Crown Point Bus Accident Lawyers
Fighting for Bus Accident Victims in Indiana
No one steps onto a bus expecting to get into an accident, but these large vehicles are just as susceptible to collisions as cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Recovering compensation after suffering injuries in a bus accident unfortunately tends to be more complicated than other auto crashes, however, as determining liability is not always straightforward.
At Alvarez Law Offices, we are prepared to help you secure the compensation you deserve after a bus accident. With over 200 years of combined legal experience and over $1 billion recovered, our Crown Point bus accident lawyers have a track record of success and understand how to navigate these complex cases. We can identify all liable parties and will leverage the full extent of our connections, skills, and resources in our fight to deliver the best possible outcome.
Call Alvarez Law Offices today at (219) 300-5204 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our bus accident attorneys in Crown Point!
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Understanding what caused a bus accident is an essential part of determining liability. In some instances, the cause of an accident will be undeniable, but in other cases, the truth may only become clear after an exhaustive investigation. You cannot prove liability and negligence without establishing the cause of an accident, which is why a prompt investigation conducted by seasoned legal professionals is crucial.
Many bus accidents are caused by:
- Driver negligence. This can include many behaviors, including distracted driving, speeding, improper lane changes, or failure to yield the right of way. In these cases, not only can the driver be held responsible, but the bus company may also be liable if there is evidence that they ignored previous reckless behavior.
- Inadequate training. Operating a bus requires specific training and skills due to the vehicle's size, weight, and handling characteristics. However, when bus companies fail to provide adequate training to their drivers, accidents increase. For example, a poorly trained driver may not know how to respond to sudden changes in road conditions or traffic patterns, leading to avoidable collisions. An undertrained driver could also misjudge stopping distances and turning angles, which are critical errors given the dimensions and momentum of a large bus. If a bus accident occurs due to insufficient driver training, the bus company could be liable for negligence.
- Equipment failure. In certain situations, a bus accident may be caused by a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or tire blowouts. If the accident occurred due to faulty equipment, the manufacturer of the defective part, the bus company responsible for maintenance, or both could be held liable.
- Poor road conditions. Hazards like potholes, inadequate signage, or poorly designed roads can also lead to bus accidents. In such instances, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roadways can sometimes be held responsible.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can result in many types of injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic. The severity of these injuries often stems from the sheer size and weight of the bus combined with the force of impact during the accident.
Fractures and broken bones are common consequences of bus collisions, particularly in serious accidents where the force of the collision can cause victims to be thrown against hard surfaces inside the bus. Depending on the severity, these injuries may require extensive medical intervention, including surgery.
Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, sprains, and strains, are also frequent outcomes of bus accidents. These injuries may seem minor initially but can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues if not properly treated.
Head and brain injuries can be some of the most devastating outcomes of bus accidents. These include concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or skull fractures, which can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, or even permanent disability. Victims may require long-term care and rehabilitation, and the impact on their daily lives can be significant.
Bus accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from the jarring movement of the bus during a collision or if a victim is thrown from their seat. Spinal cord injuries can range from minor disc damage to paralysis.
Not all injuries will be obvious in the immediate aftermath of a bus accident. You should get a full medical evaluation as quickly as possible to both ensure you get prompt treatment as well as establish a link between your injuries and the collision.
Contact Alvarez Law Offices about your bus accident in Crown Point, IN today!
We've Recovered Billions for Clients
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$15 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$8.5 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$4 Million Steel Mill Explosion
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$3.55 Million Injured Tradesmen/Steelworker
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$3 Million Prescription Medical Defect
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$2.5 Million Amputation in Illinois
Compensation for Bus Accident Victims in Indiana
Once we have ascertained liability, we can negotiate fair settlements covering your losses. If the liable party or parties refuse to negotiate in good faith, we are prepared to go to court and seek the just compensation you deserve. Under the law, you are entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, which compensate you for quantifiable and intangible losses.
