Protecting the Best Interests of Philadelphia Bus Accident Victims
A bus accident is a traumatic event that occurs in seconds yet can result in changes that last a lifetime. The profound impact on your life or that of a loved one generally includes physical, emotional, psychological, and financial damages.
When a bus accident results from negligence, accident victims deserve justice. Whether reckless actions, a poorly maintained bus, or some other form of negligence resulted in your injuries, a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer can help. You do not have to fight alone for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us As Your Bus Accident Attorney?
Bus accidents are complex civil cases that are best left in the hands of a capable Philadelphia personal injury lawyer. The skills and experience necessary for the best outcome possible are something such a lawyer brings to your case.
Attorney Robert S. Miller has an established record of helping accident victims pursue justice. With a primary focus on personal injury and civil law, Mr. Miller is known for his attention to the specific details of each case he represents.
Recognized by peer organizations, Mr. Miller shares his knowledge by lecturing colleagues about such topics as preparing for arbitration. He is a proud member of several associations, including the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Bar Associations.
If you suffered severe injuries in a Philadelphia bus accident, Robert S. Miller is the type of lawyer you want by your side. Mr. Miller will protect your best interests by standing firm with insurance companies and their attorneys regarding fair compensation.
Philadelphia bus accidents caused by negligence demand accountability. A Philadelphia bus accident lawyer can fight for your damages while you rest and recover.
Common Forms of Negligence in Philadelphia Bus Accidents
Operating a passenger bus requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with specific endorsements. Training is mandatory for public and school bus drivers.
Bus drivers are responsible for transporting passengers of varying ages, with consistent starts and stops. Concentrating and maintaining control of a bus is crucial for avoiding accidents that injure other motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, in the unfortunate event of an accident, it’s important for those affected to seek the guidance of a truck accident lawyer to navigate the complexities of such incidents.
Negligence is at the core of Philadelphia bus accident civil claims and lawsuits. When a driver or bus company fails to use the same care a reasonably prudent person would use in a similar situation, they are generally negligent.
There is no way to predict a bus accident. Once such an accident occurs, identifying the type of negligence involved is essential for your case. Examples of driver behavior and bus company actions that can result in negligence and liability include:
- Driving under the influence: Drugs and alcohol reduce a driver’s reaction times, impair their judgment, and affect the ability to maintain control of a bus.
- Distracted driving: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists three primary forms of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. It is basically any action that takes a driver’s eyes from the road, hands from the wheel, or mind from driving.
- Aggressive driving: Philadelphia bus drivers must share the road with all road users, no matter their schedule or how stressful the city traffic is.
- Drowsy driving: An undiagnosed sleep disorder, a new baby at home, or a second job can cause a drowsy bus driver to fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Inspections and bus maintenance: A failure to obtain timely inspections or to conduct routine maintenance can result in the bus company’s being liable for your injuries.
The types of negligence listed above are preventable, if the bus driver and company use care. The life-changing harm you may experience is unfair and unjust. Holding the responsible party accountable for their actions is your right, and help is available.
Like Robert S. Miller, a Philadelphia bus accident attorney can identify all parties responsible for your damages. A free case consultation is a first step toward holding those negligent accountable for their reckless actions.
The High Cost of Bus Accident Injuries
Severe injuries from a bus accident can impact your quality of life forever. The stress of your financial situation due to missed work can cause many sleepless nights. Rest is crucial for your recovery, yet challenging as your medical expenses grow.
Bus riders face life-threatening injuries due to the lack of seatbelts and other safety features, like airbags, in passenger vehicles. The following types of bus accident injuries can make returning to your job uncertain or impossible:
- Head trauma: A severe brain injury can change your loved one’s personality, ability to communicate, and more. The need for around-the-clock care is expensive and, for some, a lifetime cost.
- Spinal cord damage: The spinal cord communicates with the brain regarding movement and sensation. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, requiring special equipment and care.
- Internal injuries: Some injuries are only discovered by medical testing, making immediate medical care vital for your survival.
- Broken bones: The trauma of a bus accident can break multiple bones in various ways. The slow healing process can involve surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapies.
Medical bills do not wait for your return to work. The costs begin at the moment of transfer to a hospital or trauma center. The financial pressure you feel can overwhelm you if you cannot return to the same job you had before the accident.
Some severe injuries require a lengthy stay at a rehabilitation center, while others result in a permanent disability. When either outcome follows a negligent bus accident, pursuing compensation is crucial for your current situation and your future.
The fight for compensation is too important to risk to chance. While there is no guarantee of compensation, bus accident attorney Robert S. Miller fights for more than what insurance companies want to pay; Mr. Miller fights for what bus accident victims deserve.
