Despite being an important form of mass transportation, buses can cause serious personal injury to others when involved in an accident or collision. An Albuquerque bus accident lawyer from our firm could help you pursue a legal claim for damages from those responsible. We are a local firm with experienced personal injury attorneys who were born and raised in the Albuquerque area. This enables us to service the injured members of our community with confidence and a keen sense of their needs in a case.
Different circumstances and events can contribute to the cause of a bus accident. The cause of a collision will determine who is at fault and who may be responsible for the resulting injuries. Examples of common reasons for a bus crash include the following:
Contact the police and other emergency responders after a bus collision to report the incident and get the necessary help. If possible, take photos and gather other relevant details to explain how the accident happened. People involved in a bus collision should also seek medical evaluation and treatment to identify all related injuries and to prevent further harm. After you have received medical care, contact an Albuquerque attorney to handle your bus accident claim.
A bus driver or another party whose careless misconduct was the cause of an accident may be liable for damages from resulting injuries. Many buses also operate on behalf of a private business, local government, or another agency. A negligent bus driver’s employer may also be liable for injuries when an accident occurs in the scope of the bus driver’s employment.
While car insurance may provide some compensation after a bus accident, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary because of low policy limits or disputes over fault. A bus accident lawyer in Albuquerque could file a civil claim on an injured client’s behalf and represent them in proceedings to recover compensation through a court judgment, trial, or settlement.
The amount of the proceeds from a lawsuit will depend on the severity of a person’s injury and whether they have any contributable fault for the accident. New Mexico is a pure comparative negligence state, which means you can only recover a reduced number of damages in proportion to the percentage of fault in causing an accident. However, recoverable damages often include compensation for medical care, property damage, lost earnings, and associated pain and suffering.
New Mexico has a three-year statute of limitations period that applies to personal injury lawsuits. It is important to meet with an attorney as soon as possible after a collision to determine the applicable filing deadline in your case. Missing the filing deadline will cause a lapse in a person’s right to pursue a claim in court and could prevent the recovery of compensation.
Our experienced Albuquerque bus accident lawyers are here to protect the legal right to compensation that you or a loved one may have after a collision. Have confidence in choosing our firm to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit by knowing that we are locals who care about helping our community. Schedule a free consultation today.