Englewood Bus Accident Lawyer
More people are relying on public transportation, especially buses, to get around Englewood and the Greater Denver area these days. People also use buses to get to and from the airport and ski resorts and travel across the country. While people often feel safer on buses than in cars, they can still be at risk of injuries and even death when there is a bus accident. If you were injured in a bus accident, find out your legal rights from our Englewood bus accident attorneys at Bachus & Schanker.
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Bus Accidents Statistics In Colorado
According to TruckInfo.net, over 15K bus accidents occur annually nationwide. Approximately 47% of these involve injuries, and almost 2% are fatal. Here in Colorado, bus accident data for 2022 included:
- 167 bus accidents
- 31 bus accident injuries
- Seven bus accident fatalities
- Two school bus accident fatalities
Who Is Responsible For Bus Accident Injuries And Deaths?
The responsible party for the bus accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. In Colorado, bus drivers, whether they operate a school bus or commercial bus, have a duty of care to ensure passengers are kept safe. When they fail to maintain this duty of care, they could be held liable if they are at fault for a bus accident.
In addition, their employer and the bus owner could equally be at fault for the bus accident. In certain cases, the bus manufacturer, after-market parts supplier, mechanics, or repair shop could also be considered negligent for the bus accident. In cases where the bus driver is not at fault for the accident, the other motorist who caused it, as well as other parties, could be responsible.
As you can see, determining fault is not always as clear-cut as the person who caused the accident. As such, it is best to consult with one of our Englewood injury attorneys to ensure your injury claim is filed against the correct party or parties.
How Much Time Do I Have To File An Englewood Bus Accident Injury Claim?
Since many buses are operated by local and regional government agencies, such as the RTD (Regional Transportation District), you only have 182 days to submit your claim as detailed in Colorado Revised Statute 24.10.109, as follows:
- A person who suffered injuries by a public entity or their employee will file a written notice within one hundred eighty-two days after the day of the accident or discovery of the injury.
The statute also specifies the specific requirements for filing the notice. Filing against a government agency can be very time-consuming, complex, and confusing. You do not want to attempt to file this claim on your own. When people do, and they do not comply with the requirements in the statute, their claims are rejected and denied. Instead, you want to get help from a bus accident attorney to ensure your claim is filed correctly.
What Damages Can I Seek For An Englewood Bus Accident?
The types of damages you can seek monetary compensation for could include:
- Medical care expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Any modifications and accommodation-related expenses
- Any lost benefits
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Mental health treatment costs
- Rehabilitation treatment costs
When there has been a fatality as a result of the bus accident, the surviving family can sue for many of the same damages, as well as funeral expenses.
What Should I Do After A Bus Accident In Colorado?
It is crucial to treat a bus accident just like any other motor vehicle accident. Your first priority should be to contact the police and seek medical treatment. Even if your injuries seem minor, obtaining medical care is always in your best interest. It is not uncommon to have an adrenaline rush during an accident, which masks pain and injuries, so you may not realize you are hurt. You could also have internal injuries you are unaware of.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, road conditions, and anything else relevant. You should also attempt to obtain contact details for other drivers and witnesses. If the accident occurred at an intersection, look up and see if there are any traffic cameras, as this video footage could be pertinent to proving who was responsible. Lastly, schedule a consultation with one of our bus accident lawyers in Englewood as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Bus Accident Injury Claim?
The time needed to reach a settlement for your bus accident injuries can vary based on the extent of injuries, the value of the claim, and other details. Generally, most claims are settled in about six months, but sometimes, it can take up to a year. For more complex cases, including wrongful death, claims could take up to two years to fully settle.
How Much Is My Bus Injury Claim Worth?
The value of your bus injury claim depends on the extent of your injuries, recovery time, and its impacts on your physical and mental well-being. Each case needs to be carefully valued by a qualified bus injury lawyer to get an accurate amount.
Find Expert Legal Assistance With Bus Injury Claims In Englewood, Colorado
You do not have to go it alone when trying to file an Englewood bus accident injury claim. The bus accident attorneys at Bachus & Schanker provide sound legal advice, accurate claim valuation, and representation to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve. Our caring and compassionate legal team also provides access to our Elite Litigation Group in the event of catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, with added support from our Victims’ Advocates.
Sources:
CRS 24.10.109. (2022).
Fretwell, K. (2023). Bus Accident Statistics – 2023.School Bus Accidents & Potential Legal Claims. (2023).
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Bachus & Schanker, Personal Injury Lawyers | Englewood Office
500 W Hampden Ave.
Englewood, CO 80110
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Written and Legally Reviewed By: Kyle Bachus
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,461 Google Reviews
Kyle is a member of the Colorado Bar associations and has served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association for more than twenty years in total. Over the years, Kyle has achieved justice for many clients. He has served on numerous committees and repeatedly won recognition from his peers at both the state and national level. He is proud of the role he has played in the passage of state and national legislation to protect consumers and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer.