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Orangeburg, SC Bus Accident Lawyer
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    Orangeburg, SC Bus Accident Lawyer

    Whether you charter a private bus, buy a ticket for a private bus line, or use public transportation, you deserve a safe journey. If you are injured in a bus accident, our legal team can help you have the appropriate parties held responsible and get you fair compensation.

    In many cases, a negligent bus driver is directly responsible for an accident and should be included in a lawsuit for damages. It may also be possible to include the bus driver’s employer, the bus company, and have them held vicariously liable. This may be more difficult if the bus driver works for a public transportation agency. In such cases, we may need to sue the governmental agency in charge of the public bus lines in your area.

    Ask our bus accident attorneys for a confidential legal assessment for no charge when you call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.

    Who Should Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident in Orangeburg, SC?

    When bus accidents occur, numerous people may be badly hurt, and the authorities are likely to launch a thorough investigation. Various people or entities might be responsible, and your attorney can help you sue them for fair compensation.

    The Negligent Bus Driver

    Many bus accidents happen because of negligent bus drivers. Common examples of bus driver negligence may include, but are not limited to, driving while distracted, speeding, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.

    The accident may be somewhat complicated, so the clear cause of the accident might not be immediately apparent. We may need to wait for the authorities to complete an investigation before we have any evidence of the bus driver’s negligence.

    Private Bus Companies

    If the bus driver is found to have directly caused the accident, our bus accident attorneys may sue their employer and hopefully have them held vicariously liable. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer may be held vicariously liable for injuries caused by a negligent employee if that employee’s negligence occurred within the normal scope of their job.

    It is often a good idea to include the bus company in the lawsuit because it likely has greater financial resources and is better able to pay your damages.

    Public Transportation Entities

    If the bus company that employs the negligent driver is a public transportation entity, your lawsuit may be a bit more complex.

    Orangeburg is served by the Cross Country Connection, which provides several bus routes, connections between two college campuses in the city, and paratransit services. If you are involved in an accident with a public bus, you may need to sue the local government.

    In South Carolina, when suing a governmental entity, you must serve notice of your claim to the State Fiscal Accountability Authority within 1 year of the accident. If you do not, you may be unable to bring your claim at all.

    Should I Sue for a Bus Accident or File an Insurance Claim?

    Bus accidents are likely covered by auto insurance, like most other auto accidents. Whether insurance or a lawsuit is a better legal option depends on your specific situation and what you want out of your case.

    Pros and Cons of Insurance Claims for Bus Accidents

    Insurance can be helpful when it is available, and the insurance process tends to move faster than the courts. Injured victims may receive compensation faster than through a personal injury lawsuit, which is an important consideration for those who need compensation as soon as possible.

    Unfortunately, many insurance policies are limited and might not cover the full extent of your damages. Many damages may be excluded, such as non-economic damages. As such, if you choose only to file an insurance claim, you might not get the full extent of your damages covered.

    Can I Sue for a Bus Accident if I Already Filed an Insurance Claim?

    Generally, you can sue for damages after filing an insurance claim for the same accident. Most injured victims pursue insurance first, and then, if insurance is not enough, they take the case to court.

    Not only that, but courts often want to see plaintiffs exhaust their insurance options before suing. If a judge learns that a plaintiff could have filed an insurance claim but failed to do so, they might not be very happy.

    Benefits of a Lawsuit for a Bus Accident

    A lawsuit often helps plaintiffs get more compensation than they would through insurance alone. Not only can you claim damages in a lawsuit that may be unavailable in an insurance claim, but you may not be restricted by policy limits.

    While lawsuits tend to take longer and require far more evidence, they are often worth the time and effort.

    FAQs About Suing for Bus Accidents in Orangeburg, SC

    How Do Bus Accidents Often Occur?

    Many bus accidents result from driver negligence. A bus driver might be distracted, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or just driving recklessly. We might not know exactly how your accident happened until after the police complete a formal investigation.

    Who May Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident in Orangeburg, SC?

    After a bus accident, the negligent bus driver may be held responsible. Depending on how the accident happened, the bus driver’s employer, the bus company, may also be held responsible. If the bus is part of public transportation, you may sue the governmental entity that oversees the bus line.

    What Damages Are Available in Bus Accident Cases?

    Damages in a bus accident lawsuit may include economic losses such as medical bills, property damage, and lost income if you cannot return to work due to your injuries. You may also claim non-economic damages such as pain, distress, and the reduction of your quality of life, if applicable.

    Should I File a Lawsuit or an Insurance Claim After a Bus Accident?

    Generally, bus accident victims often file insurance claims first. If insurance is insufficient or unavailable, they may pursue injury lawsuits against the bus driver and their employer. You do not necessarily have to pursue both options, and your lawyer can help you decide which path works best for you.

    How Long Do I Have to Bring Legal Action for a Bus Accident in Orangeburg, SC?

