Were you injured in a bus accident in Columbia, SC? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Columbia bus accident lawyers at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers can help you file a claim for your financial expenses, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and more. Call us at (803) 573-0869.
We’re a top-rated South Carolina personal injury law firm that has won countless cases for our clients. Our Columbia bus accident attorneys have 101 years of combined experience and have recovered over $90 million for injured victims. If you hire us, we’ll work hard to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact our Columbia law office today for a free consultation. You can receive initial legal advice without any obligations.
How Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Bus Accident in Columbia, SC
Bus accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming experiences. When involved in such an incident, you might be confused about your legal rights and options. An experienced attorney can handle your claim and represent your interests from start to finish while you recover.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers is highly respected in the South Carolina legal community. Our Columbia personal injury attorneys have received numerous accolades from The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other reputable legal organizations and have a proven success track record.
When you hire our trial lawyers to help with your case, we will:
- Identify who is liable
- Collect the available evidence
- Determine your best course of action
- Hire top-rated experts
- Protect you from comparative fault allegations
- Handle all the paperwork and communications
- Negotiate a full settlement
- Take your case to court in Richland County if necessary
Contact our trusted bus accident lawyers in Columbia, South Carolina, today to schedule your free case review. We can answer all of your questions.
Insurance Considerations for South Carolina Bus Accident Cases
Bus accident cases have unique insurance concerns. Buses are often operated by government entities or large corporations, which can complicate the claims process. Understanding who is responsible and which insurance policies apply is crucial.
In some cases, you may need to file a claim against a government agency, which has specific procedures and shorter deadlines. Our lawyers can help navigate these complexities to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
It can be difficult to understand your best next steps after a bus accident in Columbia. Our attorneys can evaluate the facts and circumstances of your case to determine all options.
How Much Is My Columbia Bus Accident Case Worth?
Although cases involving the most serious injuries are usually worth the most, that’s just one factor to consider.
Some of the other things that can impact your case’s value include:
- The available coverage and insurance policy limits
- Whether you will make a full medical recovery
- The nature of your pain and suffering
- Whether you share any fault for the accident
- The strength of your supporting evidence
- Any caps on damages for claims against government entities
Having a qualified Columbia personal injury lawyer on your side can significantly bolster the value of your claim. A skilled attorney can negotiate effectively on your behalf and may leverage experts to strengthen your case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Columbia
Like most vehicle accidents, bus accidents frequently happen because of driver negligence. Although bus drivers are responsible for the safety of many passengers, they can still make mistakes.
Some of the most common causes of bus accidents are:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Improper lane changes or turns
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor weather or visibility
- Mechanical failures or defective parts
- Inadequate driver training
No matter how your accident took place, you may be owed damages. Contact our auto accident attorneys today for legal help.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bus Accident in Columbia, South Carolina?
If you’re eligible to file a claim against the at-fault party, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. These are known as “compensatory damages.”
Economic damages reflect your financial losses, such as:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitative care
- Property damage
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages represent your more subjective losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
Punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party for acting recklessly or intentionally causing harm. These damages are not guaranteed and require clear and convincing evidence.
What Does It Cost To Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Columbia?
Most bus accident attorneys in Columbia operate on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay anything upfront, nor any flat fees or hourly rates. Under a contingency fee arrangement, you only pay attorney’s fees if they win compensation on your behalf.
If your lawyer obtains a settlement or jury verdict for you, you will generally owe a percentage of the recovery, usually around 33%. The exact percentage varies depending on the case; you will sign an agreement detailing the terms at the beginning of the process.
With this framework, you can afford a top-rated lawyer, regardless of your financial circumstances. Your attorney will also be incentivized to maximize your compensation.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It in a Bus Accident Case?
Negligence is a legal concept that refers to a person’s failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. Proving negligence is crucial to establishing liability and recovering compensation for injuries in a bus accident.
To prove negligence in your bus accident case, you must demonstrate the following four elements:
- Duty of Care: You need to show that the bus driver or another party owed you a legal duty of care. For example, bus drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to protect their passengers and others on the road.
- Breach of Duty: You must prove that the responsible party breached this duty of care by acting negligently. This could include actions like speeding, texting while driving, or failing to obey traffic signals.
- Causation: Establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the accident is essential. You must show that the negligent actions directly caused the bus accident and your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages due to the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Our experienced Columbia bus accident attorneys can help gather all necessary evidence to build a strong case proving negligence. We will work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’ll Fight for Compensation for All of Your Bus Accident Injuries
Vehicle accidents can cause life-changing injuries, and bus crashes are no exception. Even with safety measures in place, passengers and other motorists are at risk.
Our lawyers are prepared to help you file a claim after sustaining any of the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Neck injuries
- Amputations
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Internal injuries
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Were you injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault? We may be able to help; call today for a free consultation.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Bus Accident in South Carolina?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence law. This means you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
It makes sense to hire a lawyer if you are being blamed. Your attorney can advocate for your interests and work to minimize the level of fault you’re assigned.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
In most circumstances, South Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t file your lawsuit or finalize your insurance claim within three years of your accident, you could lose your right to pursue compensation.
However, a shorter deadline may apply if your claim is against a government entity and specific procedures must be followed.
Ensure you understand how much time you have to take legal action by contacting our lawyers today for assistance. We’d be happy to help you determine the deadline for your case during your meeting.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Experienced Columbia Bus Accident Attorneys
Bus accidents can leave you confused and unsure of what to do next. This is especially true when dealing with large transportation companies or government agencies. However, you’ll be in trusted hands the entire time if you hire Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers.
Our Columbia bus accident attorneys are some of the most successful in South Carolina. We’ve recovered over $90 million for our deserving clients and are confident we can also get you winning results.
Call today for a free case review.
