Bus Accident Attorneys in Beachwood, Ohio

Just Compensation for Your Damages Due to a Bus Accident in Beachwood, Ohio

In Cleveland, many individuals utilize buses daily for their transportation needs. Every morning, school buses are packed with children and RTA buses are filled with commuters heading to work. Visitors to the city pile into local trolleys for guided tours and others arrive via Greyhound. 

Passengers routinely rely on bus companies daily, but one simple mistake could have a serious impact on the lives of those on board. Our Ohio bus accident lawyers at Karp Steiger are ready to assist bus accident victims, so please reach out today.

What is a Bus Accident?

A bus accident refers to any collision, incident, or event involving a bus that results in property damage, injuries, or loss of life. Bus accidents can involve different types of buses, such as public transit buses, school buses, charter buses, tour buses, or commercial buses. They can happen on city streets, highways, or other roadways.

What is Ohio’s Common Carrier Law?

A common carrier refers to an individual or business that has obtained a license to transport passengers in exchange for payment. Both state and federal laws have strict regulations in place for most common carriers. These laws set a high standard, known as a duty of care, which requires carriers to prioritize the safety of their passengers. 

As part of their duty of care, common carriers are expected to take all reasonable measures to prevent harm to their passengers. Some specific responsibilities of common carriers in fulfilling their duty of care include:

• Ensuring passenger safety by creating safe and unobstructed entryways and exits with proper lighting.
• Providing necessary security measures to protect the health and safety of passengers.
• Employing qualified and competent bus drivers.
• Regularly maintaining bus engines, motors, and other mechanical components.
• Identifying and addressing any design flaws in buses to enhance safety.

If a bus company or agency fails to fulfill its duty of care, they are considered negligent. This means that they have either done something incorrectly or neglected to do what is necessary to ensure the safety of passengers.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Ohio?

Bus accidents are not uncommon and often have severe consequences due to the large size and weight of buses, as well as the number of passengers they carry. In Ohio, various types of buses operate, including school buses, intercity buses, transit buses, tour buses, and private buses owned by churches, camps, or businesses.

Due to their substantial size, buses pose challenges in maneuvering and have significant blind spots. Improper handling of buses or other drivers failing to provide sufficient space can result in dangerous situations on the road. Several factors can contribute to bus accidents, but some common causes include:

• Driver negligence or error
• Distracted driving
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
• Inadequate bus maintenance
• Poor road conditions
• Adverse weather conditions
• Equipment failure
• Reckless driving by other vehicles
• Failure to yield the right of way

In addition to collisions involving other vehicles, a bus accident can encompass any incident where a bus passenger gets injured while on the bus or while boarding or exiting it. If you or a family member has experienced an injury or loss of life in an Ohio bus accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to seek legal compensation for the damages you have suffered.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Ohio Bus Crashes?

The injuries resulting from bus crashes can differ based on the nature of the accident, but certain types of injuries are commonly observed. These include head and neck injuries, fractures of bones, and internal injuries. 

Additionally, bus crashes can also lead to injuries in the extremities, such as the arms and legs. Some of the typical injuries seen in bus crashes are as follows:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries
• Head Injuries
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Cuts and Lacerations
• Internal Injuries
• Psychological Trauma

Individuals who have suffered these injuries should not have to be concerned about how they will cover their medical expenses, particularly if the accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction or driver mistakes.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Bus Accident Injuries?

Three primary parties may be held responsible or accountable.

Bus Driver or Bus Company

Bus drivers, regardless of their specific role, are subject to “common carrier” laws that impose significantly higher standards compared to regular drivers. These laws exist because bus drivers are entrusted with the safe transportation of a larger number of passengers and are operating larger and potentially hazardous vehicles. 

If a bus driver is found responsible for an accident, their employer can also be held accountable under the principle of vicarious liability.

Bus Manufacturer

A manufacturer could be held responsible based on the concept of product liability. This means that if the bus or any of its components were defective when they were produced, and that defect caused the accident, the manufacturer can be held liable for the damages.

Other Motorists

If another driver is responsible for the accident due to their failure to drive responsibly and meet the expected standards of care, they can be held accountable for the accident, either fully or partially.

How Negligence is Determined in a Bus Accident Injury Claim?

In cases of personal injury and wrongful death, negligence is established by considering the following factors:

• Reviewing police or accident reports for analysis
• Consulting accident reconstruction data
• Examining visual evidence such as photos and videos of the accident
• Reviewing your medical records for evaluation
• Conducting witness interviews
• Analyzing black box data if available
• Investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident

Our team is here to assist you with all of these responsibilities. If another party was negligent and responsible for your injuries, we will thoroughly investigate the matter to uncover the truth of what transpired.

