Buffalo, New York, is a bustling city with a public transportation system that includes buses. Despite the convenience of buses, accidents can still occur, leading to injuries and property damage. When an accident happens, determining who is at fault is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. In this blog post, we will discuss how to determine fault in a Buffalo bus accident.
Seek Medical Attention
The first step after a bus accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure there are no underlying injuries. Medical records can also be used as evidence in a legal case.
Gather Evidence
After seeking medical attention, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, any injuries, and the bus involved. Write down the bus number, route, and any other information that can help identify the bus and the driver. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information and statements.
Contact the Police
Contact the police and report the accident. The police report will include important information about the accident, such as the date and time, location, and details about the vehicles and drivers involved. The report will also include the officer’s opinion on who is at fault.
Consult with an Attorney
If you were injured in the accident, it’s important to consult with an attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. They can also help determine who is at fault for the accident and gather evidence to support your case.
Consider Fault Factors
When determining fault in a bus accident, several factors are considered. These include:
- Negligence: Did the bus driver act negligently, such as by speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Bus Maintenance: Was the bus properly maintained and in good working condition?
- Road Conditions: Were the road conditions hazardous, such as due to poor weather or road construction?
- Other Drivers: Was another driver at fault, such as by running a red light or failing to yield to the bus?
Determining fault in a bus accident can be a complex process. However, by taking the steps outlined above, you can gather the evidence needed to support your case. Remember to seek medical attention, gather evidence, contact the police, consult with an attorney, and consider fault factors. With these steps, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Analyze Traffic Laws
When analyzing fault in a bus accident, traffic laws must also be considered. Both the bus driver and other drivers involved in the accident must obey traffic laws. For instance, if a driver runs a red light and crashes into a bus, they will likely be at fault for the accident.
Review Bus Company Policies
The bus company’s policies and procedures should also be reviewed to determine if they were followed correctly. For example, if the bus driver was supposed to take a specific route but deviated from it, they could be at fault for the accident. If the bus company failed to properly train the driver or maintain the bus, they could also be held liable for the accident.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is also an important factor when determining fault in a bus accident. In New York, all buses are required to have no-fault insurance coverage, which provides benefits to injured passengers regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, if the accident was caused by another driver, their insurance company may be responsible for covering damages.
Determining fault in a bus accident requires a thorough investigation of the accident scene, police reports, medical records, and other evidence. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. By considering fault factors, analyzing traffic laws, reviewing bus company policies, and examining insurance coverage, you can determine who is at fault and receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you have been injured in a bus accident in Buffalo, New York, Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Here are some ways our firm can assist you:
- Investigate the Accident: Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine who is at fault. We will review police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than fairly compensating accident victims. Our attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
- Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We will fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
- Advocate for Your Rights: At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the medical care and financial support you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
- Provide Personalized Legal Representation: We understand that each client’s situation is unique, and we provide personalized legal representation tailored to your needs. Our attorneys will work closely with you to understand your goals and develop a legal strategy that best serves your interests.
If you have been injured in a bus accident in Buffalo, New York, the attorneys at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to navigate the complex legal process and advocate for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.