School Bus Accident Lawyer in Newton, MA

While buses sit higher on the road and are considered safer than smaller vehicles, accidents involving buses can still result in serious injuries. Most accidents don’t occur on the bus; instead, they happen when children are boarding or exiting a bus.

Common injuries associated with bus accidents include:

• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spine injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Whiplash
• Bone fractures
• Lacerations
• Skin burns

Who is Liable in a School Bus Accident?

Determining liability in a school bus accident can be tricky. Multiple parties can be at fault for the accident, including:

• The driver of the bus
• The driver’s employer
• The bus manufacturer
• The team responsible for maintaining the bus
• The driver of another vehicle involved in the accident

Pinpointing which party is liable for the accident requires careful evaluation of all aspects of the case. Your school bus accident lawyer in Newton, MA, will handle this part of the process, conducting an in-depth investigation to gather evidence and determine who is to blame for the accident.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in a School Bus Accident Lawsuit?

If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident due to another person’s negligence, you may pursue multiple types of compensation through a lawsuit. There are two primary categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages cover the financial aspects of your case, such as your medical bills, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. Non-economic damages apply to the non-financial aspects of your case, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, or loss of consortium.

Generally, non-economic damages are based on your economic damage amount. Lawyers often multiply the economic damage amount by a factor between 1.5 and 5 to determine the non-economic damage amount.

How Much Is My School Bus Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your school bus accident claim hinges on factors specific to the accident, including the severity of the injuries and who is liable for the accident.

For example, if the school bus company is found to be liable, you may encounter compensation caps. Public school districts are departments of the municipal government. Under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, government liability is limited to $100,000 in damages per plaintiff. This means that if the school bus company is liable, the amount you may recover is capped at $100,000.

However, since the school bus company isn’t always responsible, these caps don’t apply to all cases. In addition, the bus company may be owned by a private entity or company, which is not subject to the tort claims act or the cap. Your lawyer will determine how much you may pursue based on who is liable, the severity of your injuries, and other applicable factors.

How Can a Lawyer Help With My School Bus Accident Case?

Navigating the intricacies of the legal system when dealing with your or your child’s injuries and recovery can be overwhelming, to say the least. Filing a lawsuit might be the last thing on your mind, but if those injuries are due to another’s negligence, it’s an important part of pursuing compensation.

While you or your child focus on recovery, your school bus accident attorney in Newton, MA, will:

• Conduct an investigation to collect vital evidence, such as dashcam footage, witness testimonies, and medical records
• Offer sound legal guidance to help you make informed decisions
• Handle communication with insurance companies and other involved parties.
• Field settlement negotiations with the insurer of the at-fault party
• Represent you in court if you don’t receive a fair and meaningful settlement offer
• Advocate for your rights to ensure the best possible outcome

At the Fogelman Law Firm, we understand how stressful and overwhelming the aftermath of a bus accident case can be. We’re here to make the process as stress-free and streamlined as possible, handling the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.