Accidents involving buses are often catastrophic because they’re large, heavy vehicles and carry a lot of passengers. Private vehicles and motorcycle riders can dig into their no-fault auto insurance to take care of urgent damages.
But what happens if you were a passenger or pedestrian when the accident occurred? What if the resulting damages exceed your personal injury protection (PIP) policy limits?
Our lawyers at Brown Chiari LLP believe that crash survivors shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for another person’s negligence. Your Buffalo bus accident lawyer can provide legal guidance for all types of auto accident claims from the beginning all the way to the courtroom if needed.
Can I File a Third-Party Claim after a Bus Accident in Buffalo?
You can file an accident claim against another person who caused the crash if one or more of these factors apply:
You’re either a passenger who was riding in the bus or a pedestrian or cyclist on the road
You have no-fault insurance, but the amount you can claim is not enough to cover all your damages
Who Is Responsible for My Buffalo Bus Accident Injuries?
Buffalo bus accident settlement cases can be difficult when pinning liability. Several parties could be responsible for your injuries, either wholly or partially.
The bus driver is the first party under suspicion, especially if there’s evidence of reckless driving. A commercial bus company or employer could also owe you compensation through vicarious liability.
Sometimes the cause of the accident is not anything the driver or employer could control. These include defective bus parts, bad weather, poorly maintained roads or signage, another vehicle on the road, and so on.
A Buffalo bus accident attorney’s knowledge of the laws will come in handy when identifying the responsible persons to sue.
What if the Defendant Denies Liability for My Injuries?
Unfortunately, the insurance company may still be unwilling to pay the entire amount you’re owed. They may even deny liability altogether and refuse to settle for anything, especially not what your settlement is worth.
If this happens, your bus accident lawyer will initiate a lawsuit in Buffalo personal injury court and get your case a civil trial hearing.
This is why you should only speak with seasoned attorneys with a track record of winning in the courtroom. When you seek legal help from lawyers who don’t take their cases to trial often, they’re likely to settle for any amount that prevents them from going to court, even if it’s insufficient for your damages.
Get in Touch with a Bus Accident Lawyer in Buffalo
You may need to file a third-party claim after a bus accident, depending on the circumstances of your case. To do so, you must prove eligibility, show how negligence occurred, and the damages you seek to recover.
Let an experienced team of accident attorneys take care of these legal worries so you can recover without financial stress.
Call Brown Chiari LLP at 716-681-7190 or fill out our contact form on this page to get started with a free evaluation for your case.