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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below
for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Buses are a popular public and private transportation choice in Idaho due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience. However, there have been cases of bus accidents that leave victims with injuries, and others lead to fatalities. According to statistics, around 48,000 bus accidents happened in a recent year in the U.S., with about 10,000 causing injuries and over 200 fatalities.
If involved in a bus accident, you often have the right to seek financial compensation for the losses you incurred. Idaho law allows victims to file an insurance claim or injury lawsuit against the negligent parties who caused the collision. However, it is highly beneficial to have an Idaho bus accident attorney to help safeguard your rights.
At Andrew Injury Law, we understand the challenges that bus accident victims face, especially when those injuries require extensive medical treatment. Our team combines compassion, experience, and dedication to manage your case effectively. You can be confident as we advocate for your rights and interests in securing a fair settlement that covers your losses.
Contact our Idaho bus accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
When looking for a personal injury law firm for your bus accident claim, you don’t want to make a mistake. Unfortunately, some bus accident victims are left without the compensation they deserve, which can cause serious financial stress for years to come.
To protect your future, the right legal representation is key, as choosing the right attorney can often greatly improve the outcome of your claim. Here’s why Andrew Law should be your top choice:
At Andrew Injury Law, we are confident in our ability to deliver positive outcomes. That is why you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case. Our focus is on securing justice and financial recovery for you.
We’ve got a solid history of winning cases as a personal injury law firm. We have consistently won cases for our clients, some with six or seven-figure settlements. Our history of winning cases speaks clearly about our dedication and ability in handling personal injury claims.
Experience matters a lot when dealing with auto accident claims. Our team at Andrew Injury Law has many years of experience navigating the legal system and fighting for the rights of accident victims. Our experience allows us to handle each case with professionalism and skill.
Our drive goes beyond just winning cases to changing lives. Our team understands the ongoing medical needs and emotional toll a bus accident can take on you and your family.
As a result, we approach every case with compassion by ensuring that all your medical, emotional, and financial needs are adequately considered in damages evaluation.
No two bus accident claim cases are the same. This requires personalized case handling tailored to each specific situation.
That is why our lawyers take the time to understand the unique details of your case and craft a strategy that aligns with your needs. A personalized approach ensures you receive the dedicated attention and representation that will likely lead to a positive outcome.
Recovering from an accident while managing legal issues can be overwhelming. The medical bills, insurance claims, and potential lawsuits add stress during an already challenging time. At Andrew Law, we take on this burden so you can focus on healing.
Also, we believe that you’re not just another case file but part of our family. We approach each client with the compassion and respect they rightfully deserve. From the moment you walk through our doors, we will work together with you so you are informed about every development in your case.
Importantly, we don’t hold back when using our network and resources to build a strong claim. This is beneficial when gathering evidence, consulting with experts, or negotiating with insurance companies.
As earlier established, thousands of bus accidents occur annually nationwide. These accidents involve various types of buses, whether for public transportation or private charter.
In 2022 alone, 13,268 individuals reported injuries in bus accidents, including passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. Furthermore, 248 people lost their lives in these accidents, with fatalities occurring in about 1.6% of all bus crashes.
In Idaho, a total of 46 bus accidents occurred in 2022. Among these crashes, two were fatal, resulting in two deaths, and 18 crashes involved injuries.
The law has different provisions for different types of buses. For example, school bus accidents are governed by the Idaho Code 33-1508 and may involve school districts, which enjoy legal immunity in many cases. While there are exceptions for injury claims, you must follow strict procedures.
However, an Best Bus Accident Lawyer in Idaho can handle the case professionally and hold the liable parties accountable despite special requirements.
While bus and car accidents both fall under the auto accidents category, there are key differences. These differences are important considerations that influence legal proceedings.
First, buses are significantly larger and heavier than cars, so they can cause more serious damage and injuries in accidents. Bus passengers also rarely wear seat belts, often increasing the severity of injuries.
Buses are subject to strict federal and state regulations that other drivers are not. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial trucks to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance. A bus driver in Idaho must also have a commercial driver’s license and must comply with federal safety regulations.
Legal proceedings for bus accidents can be complex due to the possibility of dealing with huge entities, such as bus companies and manufacturers. Evidence can be technical, and it is important to have a skilled attorney with significant resources handling your case.
In Idaho, the types of buses involved in accidents might include:
These categories all meet the definition provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of commercial vehicles.
No matter the type of bus involved in an accident, the risk of injuries exists. Therefore, it’s advisable to hire an attorney to represent you in your claim for the best possible outcome.
Identifying the cause of a bus accident helps establish who is at fault, which is essential for seeking compensation from the responsible party. Possible causes of bus accidents in Idaho include:
Your attorney will look into the circumstances leading to the accident to determine liability. This may involve reviewing black box data from the bus and analyzing evidence from the scene.