When you are injured in a bus accident, we will fight to get you compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
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Very pleased with this law firm Brandon has kept me updated throughout my case. Brandon and Nicole are Rock Star's. I would definitely encourage anyone to use this law firm. If you want a Rock Star lawyer then Brandon Morford at Alvarez Law that's the guy you need.- James C.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me settle a workers compensation case. I am very pleased with the results thus far! Brandon along with the paralegal staff have been very professional and friendly. If you are in need of legal representation, consider Alvarez Law Office. Thank you so much!- Laura J.
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- Hailey S.
Brandon was great at getting back to me and answering all of my questions. It was nice having someone that would answer 24-7 and Attorney Alvarez got me a great resolution on my case.
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This is a firm you want on your side. They did an amazing job on my car accident case. They really are 24-7. Brandon answered all my questions promptly even on the weekends. Steven got me an amazing settlement. He is the man! He even got my medicals lowered. This is a powerhouse lawyer you want on your side.- Moses V.
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The whole entire staff IS GREAT from the front desk to the top. Very nice very friendly honest and reliable!- Joseph L.
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I recommend the Alvarez Law Office; Friendly, helpful, and needful advice and also very knowledgeable regarding workman's comp claims. I appreciated their professional representation and skill.- Faith F.
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Everyone that I have spoken with at Alvarez has been polite, positive, & professional. These interactions have inspired my confidence in this firm. It’s reassuring when you’re not well to have a team like this on your side. My attorney, Steven Alvarez a great communicator, very helpful, and kind. He has already been a huge help. I’m grateful I have Alvarez Law working on my behalf.- Lilly P.
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Got me more money back than I expected for my injuries! Thanks Alvarez law firm. You guys are awesome!!!- Jerry G.
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My experience with the Alvarez Law office was outstanding. They took my case and completed it in a timely manner. Ms. Theresa was outstanding with my case and made sure that I had everything I needed. If anyone needs a law firm that would fight for you like no other this is the Law firm for you. Thank you Anna Gallo- Anna G.
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I was in an awful wreck in January and I contacted Mr. Alvarez. He has been such a great attorney but an even better friend! From checking up on me and making time for calls with both of our busy schedules. I can honestly say in an awful circumstance Steve Alvarez did his absolute best at all times. I Highly recommend this attorney to anyone!!! Thank you- Collin S.
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The office staff was always polite answering the phones. The paralegals are always there to answer my questions through email or by phone calls it may have taken time to get back to me but just had to be patient. The legal secretary called to go over and make sure I understood what and how it was going to be finalized. Attorney Steve Alvarez not settling and making sure he went the extra mile for me.- Brandy F.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me with a personal injury case and did a superb job. Everyone from the office staff to Walter Alvarez are very personable and friendly. My experience was great. Shout out to Steven Alvarez for a great job! Thank you so much!- Marci W.
Who Is Liable for an Indiana Bus Accident?
In bus accident cases, determining liability can be complex due to the potential involvement of multiple parties – including parties other than the bus driver. You should not automatically assume the bus driver is responsible for your injuries. Even if their negligence did cause an avoidable accident, other parties – including their employer – could be liable, too.
Many different parties could be liable for a bus accident, including:
- The bus driver
- The driver of another vehicle that caused the collision
- The bus driver’s employer
- The company responsible for servicing and maintaining the bus
- The manufacturer of a defective bus component
- The government entity that operates the bus
- The local government is responsible for maintaining safe road conditions
An investigation is pivotal in determining liability in bus accident cases. Our Crown Point bus accident attorneys are prepared to carefully review all available evidence to ascertain the cause of the crash and establish liability.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
Indiana enforces a two-year statute of limitations for auto accident cases, including bus accidents. In other words, you often have only two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable parties, though you should speak to our team at Alvarez Law Offices much sooner. You will not be able to recover compensation if you miss this deadline, and the sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can work on investigating the accident and preserving evidence.
Additionally, note that you have significantly less time to sue a government entity in Indiana. If a government entity is liable for bus accident injuries, you generally only have 180 days from the accident date to start the legal process, so do not wait to discuss your legal options with our Crown Point bus accident lawyers.
Contact Alvarez Law Offices today to schedule a meeting with our bus accident lawyers in Crown Point!
