What Are Your Rights as a Passenger in an Indiana Bus Accident?

If you were injured in a bus accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. We understand how stressful this time can be for you and want you to know that you are not alone. Our team is here to help you navigate your situation with compassion and clarity. Understanding your rights as a passenger in a bus accident is an important step toward seeking justice and fair compensation.

Your Rights as an Injured Passenger

As a passenger on a bus, you are owed a duty of care by the driver and the company operating the bus. This means that they are responsible for ensuring your safety during your ride. If you are injured in an accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Passengers are rarely at fault in these situations, which gives you a strong foundation to pursue a claim.

In Indiana, bus companies, drivers, and other potentially responsible parties can be held accountable if their negligence caused the accident. Negligence might include reckless driving, failure to maintain the bus, or ignoring traffic laws. You also have the right to ask for answers about what caused the accident and to expect those responsible to take responsibility for their actions.

Filing a Claim for Your Injuries

After a bus accident, it is important to understand the process of filing a claim for compensation. This involves gathering evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, that proves the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. The next step is determining who is liable for the accident. Liability could rest with the bus driver, the company that owns or operates the bus, or even another driver who caused the crash.

Indiana law allows injured passengers to file personal injury claims to recover damages. However, these claims can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. It is important to act quickly, as Indiana has strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

In particular, if the bus is owned and operated by the government (state, city, town, etc), then there are additional notice requirements under the Indiana Tort Claims Act that have shorter time deadlines than the two year statute of limitations for injury claims.

Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you. 

With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.

 

Understanding Indiana’s Laws on Common Carriers

In Indiana, buses are considered common carriers, meaning they have a higher duty of care to their passengers than other vehicles. This means bus companies must take all reasonable measures to ensure passenger safety. If they fail to do so and their negligence leads to an accident, they can be held liable for your injuries.

This higher duty of care covers everything from hiring qualified drivers to maintaining the buses in safe working order. If a company ignores these responsibilities, you have the right to hold them accountable. Knowing that the law is on your side as a passenger can give you the confidence to take the necessary steps toward justice.

What to Do After a Bus Accident

If you have been involved in a bus accident, taking certain steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a medical professional can document your condition properly. Keeping records of your medical treatments, along with any receipts or bills, is important for building a strong case.

It is also helpful to document the accident by taking photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to the bus or other vehicles. If possible, collect the names and contact information of witnesses who can support your account of the accident. Finally, avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies or accepting settlement offers without legal guidance.

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My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”

- Kathaleen Boyce

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Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."

- Rita Bridge

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God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."

- Briana Shouse

The Role of Insurance in Bus Accident Cases

Insurance plays a major role in bus accident cases. Many buses are operated by companies with large insurance policies, which are meant to cover injuries to passengers. However, these companies and their insurers may try to minimize payouts by arguing that your injuries are not as serious as claimed or by blaming other parties for the accident.

Navigating the insurance process can be challenging, especially when you are recovering from an injury. Having someone on your side who understands how these cases work can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.

Challenges in Bus Accident Cases

Bus accident cases can be more complicated than other personal injury cases because they often involve multiple parties. In addition to the bus driver and company, other drivers, maintenance providers, or government entities could share responsibility for the accident. Determining who is at fault requires careful investigation and a clear understanding of Indiana law.

The size and weight of buses also mean that accidents involving them can result in severe injuries, which often lead to higher damages. This can make bus companies and their insurers more likely to fight claims aggressively. Understanding the potential challenges in your case can help you prepare and make informed decisions about your next steps.

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Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

As a passenger injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. This can include medical expenses for treatments such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be eligible to recover lost wages, as well as future earnings if your ability to work has been permanently impacted. Additionally, you may seek compensation for the emotional toll the accident has taken on you, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the available insurance coverage. It is important to have an advocate who can evaluate the specifics of your situation and ensure that your claim accounts for all the damages you have suffered.

If you were injured in a bus accident, you do not have to handle the process alone. Having a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney by your side can ease your worries and improve your chances of a successful outcome. Your attorney can investigate the accident, identify all responsible parties, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

At Wyant Law, we are dedicated to helping passengers who have been injured in bus accidents. We understand how life-changing these events can be and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident in Indiana, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you get the justice and recovery you need to move forward.

To learn more about this subject click here: Do You Need an Attorney for an Indiana Bus Accident Claim?