Whether you were a pedestrian, passenger, or driver of another vehicle, being involved in a bus collision can be traumatizing. Unfortunately, bus accidents often involve several parties. With additional legal complications in determining liability, making a claim for compensation can become difficult to pursue on your own.
If you suffer an injury in this type of traffic crash, a Kenosha bus accident lawyer could help with your case. One of the skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could investigate the accident, calculate your damages, and represent you in court if litigation is necessary.
Common Causes of Bus Collisions in Kenosha
Because one mistake by the driver could injure dozens of passengers, bus companies have an obligation to adequately train their employees. Additionally, buses should be regularly serviced and inspected. Failure to do either of these could lead to a traffic crash.
Accidents could also be caused by the state’s failure to properly maintain roadways, sidewalks, and guardrails. Bus crashes are commonly caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Distracted driving by the bus operator or another driver involved in the collision
- Intoxicated driving
- Violation of speed limits and traffic laws
- Unqualified bus drivers
- Failure to maintain buses
- Defective safety equipment
- Passengers who cause distractions or deliberately impede the driver from operating the bus
In a bus crash investigation, a hardworking attorney in the area could assess all the circumstances and may work with a professional accident reconstructionist to determine the cause of the wreck. Our persistent legal team is experienced in interviewing witnesses, collaborating with medical professionals, reviewing police reports, and collecting photo and video evidence.
Who Could I Sue for a Bus Accident?
A bus accident claim may involve one or multiple defendants. These could include, but are not limited to:
- Bus owners
- Bus drivers
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
Complicating Factors in Public Transportation Claims
Compared to other motor vehicle accidents, bus crashes are often more complex for several reasons. For one, the sheer size and weight of a bus could lead to more severe injuries. When suing government agencies, an injured victim and their attorney must also follow special notice requirements in addition to the normal legal processes of pursuing damages. A well-informed lawyer could inform a Kenosha resident of all the applicable regulations and help notify all parties responsible for the accident.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Kenosha?
Wisconsin accident victims have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit seeking damages. Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 893.80, if the bus collision involved a government-owned school or transit bus, the injured party must file a notice of their claim within 120 days of the accident.
If either of these actions are completed after the applicable deadline, a court may dismiss the injured victim’s claim. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., our local attorneys are experienced in handling bus accident claims and could help file all necessary documents within the statutory timeframes.
Pursuing Damages after a Bus Crash
There are two types of damages a bus accident victim could recover: economic and non-economic. Economic damages could cover:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Transportation expenses for doctor’s appointments
- Property damage
- Compensation for ongoing or future medical needs
On the other hand, non-economic damages represent the impact the accident had on the injured party. This form of recovery could include compensation for pain and suffering, diminished earning capacity, and loss of consortium. However, it is often difficult to assign a dollar value to these types of damages. Legal counsel could help accurately calculate a victim’s bus crash damages by working with Kenosha medical professionals, accountants, and vocational experts.
Call a Kenosha Bus Accident Attorney for Legal Support
Bus collisions can cause serious harm and make for complicated legal claims. An injured victim may benefit from working with an attorney who has the dedication and resources to build a strong claim for damages.
Let our lawyers handle the legal side while you concentrate on your recovery. The Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer regularly handles accidents involving publicly and privately-owned school, charter, and mass transit buses. Contact a Kenosha bus accident lawyer at our firm to set up a consultation about your case.