    In South Carolina, injured victims have only 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your case involves public transportation, you must file a notice of your claim with the appropriate governmental authorities no later than 1 year after the accident.

    Contact Our Orangeburg, SC Bus Accident Lawyers for Help Today

    Ask our bus accident attorneys for a confidential legal assessment for no charge when you call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.

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    Results

    $11 Million
    Confidential settlement regarding a father of three that was catastrophically injured at his workplace when he was the victim of negligent acts committed by a corporate defendant that placed him in danger.
    Confidential settlement regarding a father of three that was catastrophically injured at his workplace when he was the victim of negligent acts committed by a corporate defendant that placed him in danger.
    $8.5 Million
    Client’s husband was struck and killed by a speeding driver working for a South Carolina corporation who was in the course and scope of his employment at the time of the crash. The decedent left behind a spouse and three children.
    Client’s husband was struck and killed by a speeding driver working for a South Carolina corporation who was in the course and scope of his employment at the time of the crash. The decedent left behind a spouse and three children.
    $6.2 Million
    Client was struck and killed by a commercial vehicle that was distracted at the time of the crash. The event occurred on a rural South Carolina roadway. Claims were brought against the driver as well as the corporation.
    Client was struck and killed by a commercial vehicle that was distracted at the time of the crash. The event occurred on a rural South Carolina roadway. Claims were brought against the driver as well as the corporation.
    $6 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a failing component of a commercial motor vehicle that fell from the vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and operator of the tractor trailer as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle.
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a failing component of a commercial motor vehicle that fell from the vehicle into the roadway. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and operator of the tractor trailer as well as the manufacturer of the vehicle.
    $5 Million
    The client’s child was killed in a crash involving a trucking company. Claims were brought against both the trucking company and the owner of the faulty equipment that was unsafe for use on the roadway.
    The client’s child was killed in a crash involving a trucking company. Claims were brought against both the trucking company and the owner of the faulty equipment that was unsafe for use on the roadway.
    $4.1 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a refrigeration system that malfunctioned, spraying ammonia gas into the Plaintiff's face. As a result of this event, the Plaintiff sustained significant vision loss. The Plaintiff brought claims against his employer and the manufacturer of this system.
    The Plaintiff was injured as a result of a refrigeration system that malfunctioned, spraying ammonia gas into the Plaintiff's face. As a result of this event, the Plaintiff sustained significant vision loss. The Plaintiff brought claims against his employer and the manufacturer of this system.
    $2 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured while riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. This event occurred in the city of Columbia and the Plaintiff sustained significant bodily injury resulting in extensive medical expenses and permanent injury.
    The Plaintiff was injured while riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. This event occurred in the city of Columbia and the Plaintiff sustained significant bodily injury resulting in extensive medical expenses and permanent injury.
    $1.8 Million
    The Plaintiff was injured when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer on Interstate 20. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and driver of the tractor trailer for his injuries relate to his lower back.
    The Plaintiff was injured when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer on Interstate 20. The Plaintiff brought claims against the owner and driver of the tractor trailer for his injuries relate to his lower back.
    $1.5 Million
    The Plaintiff sustained significant injury when she was attacked by a dog while performing repairs on a rental property. The Plaintiff was at the rental property as part of her employment with a rental management agency. She was attacked by the animal and sustained permanent nerve damage in her legs.
    The Plaintiff sustained significant injury when she was attacked by a dog while performing repairs on a rental property. The Plaintiff was at the rental property as part of her employment with a rental management agency. She was attacked by the animal and sustained permanent nerve damage in her legs.
    $1.3 Million
    The Plaintiff was killed as a result of a collision with a logging truck that had been improperly loaded by a timber harvester. The proceeds of the settlement were funded by both the timber harvester and the owner of the logging truck.
    The Plaintiff was killed as a result of a collision with a logging truck that had been improperly loaded by a timber harvester. The proceeds of the settlement were funded by both the timber harvester and the owner of the logging truck.
    $1.5 Million
    The Plaintiff underwent surgery to her neck as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck on the head by a piece of loading equipment at her job. The Plaintiff was employed by a national retailer and was engaged in stocking shelves when the piece of equipment failed. After settling her workers' compensation claim, the Plaintiff brought a claim against the manufacturer of this equipment.
    The Plaintiff underwent surgery to her neck as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck on the head by a piece of loading equipment at her job. The Plaintiff was employed by a national retailer and was engaged in stocking shelves when the piece of equipment failed. After settling her workers' compensation claim, the Plaintiff brought a claim against the manufacturer of this equipment.
    $1.1 Million
    The Plaintiff brought a claim against a local medical facility for a false positive HIV reading. As a result of this false positive, the Plaintiff lived for 4½ years believing that she had the virus which leads to what she feared was an eventual AIDS diagnosis.
    The Plaintiff brought a claim against a local medical facility for a false positive HIV reading. As a result of this false positive, the Plaintiff lived for 4½ years believing that she had the virus which leads to what she feared was an eventual AIDS diagnosis.
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