Should you or a loved one be involved in a bus accident in Idaho, you need to understand the process of filing a claim. This is because personal injury cases in Idaho are governed by laws that, if not adhered to, may affect your claim negatively.
Here are some steps to take:
Ensure you receive prompt medical care for the injuries sustained in the accident. Sometimes, the injuries may not show up after the accident, often due to the adrenaline rush. However, be sure to seek medical treatment regardless of whether or not there are observable physical injuries at the moment.
Medical treatment creates medical records that document the extent and nature of your injuries. Failure to seek treatment after a bus accident can be used against you to argue that your injuries were not severe. This can potentially decrease the amount of compensation you receive.
Notify local law enforcement and file an official accident report. If you’re involved in a bus accident within city limits that leads to injury, fatality, or property damage exceeding $1,500, you must promptly report it to the police.
Additionally, it is important to file an accident report with the DMV within ten days following the incident. You can obtain Form ITD-3317 from your local sheriff or download it from the Idaho Transportation Department website. Fill out the required details, such as your address, driver’s license details, and bus registration number, among others.
The next step involves determining responsibility for the accident. This could involve the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance providers, or even other drivers involved in the crash. Your attorney will help determine liability for pursuing your claim effectively.
Although the law allows individuals to represent themselves in civil claims, having a lawyer on your side is highly advisable. An attorney will help you navigate the legal system and fight for what’s best for you.
In Idaho, responsibility for a bus accident may fall on several parties, including:
Bus drivers are responsible for passenger safety and adherence to traffic laws. They can be held liable if their actions or inactions lead to an accident. Common examples include:
In these cases, proving driver negligence is key to establishing liability.
Bus companies have an obligation to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles and their drivers are adequately trained. Liability can arise if the company fails in any of these areas.
For instance, if the company neglects routine maintenance checks leading to mechanical failures, or hires drivers without proper background checks and training, they can be held accountable.
Additionally, failure to adhere to safety standards and regulations set by transportation authorities can also result in the company being deemed liable.
Government entities, such as state or municipal agencies, can be held responsible if the accident is due to poor road conditions or other infrastructural issues. This includes poorly maintained roads, obscured signage, malfunctioning traffic lights, or unsafe road designs.
Note that claims against government entities can be complex due to sovereign immunity laws. However, your lawyer can help prove the entity’s negligence and hold them accountable.
Other drivers on the road who exhibit reckless or negligent behavior can also be held liable if their actions contribute to a bus accident. In case of a multi-vehicle collision, your attorney will be akin to establishing the chain of events and the role of each driver in causing the accident.
Bus and parts manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are free from defects. If a defective part leads to an accident, manufacturers can be held liable.
This can also extend to design flaws or manufacturing errors. In proving product liability for a bus accident claim, your lawyer will have to show that the defect existed during manufacture and directly caused the bus accident.
Idaho is an at-fault state, which means that those who file compensation claims following an accident must prove that the other party was at fault.
Entirely at fault? Certainly not. The state adopts a modified comparative negligence system. This means that in order to recover compensation, the plaintiff must not be more at fault for the accident than the other party. However, you can still recover damages so long as you are no more than 50% at fault.
Your attorney will assist in collecting all necessary evidence to prove your claim, including:
Your legal advocate will also work to maximize your recovery by proving the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life, by ensuring all relevant damages are accounted for.
Securing compensation for a bus accident requires an understanding of local regulations, negotiating with insurance firms, and potentially engaging in legal battles with big transport entities. This is where the help of an Idaho bus accident attorney comes in handy.
At Andrew Injury Law, we will guide you on the best course of action and represent your interests throughout the entire process. Our attorneys’ aim is to ensure you receive the restitution you deserve. Call us today at 208-517-7670 to discuss the losses you suffered in the accident. We offer a free case evaluation.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.Matthew C. Andrew
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
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Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
Idaho bus accident attorneys can guide you through the legal maze after an accident. They help collect critical evidence, determine fault, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They have the resources to ensure that documents are filed appropriately and submitted within the required timeframes to increase the chances of a fair and timely outcome.
The Idaho Code § 5-218 sets the timeframe for filing a property damage claim to three years after the accident. However, you have two years to file a personal injury claim after a bus accident, as per Idaho Code § 5-219. This is not much time, and acting promptly is essential to preserve your rights and gather necessary evidence while it’s still fresh.
Choosing Andrew Law means working with a dedicated team with substantial experience in accident cases. We understand Idaho’s laws inside and out and are committed to fighting for your rights. Also, we employ a personalized approach to ensure that you receive the attention and support you need throughout the claim period.
Your claim must be safeguarded through the following measures:
An attorney from our firm will enlighten you on the “Do’s and Don’ts” to help avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your claim.
We can assist injured clients in recovering various types of damages, including:
In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the defendant’s actions are deemed reckless or malicious. However, the law caps non-economic damages to $250,000, adjusted every year (Idaho Code § 6-1603). We will always fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case