What begins as a routine commute across town can end in a high-impact collision without warning. In the aftermath of a catastrophic bus accident, emotional trauma may linger far longer than the physical effects of the crash.
Unlike a typical car accident, bus crashes often involve city transit rules and commercial insurance policies that can be difficult to navigate. The window for protecting your rights is narrow as you attempt to heal. If you are facing a situation like this, talk to a Broken Arrow bus accident lawyer for legal guidance. At LaCourse Law, our personal injury attorneys understand that having the right legal guidance can provide a clear path toward physical and emotional recovery.
According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 13 § 32, a bus is considered a common carrier for purposes of bus driver safety obligations. This classification imposes a higher standard of care on bus operators compared to individual drivers, legally separating bus collisions from private vehicle accidents. Under this legal framework, bus drivers are obligated to use reasonable skill and care to ensure the safe passage of travelers.
If a bus driver fails to maintain the vehicle or becomes distracted while driving, the legal consequences can be severe. Proving that the bus driver failed to satisfy these duties requires a thorough investigation into maintenance logs, driver history, and other critical data. Our bus crash attorneys in Broken Arrow have the knowledge and resources to seek evidence from the transit company and analyze all data accordingly to strengthen your personal injury claim.
After a bus crash, accident victims must follow strict filing timelines for personal injury claims. In Oklahoma, the deadline to file a claim for relief depends on whether a private entity or a government entity operated the bus. If a city, county, or state entity owned or operated the bus, you must file a claim within one year of your injury, per O.S. Tit. 51 § 156, or you will lose your opportunity to seek compensation. Alternatively, if your accident involved a private charter bus or a commercial carrier not affiliated with a government entity, you must file a claim within two years of the accident, per O.S. Tit. 12 § 95(A)(3).
This may seem like a reasonable amount of time, but the months after a serious accident often pass quickly while you are managing doctor appointments, physical therapy, and lost wages. A Broken Arrow lawyer could help you file every document on time and correctly to prevent procedural errors from decreasing your chances of receiving financial compensation for the bus crash.
Compensation recoverable after a bus accident includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages account for financial losses, including:
Non-economic damages compensate for your emotional harm, such as mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
For situations where you may require future medical care, O.S. Tit. 23 § 61 allows for recovery of damages for all detriment the accident caused, whether it could have been anticipated or not. A bus collision attorney in Broken Arrow could act as your advocate to help ensure that any award reflects the full cost of your medical care and emotional distress.
Bus accidents are rarely simple. While the fault may lie with the driver, it could also involve a third-party maintenance contractor, the manufacturer of a defective part, or another negligent motorist. Working with an attorney is essential to identifying all parties that may have contributed to your accident and ensuring you receive every dollar you deserve.
Taking the time to speak with legal counsel means protecting your well-being now and in the future. Our Broken Arrow bus accident lawyers have the tools to help. Call LaCourse Law today for your free consultation.
(918) 744-7100