What Are the Potentially Recoverable Damages After a Bus Accident in Ohio?

In Ohio, the potentially recoverable damages following a bus accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries or losses sustained by the affected individuals. Here are some common types of damages that may be pursued in a bus accident claim or lawsuit:

Medical Expenses

This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other healthcare services related to the injuries sustained in the accident. It can also cover future medical expenses if the injuries result in long-term or ongoing medical needs.

Lost Wages

If the bus accident causes the victim to miss work, they may be entitled to compensation for the wages lost during their recovery period. This can include both current and future lost earnings if the injuries have a lasting impact on the individual’s ability to work.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and resulting injuries may be recoverable. This is a subjective type of damage and can vary depending on the severity of the injuries and their impact on the individual’s quality of life.

Property Damage

If personal belongings were damaged or lost in the bus accident, such as a cellphone, laptop, or other items, the cost of repair or replacement may be recoverable.

Loss of Consortium

If the injuries from the bus accident have affected the individual’s relationship with their spouse or family members, damages may be sought for the loss of companionship, support, and services.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a close family member due to a bus accident, we can assist you in filing a wrongful death claim. This legal action aims to seek additional compensation for various losses, including funeral and burial expenses, the loss of companionship, the loss of potential future income, and other damages that have resulted from the tragic incident.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages aim to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

At Karp Steiger Co., LPA, we have provided valuable support to numerous individuals and families facing similar circumstances, and we may be able to offer assistance to you as well. Our skilled Beachwood bus accident lawyer is dedicated to alleviating your legal burdens, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and well-being.

What is Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Injury Claims?

If you have been involved in a bus crash, you might be curious about the time limit for filing a bus crash claim. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to consult our Beachwood bus accident attorney at your earliest convenience. We can guide your rights and potentially assist you in filing a claim against the bus company.

According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, a negligence claim generally needs to be initiated within two years from the date of the bus accident. It’s important to note that this two-year period begins on the day of the crash, so time is of the essence. Additionally, specific incidents may have different timelines that apply, especially in cases involving wrongful death or when government entities are involved. 

Dealing with such legal matters can become more complex. By seeking advice from our knowledgeable legal professionals well-versed in Ohio’s statutes, you can ensure the protection of your rights and the uninterrupted progression of your claims.

Claims against the government are typically governed by the Tort Claims Act, which varies for federal agencies and may have specific rules adopted by states and municipalities to handle injury claims by private citizens. Filing a bus accident injury claim under the Tort Claims Act differs from filing one against a private individual or company. 

Government agency claims often require the completion of special forms and adherence to strict deadlines. Failure to submit the forms on time or accurately may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

Why Do I Need a Bus Accident Attorney in Ohio?

At Karp Steiger Co., LPA, our team of personal injury attorneys has a combined experience of over five decades in assisting accident victims to secure the rightful compensation they deserve. We possess the necessary resources to handle even the most complex bus accident cases.

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available to aid in your recovery. At Karp Steiger Co., LPA, our legal team is committed to:

• Address your inquiries and address any concerns you may have.
• Provide regular updates and keep you well-informed throughout the process.
• Obtain relevant medical records about your injuries from the bus accident.
• Determine the party responsible for the accident.
• Assess and determine the appropriate and complete value of your claim.
• Engage in negotiations to secure the highest possible compensation.
• Advocate for your rights and fight for all necessary resources, even if it requires litigation in court.

Throughout our practice, we have achieved numerous favorable settlements and verdicts on behalf of accident victims. Rest assured, we will tirelessly work towards obtaining the maximum compensation available for your case.  Contact us today!

An Ohio Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help

At Karp Steiger, we handle a variety of busing accidents, including RTA, suburban buses, school buses, shuttle buses, Greyhound buses, and tour buses. Further, we represent individuals involved in bus and car accidents, bus and pedestrian accidents, and bus and bicyclist accidents all over northeast Ohio.

Our team of experienced attorneys will meet with bus accident victims at a convenient location and thoroughly investigate the accident to determine who is at fault. We will fight to compensate the accident victim and hold the responsible party accountable. 

Call the attorneys at Karp Steiger at (216) 242-1171 if you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident. Our legal team can also help you legally with Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Dog Bites and Animal Attacks, Slip and Fall, Nursing Home Abuse, and Sex Abuse. Let us help achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.