Bus accidents can upend lives in an instant. Passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road may face serious injuries or even death when a driver or bus company’s negligence causes a crash.
The physical, emotional, and financial fallout can leave injured parties and their families exhausted.
Injured parties or their loved ones may pursue compensation for injuries sustained as a result of a bus accident.
An Omaha bus accident lawyer helps clients act against those responsible, seeking payment for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
With an injury attorney as an advocate, clients have someone actively fighting for the compensation they deserve, allowing them to focus on recovery.
Omaha Bus Accident Guide
- Why Choose Berry Law Omaha Bus Accident Lawyers?
- Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?
- Dealing with Insurance Companies Following a Bus Accident
- Time Limits for Filing in Nebraska and Iowa
- Common Bus Accident Injuries
- Compensation Available After a Bus Accident
- How a Lawyer Helps People Injured in Bus Accidents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Talk with an Omaha Bus Accident Attorney
Why Choose Berry Law Omaha Bus Accident Lawyers?
For over 60 years, we have built a reputation for relentless advocacy and remarkable case results. Our attorneys bring over 240 years of combined experience, using every tool at our disposal to secure justice for clients injured in bus accidents.
Our approach is thorough and strategic. We carefully review every detail of a case — from immediate medical care to long-term financial needs. This detailed evaluation allows us to craft a legal strategy to maximize compensation.
Clients trust us because of our history of achieving meaningful outcomes. We have secured six- and seven-figure settlements and fought tirelessly for clients dealing with insurance companies and other parties responsible for their injuries.
Our results demonstrate our dedication, skill, and commitment to those we serve.
What sets us apart is our unwavering devotion to our clients. We recognize that bus accidents cause more than just physical injuries — they create emotional and financial strain, as well.
We work tirelessly to ease that burden, offering compassionate support and aggressive legal advocacy every step of the way.
When searching for a legal ally, our proven track record and client-first approach make us a powerful choice for representation in Omaha.
Backed by decades of award-winning service and exceptional results, we are committed to helping our clients achieve the justice and financial recovery they deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?
Bus accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for the crash. Identifying the liable parties is a crucial step in building a strong case.
Here are the key parties who may be held accountable:
- Bus drivers: If the driver acted recklessly, drove under the influence, ignored traffic laws, or otherwise failed to act with the appropriate standard of care, they may be held liable for the resulting harm.
- Bus companies: Companies that own and operate buses are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining vehicles, and ensuring safe operations. If they fail in these duties, they can be held accountable.
- Government agencies: If the bus is part of a public transit system, a government agency may bear responsibility for issues like poor maintenance, unsafe road conditions, or driver misconduct.
- Maintenance providers: Companies responsible for inspecting and maintaining buses must ensure that buses are safe for the road. Faulty repairs or missed inspections can lead to liability.
- Manufacturers: If a defective bus part, such as faulty brakes or steering components, causes a crash, the manufacturer of that part may be held accountable.
- Other drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused a collision with the bus, they might be liable for the resulting injuries.
Identifying every responsible party strengthens our clients’ cases and increases their chances of full financial recovery. Our personal injury legal team investigates every detail of a bus accident to uncover the actual cause and pursue justice for our clients.
Dealing with Insurance Companies Following a Bus Accident
Bus companies must carry liability insurance to cover damages caused by their drivers’ and employees’ negligence. Adjustors for these insurance companies may approach injured individuals following a crash and offer a settlement.
However, these offers are often less than a case may truly be worth. If any person accepts the settlement, they will almost certainly lose their right to pursue fair and full compensation.
A bus accident lawyer with experience going against bus insurance companies helps plaintiffs evaluate settlement offers and determine whether to accept a proposal.
Those injured in a bus crash should also expect calls from the insurance company asking for statements or information about the accident. Insurance companies may use the comments made by injured individuals against them later on in an attempt to escape responsibility.
It is always a good idea for those injured to speak with an attorney before providing information to the bus driver’s or bus company’s insurance carrier.
