New Bedford Bus Accident Lawyer

In November of 2022, a school bus and a car t-boned into each other, resulting in at least six children receiving injuries and going to the hospital. While no one faced fatal injuries from the incident, there were severe emotional reactions from the children and other onlookers. Approximately 30 children were aboard the school bus the afternoon of the crash, and it was around 4:40 p.m. when the car t-boned the large vehicle. Many of the kids were scared, and witnesses noted hearing the upset children cry and call out.

When serious accidents happen, injuries and intense feelings of confusion and frustration can result. Even when cars run into much larger vehicles, bus passengers are not always guaranteed to be safe from bodily harm. If you want to hold the liable individuals accountable for your injuries, you don’t need to face legal matters or the healing process alone. The bus accident attorneys from Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers can provide valuable assistance and support during this challenging time. Schedule a free consultation by calling (617) 391-9001 or completing our contact form today.

How Is Fault Determined in a Bus Accident Case?

New Bedford and the rest of Massachusetts use modified comparative negligence while distributing fault in court. This means that victims can receive compensation if they are less than 51% at fault for the incident. However, if you have too much responsibility in an accident, you cannot receive compensation through the Massachusetts legal system.

The percentage of fault delegated to each party determines the compensation they are liable to pay the victim. If someone is found 40% responsible for a $200,000 claim value, they will be liable for paying victims $80,000. This also creates the opportunity for multiple individuals to be responsible for your losses, eliminating the limitations of only holding one party accountable when this isn’t necessary.

For assistance holding liable parties accountable for your losses, we recommend you work with a New Bedford bus accident attorney. Your attorney can help you accurately estimate your case’s compensatory value, hold each party accountable for their actions, and mitigate any responsibility you might carry for the accident. We recommend you contact a lawyer for more information.

Information You Should Collect Following a Bus Accident

Following a bus accident resulting in serious injuries, we recommend collecting evidence and information related to the events. Helpful documents and items may include the following:

• Witness statements and contact information
• Insurance information from the liable parties
• Police or crash reports
• Video and photographs
• Physical evidence
• Medical bills
• Doctor’s notes
• Recommended treatment plan information
• Documentation of your injuries
• Other relevant information

If you want compensation for your losses, these can be useful in a couple of different avenues. When you file a claim with the appropriate insurance policy, submitting relevant information can help ensure you qualify for as much compensation as possible. These documents will also be helpful during legal consultations should you take legal action for additional payment.

Signs You Should See a Doctor After a Bus Accident

Following a bus accident, or any other incident that might bring about serious injuries, we strongly recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible. This might mean paying a visit to urgent care, the emergency room, or seeing your general practitioner, depending on the severity of your condition. The following are strong indicators that you should seek medical help after your accident:

• Pain in your shoulder, neck, chest, abdomen, back, or stomach
• Increased occurrence or severity of headaches
• Numbness or tingling
• Issues with balance
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Sleep issues, including nightmares about the event
• Changes in personality, including increased irritability
• Difficulty breathing, such as shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Working with medical professionals can help you during legal matters and prioritize the recovery process.

Presenting medical bills, for example, can help you accurately estimate your case’s value and ensure you receive fair compensation from the responsible parties. For assistance finding qualified and trustworthy practitioners, you may be able to receive a referral from your New Bedford bus accident lawyer.

Is It Expensive to Work With a Bus Accident Lawyer?

While most lawyers have a reputation for being expensive, you don’t need to worry about your financial stability when you work with Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay for attorney fees until you win your case, and you can prioritize your recovery instead. Your bus accident lawyer can help you manage stress by speaking on your behalf, completing and filing paperwork, and leveling the playing field against other legal representatives.

We encourage you to refrain from representing yourself during your bus accident claims, as there are many risks you may be unable to avoid. Self-representation may result in reduced compensation and unfair representation of your case, but your New Bedford bus accident lawyer can help. Your attorney can represent you fairly and favorably while helping you obtain the compensation you need to focus on your recovery.

Get Valuable Assistance From a New Bedford Bus Accident Lawyer at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have been in a bus accident that leaves you suffering from serious injuries, you will likely benefit from retaining outstanding services from Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers. Many of our specialists—including Attorney Peter M. Merrigan—work with great dedication on vehicular accidents, like bus accidents resulting in serious injuries. Our bus accident lawyers have several accolades, including those from outlets such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.

Our team has over 45 years of legal experience and we are prepared to bring you the great results you deserve. You can schedule a free consultation when you call (617) 391-9001 or complete the contact form on our website. Our New Bedford bus accident attorneys are patiently waiting to hear from you and look forward to holding the at-fault parties responsible for your losses.