Insurance companies fight to protect their best interests. Fight for your best interests with help from a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one boards a bus expecting to experience life-changing harm. Like bus passengers, other road users entrust the driver and bus company to share the road responsibly.
If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a Philadelphia bus accident, you most likely have questions about what to do next. The following frequently asked questions can help you better understand the legal process:
An insurance company adjuster says they want to help me. Can I work with them and not hire a lawyer?
No matter how friendly an insurance company adjuster appears, their goal is to protect the company they work for. A Philadelphia bus accident lawyer can prevent you from accepting less than you deserve and help you fight for fair compensation.
What can a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer do for my case?
A civil case is a legal action that requires knowledge of state laws, negotiation skills, and, if necessary, trial skills. The paperwork, phone calls, and other tasks are something your lawyer can manage on your behalf.
How long do I have to contact a lawyer?
It is imperative that you contact a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible due to the statute of limitations. Pennsylvania law allows two years to file a civil lawsuit, with the clock starting the moment you suffer harm.
Are there ways I can help my case?
You can help your case by providing your lawyer with documents, photographs, videos, and reports associated with your accident.
What types of damages are possible in a bus accident case?
Medical bills, lost wages, future earnings, mental anguish, and more are possible components of your compensation.
How long will my bus accident case take?
Each case is unique, and there is no way to pinpoint how and when your bus accident case will end. Your bus accident attorney can advise you based on past experience and will keep you informed about the progress of your case.
A free case consultation is your opportunity to ask these and other questions regarding your case. You do not have to pursue your civil claim and lawsuit alone. Get the help you need from a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer by scheduling a free case consultation today.
Fatal Philadelphia Bus Accidents
If you lost a close loved one in a Philadelphia bus accident, you may want to contact a wrongful death lawyer. Your relationship with the victim is essential to your right to pursue compensation.
Your time of grief is not the time to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters. A Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer can review your case to determine if negligence was a factor.
While compensation cannot replace your loss, it can help with your damages, such as funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Like personal injury cases, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years. Time can pass in the blink of an eye following a tragic bus accident. Take action now by scheduling a free case consultation with a wrongful death attorney.
A Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyer That Cares
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), bus accidents plague major city highways and streets. When a bus accident impacts your quality of life, you need a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer that cares.
Compassionate is just one word to describe attorney Robert S. Miller. Mr. Miller brings a depth of experience working with accident victims during a most challenging time.
Severe injuries leave you in no condition to manage insurance company negotiations by yourself. While a settlement offer may appeal to you, it is essential that you not sign anything without speaking with an attorney first.
Once you accept a settlement, you may not file a future claim for additional compensation. A settlement closes your claim, a real problem should you develop injury-related problems.
Robert S. Miller dedicates his time and attention to pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. While aggressive and firm with insurance companies, he answers your questions in a caring manner. Let Mr. Miller help you with your personal injury claim and lawsuit by reaching out for a free case consultation today.
Why Quick Action for Your Bus Accident Damages Matters
The statute of limitations is another area of caution when pursuing compensation for your bus accident damages. You generally have no further legal options if you fail to file your civil lawsuit within two years.
State law allows two years for accident victims to pursue litigation. Two years may seem like plenty of time when, in fact, it is not. The time following a bus accident is often a whirlwind filled with medical appointments and procedures.
Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. Before you know it, a full year has passed in the blink of an eye. Losing track of time is a hazard many accident victims face as they adjust to their new normal.
A Philadelphia bus accident lawyer can ensure your case meets court requirements and deadlines. Knowing that someone has your back is invaluable as you recover from your bus accident injuries.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia
At The Cochran Firm, we treat our clients with respect and care. Our long-standing tradition of helping Philadelphia accident victims is well-known throughout the community.
Let us put our experience and skills to work for you. What happened to you or your loved one was life-changing, heartbreaking, and most likely preventable.
As our client, you will receive the individual attention you need. Reviewing the evidence, investigating accidents, and building a solid case for compensation takes time. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the better your peace of mind.
Get Help for Your Philadelphia Bus Accident Today
Contact us if you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a Philadelphia bus accident. The Cochran Firm is ready to protect your best interests against aggressive insurance companies.
Do not sign or accept a settlement offer without speaking with a car accident lawyer first. The decision to accept a settlement is not one to take lightly or without professional guidance. Philadelphia bus accident lawyer Robert S. Miller has your back from Day One of your case.
Take the first step toward possible justice and compensation for your bus accident injuries or loss by calling 800-969-4400 today.