While buses are a convenient way to travel near or far, a bus-related crash can be traumatic for everyone involved. Many individuals suffer serious injuries, costly losses, and long-term effects following bus collisions in Myrtle Beach. It is only natural to wonder about your rights and options if you are in this position.
If you have been injured in a bus crash, you may be uncertain about the future and the steps you must take. In Myrtle Beach, never hesitate to turn to the trusted personal injury attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm. We have been helping South Carolina injury victims for over 50 years, backed by strong values of hard work and determination. We want to hear your story and discuss your legal options for seeking maximum compensation for your bus accident injuries.
Contact our Myrtle Beach bus accident attorneys now to set up a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help.
What Damages Can You Collect After a Bus Accident in Myrtle Beach?
You likely incurred a wide range of damages from your bus accident injuries. Typical bus accident damages often include medical expenses for immediate treatment and ongoing care, including rehabilitation and therapy. If your injuries prevented you from working and require you to change to a lower-paid job, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
The emotional stress and physical pain resulting from the bus accident may warrant non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and reduced enjoyment of life. Our attorneys consider all potential compensation for bus accident victims, not just economic damages like medical bills and lost income. We know your injuries can significantly impact your life, and we also want to seek financial recovery for these intangible losses.
Insurance companies typically try to undervalue a claimant’s damages. Instead of accepting a lowball settlement offer, get help from our dedicated bus accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach. We are ready to thoroughly analyze your losses and demand maximum compensation from the insurance company at the negotiating table or trial.
Who Might Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Liability for bus accidents in Myrtle Beach can be complicated, often involving multiple parties. Having the right legal representation for bus crash injuries is vital to ensure you identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from the proper channels.
First, the bus driver may be held accountable if their negligence led to the accident. Some examples of potential bus driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Speeding
- Violating other traffic laws
The bus company or operator could also share liability for the negligent bus driver’s conduct or be liable for its negligence, such as if the company failed to maintain the vehicle properly. The bus company might be a private corporation like those that own and operate charter buses, tour buses, intercity buses like Greyhound, churches, or private schools. Other bus operators are governmental agencies like public school districts and local or regional public transit agencies – Coast RTA, for example. That adds a layer of complexity to bus accident claims.
If a third party, like another motorist, contributed to the collision, they may share responsibility. For instance, if a car pulled out in front of the bus illegally, causing the bus driver to lose control, the third-party driver could be responsible for the resulting injuries. Bus manufacturers could also be liable if a defective bus design or part contributed to the crash.
Our experienced Myrtle Beach bus accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm are ready to investigate what happened and identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring you pursue a comprehensive and strategic case for maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
After a bus accident, you can take steps to protect yourself and your right to compensation. Consider the following:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your top priority should be your safety and health. Always get a medical evaluation, even if you don’t believe your injuries are that serious at first.
- Ensure the authorities know about the accident. If no one else contacts the authorities, report the incident to law enforcement. That ensures they will create a police report.
- Consult a legal professional. Reach out to our Myrtle Beach bus accident lawyers promptly to start building your case and to ensure someone is protecting your legal rights and interests.
These steps are the initial building blocks to your future financial recovery.
What Not to Do After a Bus Accident
You should also avoid several actions after a bus accident to protect yourself. For example:
- Do not leave the scene until it is appropriate to do so. Leaving too soon could affect your claim.
- Refrain from making statements or admissions of fault to anyone, including the bus company, insurance adjusters, or other parties involved.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as it may impact your claim.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters about what happened or providing a recorded statement. Refer them to your Myrtle Beach bus accident attorney instead.
- Never accept a settlement offer without having a trusted lawyer review it.
Seemingly small mistakes early in the process could jeopardize your compensation later on. The best thing to do is to have our bus accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach handle all communications with insurers, authorities, and other parties involved.
Common Injuries and Damages Sustained in Bus Crashes
Bus crashes can lead to severe injuries due to the size and impact of these vehicles. Some examples of common injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Lacerations and bruises
- Back injuries
- Joint damage
- Sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries
Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD, is also common after traumatic events like bus accidents.
Beyond physical injuries, victims often face financial strains from medical bills and loss of income. Our experienced attorneys can seek to mitigate these effects by fighting for the compensation you need and deserve.
Why Work with an Experienced Bus Accident Lawyer Near You?
Hiring our skilled Myrtle Beach bus accident lawyers gives you access to knowledge and resources essential to building a strong case. You can trust our attorneys to handle all negotiations with insurance companies and other parties, ensuring you never accept anything but a fair settlement.
Working with our local attorneys in Myrtle Beach means you have someone who understands the specific South Carolina laws and regulations relevant to your case, which can be particularly important if you must bring a claim against a government entity or have other complicated questions regarding liability.
Contact Our Myrtle Beach Bus Accident Lawyers Today
If you want dedicated legal support following a bus accident, Jebaily Law Firm is ready to assist you. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our lawyers are committed to providing personalized attention and seeking the best possible results in every case.
Whether you are in the Grand Strand or Pee Dee regions of South Carolina, our three office locations are here to serve you. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options. You never pay any fees unless we win compensation for you.
