When you or your family members step on to a city transit or private bus, you entrust the bus driver, the bus company and a host of others with you and your loved ones’ safety and security. An accident is among the last things you’d expect. Yet, accidents happen.
Injured in a Bus Accident in Norwalk, Connecticut?
Hundreds of thousands of people in Connecticut rely on buses every day to get to work, school, appointments, to travel, and more. More than 330,000 Connecticut children are transported to and from school in a school bus every day. By doing so, they are entrusting the bus driver and bus company with their safety and security. Although buses account for a small share of total crashes, accidents do happen, and can result in serious and life-threatening injuries.
According to a 2010 study from the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, on average, about 63,000 buses are involved in an accident each year; about 14,000 resulted in an injured person, and 325 resulted in a fatal injury. In Connecticut alone, there has been 6,427 crashes involving transit buses, school buses, and motor coaches since 2017, encompassing more than 35,960 people, according to University of Connecticut’s Crash Data Repository.
If you and/or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Norwalk, CT, caused by the bus company, the bus driver, or another driver’s negligence, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lemberg Law are equipped to get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that bus accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in serious impacts on your health and finances; which is why you may need help as soon as possible.
Navigating insurance providers or bus companies that may be at fault for your injury can be a scary and frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. For 13 years, Lemberg Law has made legal representation a pain-free and easily accessible process. We have successfully recovered more than $50 million in damages for more than 25,000 clients across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.
You may be compensated for damages or losses associated with a bus accident, which can include but are not limited to:
Medical expense reimbursements
Diminished quality of life
Home healthcare
Payment of lost wages
Compensation for future medical costs
Payment for future earnings
Damages for pain and suffering
Call one of our Buѕ Aссіdеnt Attоrnеуs Tоdау tо Prоtесt Your Lеgаl Rіghtѕ
If you wеrе a vісtіm оf a buѕ ассіdеnt thаt wаѕ caused by the buѕ driver, thе buѕ іtѕеlf, thе соmраnу that ореrаtеѕ the bus, оr аnоthеr раrtу, уоu mау be еntіtlеd tо соmреnѕаtіоn. Call 203-883-4592 NOW
Common Injuries from Bus Accidents
Whether the incident involved a school bus, a motor coach, or a transit bus, buses are capable of causing extremely serious injuries to other motorists when they are involved in accidents. Inside, many buses lack safety features such as airbags or seat belts, and thus passengers can sustain severe injuries in the event of a crash. Common injuries can include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Neck and spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries
Bruising
Abrasions
Death
Injuries Per Transit Bus Crash – Connecticut (2017-2020)
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Determining the cause of the bus accident is crucial, as it will define who is responsible for the damages you may receive. Whether you are a passenger, the bus company, or another motorist, you may have a claim. Common causes of bus accidents include:
Bus company: The fault can fall on behalf of the bus company. If the company neglects to adhere to federal regulations, train drivers, or maintain their buses, they could be responsible for your damages. A bus accident can occur because of a defective part or poor bus maintenance.
Bus driver: Bus drivers can engage in negligent behavior if they are speeding, ignoring traffic lights, texting, or using electronic devices. Drivers may also suffer from fatigue if they are driving for long periods of time. Patients with sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be a driver in a motor vehicle accident.
Poor weather conditions: A bus accident can also be caused by inclement weather conditions. Because of the weight of the bus, poor conditions may make it difficult for the driver to maneuver around dangerous situations. It is crucial that drivers receive proper training on how to operate the vehicle in a variety of weather conditions.
Another driver or motor vehicle: Careless drivers, including cars and motorcycles on the road who engage in negligent behavior, can also be at fault—especially if they were distracted, such as by texting or on the phone, were under the influence, or failed to obey traffic regulations.
The Most Dangerous Routes and Roads in Connecticut
The number of transit and school bus accidents in Connecticut increased slightly from 1688 in 2018 to 1765 in 2019, and the most dangerous roads where the most crashes occur remain the same year after year. Here are the nine most dangerous roads for buses in Connecticut in the last three years:
Route 1 – 118 crashes
Main St, Hartford – 86 crashes
Route 44 – 70 crashes
Park St, Hartford – 61 crashes
Chapel St, New Haven – 47 crashes
Route 10 – 35 crashes
Farmington Av, Hartford – 31 crashes
I-95 – 29 crashes
Elm St, New Haven – 24 crashes
2017-2020 Transit Bus Crashes – Connecticut
FAQs about Bus Accidents
What should I do if I am injured in a bus accident?
First and foremost, you should check to see if you or anyone else is seriously injured. Because buses are commercial carriers, their personnel will generally call for medical help for any passengers who may need it. Insist on a full medical evaluation of injuries, including tests for head, back, and spinal injuries.
Should I see a doctor after the bus accident, even if I do not think I’m seriously injured?
You should absolutely visit a doctor after being in any type of accident. While you may feel like the injuries are minor or not there, you could have injuries that may become serious if not treated. It’s better to take precautions when dealing with your health. Seeing a doctor will also create medical documents that can serve as evidence if you do decide to peruse legal action.
How much compensation am I entitled to for being injured in a bus accident?
No two claims are the same. How much you may receive in damages depends on a variety of factors, such as the sum cost of your injuries. The effects of an injury also vary from person to person. Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.
How much time to do I have to file a bus accident injury claim in Norwalk?
If you were hurt by a vehicle that is owned or operated by a district or government entity, in many states, there is only a brief period—sometimes less than 60 days—in which a claimant can sue a government body who may be responsible for an accident.
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim that is not against a government body, under Connecticut law, you must file a personal injury or property damage claim within two years of the date of the accident. If someone suffers a wrongful death, the two-year limit starts on the date of the victim’s death from their injuries.
You should reach out to an attorney sooner, rather than later, in order to have plenty of time to build a strong case. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the entire process, including state, local, and national transportation laws.
Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm with an excellent reputation for compassionate and aggressive lawyering
Lemberg Law has a reputation backed by 13 years of service and $50 million in recovery for 25,000 clients nationwide. We know personal injury law. You have rights, and you deserve the best representation available. All you need to do is send us your information for a free case evaluation, or call our Helpline today. We’re knowledgeable; we’re friendly; and we’re here to help. There is no charge unless we win.