Buses are a popular, convenient, and useful mode of transportation. However, an accident with several passengers on board can result in an exponential number of injuries. When you have been injured in a bus crash, seeking financial compensation and holding the responsible party accountable is essential.
A hardworking Orangeburg bus accident lawyer at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda may be able to help. Our team could utilize their years of experience and solid reputation to assist with your claim. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney now to learn more.
Types of Buses Involved in Accidents
Various types of buses operate around Orangeburg. These include commercial, school, and public transportation buses via the Cross County Connection. Any of these types of vehicles can be involved in motor vehicle crashes.
Determining whether the bus is privately owned or owned by a government entity is crucial to pursuing a bus accident claim. This can have implications for filing deadlines and the damages available.
For example, if a school bus is involved in a collision, the at-fault party may be the public school district. Because the school is a government entity, different rules and deadlines will apply to filing a claim in those instances.
Damages Available After a Bus Wreck
Economic and non-economic damages may be available to those injured in a bus accident. The type and amount of damages available will depend on the losses and whether the bus is publicly or privately owned.
Economic damages are actual financial losses, while non-economic damages are non-financial losses. Punitive damages are available in limited cases where the at-fault party acted willfully or with gross negligence. These damages are generally capped at the greater of $500,000 or three times the amount of economic damages, with some exceptions
Damages that may be available after a bus crash include the following:
- Pain and suffering damages like disfigurement and emotional distress
- Reimbursement of medical expenses related to injuries and estimated future medical costs
- Lost past and future wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Cost to repair or replace the vehicle or other property
- Wrongful death damages in the event a loved one was killed
If a government entity is to blame for the crash, damages are capped at $300,000 per person and $600,000 for a single occurrence. As an Orangeburg attorney could explain, this may make cases challenging where several people may be injured, like in a bus wreck.
When to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit
The statute of limitations in a bus collision case will vary depending on the owner. Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-3-530, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case, generally, is three years from the date of the accident, with limited exceptions.
If a government entity is to blame for the crash, the statute of limitations is reduced to just two years. However, if a federal entity is involved, a notice of claim must be filed early on, and failure to file the notice can mean waiving one’s right to sue.
Consulting with a bus accident lawyer in Orangeburg early on could be crucial to securing the right to compensation. An experienced legal professional will understand the deadlines, file any required notices, and pursue the claim in a timely manner.
Get in Touch With a Bus Accident Attorney in Orangeburg Today
Bus crashes can have serious implications. These cases can be confusing, and identifying the right party to seek compensation from can be challenging.
An Orangeburg bus accident lawyer could help you pursue justice and fight for a fair recovery. Call a compassionate attorney at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda now for legal assistance.
