Bus accidents involving pedestrians can result in catastrophic and lifelong injuries, which is why it’s important to immediately contact a bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD accident victims turn to again and again. Cohen & Cohen has represented more than ten thousand personal injury victims in the last twenty years. When your future depends on recovering substantial medical costs and other damages, call us at (703) 548-4529. As a bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD is proud to have in the community, Cohen & Cohen is ready to fight for you.
The Dangers for Pedestrians in Bus Accidents
Because pedestrians are far more vulnerable than vehicles, it’s no surprise that they usually suffer the worst in pedestrian/bus accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that pedestrians suffered nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities in traffic accidents in the United States in 2014. Accidents resulting in injuries to pedestrians include:
- Joggers or pedestrians hit by a bus while in crosswalks
- Pedestrians sideswiped by a bus
- Pedestrians struck by a bus while in a parking lot
- Pedestrians hit when exiting a bus
- Pedestrians hit by a bus that is in motion
Common Causes of Bus Accidents Involving Pedestrians
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that buses hit pedestrians every year in the United States, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes death. This is blamed, in part, on the fact that buses operate in close proximity to pedestrians, including bus stops, curbs, and crosswalks. An experienced bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD provides might attest that pedestrian and bus accidents can also be caused by:
- Faulty parts that affect bus operations and increase safety risks. For example, if the bus’s brakes are not in fully working condition a bus may not be able to stop or slow in time to avoid running over a pedestrian.
- Poor visibility on the part of bus drivers due to the large size of buses which creates visual limitations and blind spots. This is especially hazardous when a bus changes lanes or enters/exits traffic.
- Buses being much larger and heavier than passenger cars are more susceptible to rollovers. If a rollover occurs in the proximity of pedestrians, they are likely to sustain life threatening or even fatal injury.
Often in these situations, a negligent party may be at fault; meaning the injured party may be entitled to compensation for any damages they suffered. A Greenbelt MD bus accident lawyer who has a thorough understanding of the complex regulations and laws affecting the ownership and operation of a bus for hire may be able to not only help you determine if you have a case, but fight for the compensation you deserve. Cohen & Cohen have many years of experience in vehicular accidents resulting in personal injuries. Our attorneys will likely authorize an immediate, independent accident investigation if they consider it necessary in seeking compensatory damages or pursuing a lawsuit.
How Long Should I Wait Before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
Ideally, you should hire a reputable bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD has to offer immediately following your accident. Time is crucial because accident scene evidence can diminish almost immediately. Witnesses may be difficult to reach, and the at-fault insurance company may pressure you to accept a settlement right away. It’s in their best interest to secure your agreement that you will not pursue legal recourse against them in the future. They will try very hard to get your signed agreement before you enlist the aid of an experienced attorney.
As a Pedestrian Who Was Injured by a Bus, What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?
Damages come in many forms. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be eligible for the following:
- Medical expenses already incurred
- Future medical expenses
- Lost earnings and benefits as well as future earnings and benefits
- Earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Incidental expenses
- Punitive damages in some cases, though this is rare
Is a Bus Accident Lawyer Really Necessary?
You have every right to pursue damages on your own, but in many cases an experienced bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD accident victims believe in can help protect your rights as a victim and possibly negotiate a higher settlement.
For instance, if you are approached by the bus company’s insurance carrier, trusted counsel will likely suggest you avoid any recorded statement, or signing any documents agree to anything, including seeing one of their doctors. These may all be tactics for the at-fault party to expedite your claim and keep you from a full settlement. Instead, it may be in your best interest to inform a trusted bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD accident victims hire for legal advice when the insurance company contacted you and what they requested. Prepare copies of any paperwork offered to you by the insurance company or others involved in the bus accident. Submit those copies to a bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD residents rely on for help.
Furthermore, it can be very difficult to know if a settlement offer is fair if you are not an experienced professional. At Cohen & Cohen, our team of lawyers understand the importance of seeking the highest compensation available, and will work tirelessly to help you get what you deserve.
Cohen & Cohen will not collect expenses or fees until or unless we recover damages in a settlement or lawsuit. Not every bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD has to offer will work as hard as our firm in fighting for your rights.
Just Want More Info? Schedule a Free Consultation
We are very happy to offer Maryland pedestrians a free consultation if they have been injured in a bus accident. Call us or use the contact form on our website. We can also be reached by email. At Cohen & Cohen we are happy to provide a bus accident lawyer Greenbelt MD residents respect when they need counsel in their corner.
