Tulsa Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are a vital mode of transportation that provides residents and visitors with convenient and necessary travel options. While buses are generally safe, accidents can and do happen. When a bus wreck occurs, the resulting injuries and damages can have life-altering consequences for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. A Tulsa bus accident lawyer could help you seek compensation and navigate the legal process after you or a loved one is injured. Reach out to LaCourse Law today to begin working with a trusted personal injury attorney.

Damages for Bus Accident Claims

Bus accidents pose unique risks compared to standard car crashes because of the bus’s substantial size and weight. This often results in severe injuries and extensive property damage. Additionally, passengers often lack safety restraints, which increases the risk of being thrown around during an accident.

A successful personal injury claim could help someone who has been injured in a bus accident recover compensation for their losses. This compensation, also known as damages, commonly comes in two forms: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are meant to reimburse a person for the financial impacts of an accident. This commonly includes all expenses for current and future medical treatment, personal property damage, lost wages, and a diminished earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the more subjective losses after an incident, including pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and a loss of enjoyment of life. A Tulsa attorney could help an injured person determine what damages they are eligible to pursue after a bus accident.

Who Is Liable for a Bus Wreck?

Determining liability for bus accidents is often more difficult because several parties may share responsibility. For example:

• Bus Drivers: Bus drivers are often among the first parties considered at fault in accidents. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, or operating the vehicle while fatigued—risks shared with any motor vehicle operator.
• Bus Companies: Bus companies may also bear responsibility, particularly if they neglect critical aspects like regular vehicle maintenance or fail to provide drivers with adequate training.
• Third-Party Drivers: Other drivers involved in the accident can also be at fault if their negligence contributes to or causes the collision.
• Government Entities: In many scenarios, buses are operated by public transit authorities, making government entities potentially liable for wrecks. However, claims against government entities often involve specific legal requirements. For example, under Oklahoma’s Tort Claims Act, injured parties typically must file claims within 90 days of the incident.

A Tulsa bus accident attorney could review witness testimony, video surveillance, police reports, crash scene evidence, and more to determine the cause of the incident and who should be held liable for the damages.

Legal Protections for Injured Bus Occupants

Both state and federal laws are in place to protect people who are injured in bus accidents. These include:

• Duty of Care for Common Carriers: Bus operators are legally obligated to prioritize passenger safety.
• Oklahoma Traffic Laws: Drivers must adhere to traffic rules, including yielding to buses merging into traffic.
• Federal Safety Standards: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates driver working hours, vehicle maintenance, and other safety measures.

If these regulations are violated and an accident occurs, injured bus occupants may be entitled to hold the responsible parties accountable with the help of a Tulsa attorney.

Contact a Tulsa Bus Accident Attorney for Legal Guidance

When you are hurt in a bus crash, the financial, physical, and emotional toll can be overwhelming. A Tulsa bus accident lawyer from LaCourse Law could help you take the necessary steps toward justice.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Let us guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf to hold negligent parties accountable. Do not delay—reach out now to begin your journey toward recovery.