In Milwaukee, bus accident lawyers are needed more often than you might think. While you may not hear of them often, bus accidents are extremely dangerous, and those caused by negligence generally fall into two categories: driver error and vehicle/mechanical failure.
Who’s at Fault? Bus Company and Bus Driver Responsibilities
Because bus accident litigation may not only involve negligent bus drivers but also the companies who hire them, determining who is ultimately responsible for paying damages for a bus accident can sometimes be challenging for Wisconsin bus accident lawyers.
In general, bus companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are drug free and competent, that drivers do not exceed the maximum number of hours that they’re allowed to drive uninterrupted, and that vehicles are maintained and free of mechanical defects that may lead to mechanical failure.
That said, the most common causes of bus accidents in Wisconsin that lawyers see are driver error due to fatigue, bus drivers driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driver incompetence due to inexperience or inadequate training. This means that while a bus accident may be due to driver error, the responsible party may still end up being the bus company.
Causes of Bus Accidents in Wisconsin
Someone may need a bus accident lawyer in Wisconsin because they’re involved in a bus accident that is caused by:
- Fatigue-induced Driver Error
- Drug-induced Driver Error
- Speeding
- Bad Weather
- Overly Aggressive Driving
- Failure to Yield Right of Way
Due to their size and weight, bus accidents can result in physical and bodily damage that far exceed that seen in car accidents. Victims of bus accidents in Wisconsin my find themselves with traumatic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis, broken bones, limb amputation, spinal cord injuries and much more. In fact, bus accident victims may find themselves needing physical therapy and medical care for the rest of their lives.
Bus Companies Will Try to Avoid Litigation and Lawsuits
Because bus accidents caused by bus driver negligence can result in catastrophic ( if not fatal) injuries that may far exceed the amount of damage typically seen in car accidents, bus accidents can result in huge lawsuits and personal injury claims. For this very reason, bus companies and insurance companies will often start building a case against a bus accident victim before the victim has even had a chance to consult an accident attorney. The insurance company’s only goal is to avoid paying victims what they’re due.
Finding the Best Bus Accident Lawyers in Wisconsin
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bus accident, it is vital that you find qualified bus accident lawyers in Milwaukee who understand the state’s laws regarding fault and responsibility. At Gebhard Law Office, we have extensive experience with bus accident litigation. Choose us and we’ll do everything we can to make those responsible pay, and to help you get the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Milwaukee personal injury attorney Karl Gebhard is available throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the surrounding areas, including Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, West Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa, St. Francis, South Milwaukee, River Hills, Oak Creek, Milwaukee, Hales Corners, Greenfield, Greendale, Glendale, Franklin, Fox Point, Cudahy, Brown Deer, Bayside, Green Bay, Madison, Racine, and Jefferson. All services handled on a “you only pay if we win,” contingency basis.