X
School bus wrecks have the potential to dramatically alter the lives of those involved. If you or a loved one gets into a crash with a school bus due to another party’s negligence, you need to know your rights. Our experienced Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC are here to walk you through the entire process.
Immediately after the accident, you should first ensure that you are out of harm’s way. Once you do, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if your injuries seem minor. You may not notice more serious internal injuries, and you will need the examination’s medical documentation if you decide to pursue a claim.
Then, if you can, exchange contact and insurance details with the bus driver and any other drivers involved; take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries; and collect contact information from any witnesses.
School bus wrecks involve multiple parties, making it difficult to pinpoint who caused the collision. In any given accident, the bus driver, the school district, or the bus manufacturer could all bear responsibility. If the bus driver drove recklessly or disregarded traffic signals, they could be held liable. If the school district failed to maintain the bus properly or violated safety regulations, the court could impose responsibility on them. In some cases, a defective vehicle part could make the bus manufacturer liable for the collision.
Filing a claim for compensation starts with notifying your insurance company about the wreck. Provide them with all the information they request, but try to avoid giving them more than they ask for —do not admit fault. The insurance adjusters have an incentive to twist your words to shift more of the blame onto you so the company can save money.
Then, strongly consider consulting with a Macon car accident lawyer. The aftermath of school bus accidents can involve public entities, multiple parties, and numerous insurance companies. An attorney can help you navigate these complexities and file your claim correctly. An experienced attorney can also gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and expert testimonies, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. Hiring a lawyer can often help you receive the maximum possible compensation for your damages.
The exact dollar figure that you can receive for your claim can vary widely, based on factors such as the severity of injuries and the impact on your life. Generally, you can seek compensation for current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Additionally, if you received severe injuries or are now dealing with a long-term disability due to the wreck, you could earn additional compensation for rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and loss of earning capacity.
If you or a loved one need to file a claim for damages after a car wreck with a school bus, the experienced and compassionate Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC are here to help. Contact us online or call 478-254-2007 for a free consultation. Our Macon, Georgia office serves clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.
