Pittsburgh Bus Accident Lawyer

Skilled Bus Accident Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Buses are an essential part of public transportation, as well as private travel, on a local and national level. In addition to commercial buses, school buses are used by students nearly everywhere. However, in the event one of these large and heavy vehicles gets into an accident, victims can feel confused and lost about what to do next. It’s recommended that you consult a skilled Pittsburgh bus accident lawyer after you or your loved one has been hurt.

About Ainsman Levine, LLC

Ainsman Levine, LLC, is recognized as one of the pre-eminent injury law firms for clients throughout western and central Pennsylvania. Our experienced attorneys have been celebrated for professional achievements and civic involvement for years. We continually strive to offer our clients and their families insightful legal counsel and aggressive representation. With our client-first approach, you receive a personalized approach to your case.

Understanding Bus Accident Laws

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 274 school buses and 461 commercial buses were involved in crashes in 2022. Of the nearly 2,800 people involved in school bus crashes that year, approximately 303 injuries occurred.

Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Poorly trained bus drivers, including negligent bus driver hiring or training procedures
• Reckless driving, including speeding or operating a bus while under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• Bus rollovers due to top-heavy designs
• Lack of safety restraints
• Adverse weather conditions, such as snow, heavy fog, or rain
• Poor road conditions or traffic management
• Improper vehicle maintenance

Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer

You should hire a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible following your incident to streamline the injury claim proceedings, avoid mistakes, and increase your chances of pursuing the damages you may be entitled to. It can be challenging to face Pennsylvania injury laws by yourself, particularly when you’re not sure how much you may be entitled to. A skilled Pittsburgh bus accident attorney can advocate for you effectively so you can recover enough to cover the damages incurred.

In a bus accident case, any damages or losses caused as a direct result of your injury from the crash can be potentially recovered. This includes economic damages such as past or future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished ability to earn income, property damage, and more. You can also seek to recover non-economic damages, which may include physical pain, psychological suffering, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement or scarring, and more.

Where Bus Accident Cases Are Handled

Bus accident cases in Pittsburgh are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. The main courthouse, the Allegheny County Courthouse, is located at 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Legal venues and other critical details can vary depending on where the accident occurred, the parties involved, and other case factors. Be sure to confirm any addresses or contact information with your bus accident lawyer.

FAQs

Can I Get Compensation If My Bus Crashes in PA?

In Pennsylvania, it’s possible to get compensation if your bus crashes and you were harmed and real damages occurred as a direct result. Depending on the nature of the bus accident, various parties may be held liable. It is strongly recommended that you consult an experienced bus accident attorney to help you navigate the injury claim process. A skilled injury lawyer can assess the details of your case to determine liability and how much compensation you may be entitled to.

What Are Common Injuries in Bus Accidents in PA?

There are several injuries that can occur in bus accidents in Pennsylvania. Fractured or broken bones from the force of a crash can cause you to fall or smash into the side of the vehicle. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash can result in soft tissue injuries, long-term pain and discomfort. Internal damage, such as internal bleeding, punctured lungs, and other organ damage, can be life-threatening. Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and serious brain damage, can leave you with lifelong impairments.

When Should I File a Bus Accident Injury Claim in PA?

In Pennsylvania, you should file a bus accident injury claim as soon as possible to avoid the deadline passing and losing out on your ability to seek compensation. The statute of limitations on most personal injury cases in the state is two years from the date of the accident or from when the injury was discovered. You should act quickly, including seeking medical attention and consulting an injury lawyer to recover funds you may be owed.

How Long Does a Bus Accident Case Take in PA?

The amount of time it takes to settle a bus accident case in Pennsylvania can vary greatly depending on the nature of the traffic collision, the parties responsible, court scheduling, and the complexity of the case. The extent of your injuries, what evidence is available, and other important factors can influence how complicated the case is. Generally, these types of cases may take anywhere from a few months to a year, or longer in extremely contested or complex circumstances.

Do I Need a Bus Accident Injury Lawyer in PA?

While you don’t need a bus accident injury lawyer to seek compensation in Pennsylvania, it is strongly recommended that you work with a skilled legal professional. There is no law requiring you to work with legal counsel, but doing so can streamline the injury claim process and make it easier to manage paperwork, deadlines, and the stress of facing the legal system. Your attorney is also there to advocate on behalf of your interests and rights throughout the proceedings.

Pittsburgh Bus Accident Lawyer

At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we understand how scary it can sometimes be to move forward with an injury case. We are here to reassure you and guide you through each step so you can feel confident about recovering your damages. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation with a qualified and capable injury law attorney who can go over the details of your bus accident with you.