Tupelo Bus Accident Attorneys Helping Clients Fight for Their Rights After a Bus Accident in Tupelo, MS

Buses are considered to be a safe way to get around town or travel across the state, but in recent years, an increase in the number of bus accidents in Mississippi is making headlines and drawing the attention of authorities. Bus accidents are potentially catastrophic and often do result in fatalities, but those affected by a bus accident can be eligible for compensation. Here are a few important answers to questions about bus accident claims in Mississippi.

Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Bus Accident?

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident, it is important to speak to a bus accident attorney as soon as possible. In order to identify who may be liable for your damages, it is important to conduct an investigation of the accident. Many times, the driver of the bus is at fault for the accident, but victims may be able to file additional claims against the employer of that driver. Buses are considered common carriers and thus have a higher duty of care towards passengers as well as other vehicles on the road.

If your accident involved a privately owned and operated bus, your claim process may resemble that of a personal injury case. Your attorney may recommend filing a claim against the bus driver’s own insurance and, when applicable, filing an additional claim with the bus company insurance carrier. If no insurance is available, your attorney may advise you to initiate a civil lawsuit to recover compensation.

What Happens if I Was Hurt While Riding a Public Bus?

City transit buses, school buses, and other buses owned and operated by a government entity can also get into accidents, but the process to recover damages compensation may differ significantly from that of a private entity. If your accident involves a public bus, it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible because claims against a government entity are subject to tight deadlines. Depending on the jurisdiction where your claim is filed, you may only have 30 to 180 days to initiate the process. Your deadline could also be affected by whether you file under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act or the Federal Tort Claims Act.

While it is possible to receive damages compensation from a government entity after a bus accident, Mississippi places a limit on the maximum amount you may receive. For most cases resulting in a personal injury involving a public bus (or any case against a government entity), compensation is capped at $500,000.00 regardless of whether the plaintiff suffered additional losses or not.

What Type of Damages May I Be Entitled to After a Bus Accident in Mississippi?

Bus accident victims that sustained serious injuries may be entitled to receiving a combination of economic and non-economic damages to cover their losses. Economic damages are tangible financial losses directly resulting from the accident and injury. Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage is common examples of economic damages.

In addition to economic damages, an accident involving a bus can cause more than financial losses and have a long-lasting psychological effect on everyone involved. Besides physical pain and suffering caused by the injury and recovery process, bus accident victims often have to deal with trauma and emotional distress. For these reasons, most bus accident claims also include non-economic damages to compensate victims for the more subjective losses they may have suffered.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Bus Accident Claim?

Bus accidents are considered a type of personal injury claim. Personal injury claims in the state of Mississippi are subject to a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline on how much time a plaintiff can wait before initiating a claim. If you were hurt in a bus accident in Mississippi, you have three years to initiate your claim counting from the date when the accident occurred. If more than three years have passed since your accident, you may end up having your claim dismissed based on the statute of limitations being expired.

It is worth mentioning that while three years may seem like a long time, putting together a strong personal injury case takes time and effort. Even if you are simply dealing with an insurance claim, acting sooner than later will only work in your interest because the longer you wait, the harder it may be to access essential evidence for your case. It is best to reach out to a bus accident attorney shortly after your accident so that you can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

When Should I See a Bus Accident Attorney?

Bus accident cases may not always present a straightforward path for victims to receive compensation, but that should not deter you from holding the at-fault party (or parties) responsible for the damages they have caused. By working with a seasoned bus accident attorney, you can have the peace of mind of knowing your case is being handled by a professional who will fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

At Rundlett Law Firm, PLLC, our attorneys have handled a significant number of bus accident cases in Tupelo, MS, and surrounding areas, helping clients recover the compensation they need to pay for their losses and get back on their feet. Our legal team works diligently to recover sufficient evidence and build a strong case on your behalf while treating every client with compassion and respect. If you have been injured in a bus accident involving a private or public bus, do not hesitate to reach out to our office by calling (662) 502-5195 and requesting an initial consultation to discuss your case and learn how we may be able to help you. There’s no need to try and deal with it all on your own – contact Rundlett Law Firm, PLLC right away.