This can range from distractions behind the wheel and excessive speed to operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Another significant factor that causes bus accidents in Virginia is poor bus maintenance. Buses that aren’t regularly serviced or have faulty parts pose a significant risk to passengers and other road users. This is because they can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.

Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding your case, your personal injury attorney will help you understand the causes of the accident to build a strong case in your favor and hold responsible parties accountable.

For answers to your questions about a bus accident in Richmond, call:
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Damages You Are Entitled to Recover After a Bus Accident

We see how victims of bus accidents can certainly feel overwhelmed, especially when faced with the added stress of medical treatments and recovery.

But by understanding the spectrum of damages you can claim after a bus accident in Richmond or anywhere in the state of Virginia, you’ll be able to seek compensation and have a more straightforward path toward regaining stability in your life. The types of damages you can recover may include:

Medical Expenses

These can range from immediate hospital bills to prolonged treatments, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and other related costs. In the case of a bus accident, it’s essential to keep a detailed record of all of these costs, since they form a crucial part of the compensation claim and also serve as evidence.

Common Injuries Related to Bus Accident Cases

The injuries you can sustain in bus accidents vary widely, but the most common often include:

Depending on the severity of your injuries, after a bus accident medical bills often add up quickly. However,  by claiming this damage, you can recover the cost of all your medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and future medical expenses.

Lost Wages

Bus accidents can have a profound impact on a victim’s ability to work. This can lead to lost income in the short term and might even affect future earning capacity, especially if the injuries are debilitating and have lasting consequences.

If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. This can include both lost income from work as well as loss of future earning capacity. If this is your case, we can help you fairly calculate the earning capacity you’ve lost to compensate you and your family.

Pain and Suffering

The trauma of a bus accident goes beyond physical injuries, as victims often have to struggle with emotional and psychological pain. But it’s possible to recover damages for pain and suffering, which can include physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

This type of damage can be harder to quantify but is equally deserving of compensation due to the significant strain, pain and suffering posed on a victim’s daily life.

How to Claim the Compensation You Deserve in Virginia

After suffering from a bus accident due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the legal process can significantly enhance your chances of securing adequate compensation for your injuries and damages. Overall, these are the steps you will go through:

Step 1: Investigation and Evidence Collection

The actions you take immediately after a bus accident are crucial. First, it’s essential to gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, witness testimonies, police reports, and any available surveillance footage.

Remember that evidence is the key foundation of any personal injury claim. At this stage, the higher the quantity and quality of the evidence you collect, the further it will support your case and strengthen your claim.

Step 2: Negotiation and Settlement

Once you have all the necessary evidence, the next step involves negotiating with insurance companies and other involved parties to reach a settlement. Generally, they often aim to minimize payouts, as we unluckily had to see in our 51+ years of experience handling personal injury cases in Virginia.

This is why having a robust case with strong evidence is vital. With the help of a local personal injury attorney, most claims are settled during this phase without the need for litigation.

Step 3: Litigation

If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your case may need to go to court. Here, both parties present their evidence and defend their stance, and the judge or jury determines the outcome of the case. We can represent you in court and advocate for your rights to get adequate compensation for your injuries and damages.

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What a Lawyer Can Do for You After a Bus Accident in Richmond

Having a local personal injury lawyer by your side after a bus accident will significantly impact the outcome of your case. We can guide you through the whole legal process: from investigating your case and collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our personal injury lawyers have a strong track record of success handling bus accidents in Richmond, Virginia. We can help you understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on your journey to recovery.

Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form