Time Limits for Filing in Nebraska and Iowa
When injured in a bus accident, it is critical to understand the deadlines for filing a legal claim. In Nebraska, victims of a bus accident have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. In Iowa, the deadline is shorter — just two years from the date of the accident.
These deadlines are known as statutes of limitations and missing them can inhibit victims from recovering any compensation, regardless of the strength of their case.
Filing a claim promptly allows our legal team to collect fresh evidence, interview witnesses, and build a compelling case.
Don’t let time run out to seek justice. Contact our legal team as soon as possible.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can leave people with a wide range of injuries. The force of a bus impact can cause severe harm to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
We see the following injuries most frequently:
- Head and brain injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries happen when the head hits a hard surface or is jolted suddenly.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine may lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Broken bones: Fractures occur when the force of the crash impacts the body with sudden pressure.
- Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma from a collision can damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass and sharp debris often result in deep cuts or puncture wounds.
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden jerking motions strain the neck and upper back, causing pain and stiffness.
- Burns: Fires or explosions after a crash can cause severe burns, requiring extensive medical treatment.
These injuries can result in pain, medical bills, and lost income, which can significantly disrupt the lives of injured parties and their loved ones. We work to hold responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation our clients need to recover.
Compensation Available After a Bus Accident
Those injured by bus accidents deserve fair compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. We pursue every form of financial recovery available to help our clients rebuild their lives.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: We seek payment for current and future medical bills related to treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost income: If an injury prevents the victim from working, we pursue compensation for lost wages and reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: We hold responsible parties accountable for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: If personal property was damaged in the accident, we pursue reimbursement for repairs or replacement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: We seek compensation when an injury diminishes the ability to participate in activities that were once enjoyed.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one dies in a bus accident, we fight for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
Our team builds strong cases to recover maximum compensation for every client. We know how much is at stake and work tirelessly to secure the financial support needed to move forward.
How a Lawyer Helps People Injured in Bus Accidents
Hiring a lawyer after a bus accident provides a powerful advocate who works to protect an accident victim’s rights and pursue fair compensation.
Here’s how our team helps people injured by bus accidents:
- Case investigation: We gather evidence, review accident reports, interview witnesses, and identify all responsible parties.
- Medical documentation: We collect medical records and consult with healthcare providers to document the extent of the injuries and the care needed.
- Negotiation with insurers: We handle all communication with insurance companies and push for a settlement that reflects the full value of the claim.
- Legal strategy: We develop a custom strategy for each case, targeting the most effective path to financial recovery.
- Trial representation: If settlement discussions fail, we are fully prepared to take the case to court and present a strong argument to the judge and jury.
With our experience and dedication, we make sure our clients don’t have to navigate the process alone. We work to reduce stress and pursue the financial recovery our clients deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a bus accident?
- Seek medical attention right away, even if there is no pain. Some injuries appear later.
- Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the report.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved.
How long do I have to file a claim after a bus accident?
The time limit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and can depend on whether a government agency is involved. Acting quickly ensures deadlines are met.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
In many cases, accident victims can still recover compensation if they were partially at fault. The percentage of fault may reduce the recovery. An experienced Omaha bus accident lawyer will explain how partial fault works here.
Do I have to talk to the bus company’s insurance adjuster?
No. It’s best to let a lawyer handle communication with insurance companies. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and anything said could be used against the victim.
What if I was a passenger on the bus?
Passengers can seek compensation from the bus company, driver, or any other responsible party.
Do I need to go to court?
Most cases settle without the need for a trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This approach helps us negotiate stronger settlements.
Talk with an Omaha Bus Accident Attorney
Taking on a bus company after an accident may feel overwhelming, especially when facing a company with vast resources. Injured people don’t have to face this process alone.
At Berry Law, we fight for injured people. Our experienced attorneys know how to hold bus companies, drivers, and insurers accountable. We handle the legal complexities, so injured people can focus on healing.
Contact a dedicated Omaha personal injury lawyer today after a bus accident. We’re ready to answer questions and help pursue the compensation injured people deserve.
Berry Law – Omaha Office
Address: 1414 Harney St Suite 400
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 627-8674