Albuquerque Bus Accident Lawyer

Our Albuquerque bus accident lawyer specializes in representing victims of bus accidents, offering dedicated and comprehensive support to ensure your rights are protected and just compensation is pursued. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, call (505) 207-4401 or message us online to arrange a free consultation today.

Why Choose Davis Kelin?

• Our Albuquerque personal injury attorneys possess a deep understanding of the laws and regulations specific to bus accidents, including those involving public transportation, private buses, and charter services.
• We have more than 50 years of combined experience, allowing us to provide the highest quality legal services possible to each client.
• We accept bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if you win.

Why You Need an Albuquerque Bus Accident Attorney

Being involved in a bus accident can be a complex and challenging experience, and seeking the assistance of a specialized bus accident attorney is crucial for the following various reasons:

Legal Knowledge

Bus accidents often involve unique laws and regulations that differ from other types of vehicle accidents. A lawyer with experience in bus accident cases can navigate these complexities and build a strong case on your behalf.

Understanding of Liability Issues

Determining liability in a bus accident can be intricate, involving factors such as the bus driver’s actions, the bus company’s maintenance procedures, and potential third-party involvement. A lawyer can assess the circumstances to identify all responsible parties.

Thorough Investigation

Bus accident cases require thorough investigations. A lawyer can conduct or oversee investigations into the accident, collecting evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and any relevant documents to strengthen your case.

Knowledge of Insurance Policies

Bus accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including those of the bus company, other involved vehicles, and potentially government entities. A lawyer understands how to navigate these policies and ensure that all applicable coverages are considered.

Maximizing Compensation

A bus accident lawyer is dedicated to maximizing the compensation you receive. This includes not only immediate expenses like medical bills and property damage but also long-term considerations.

Advocacy Against Bus Companies

Bus companies and their insurers have legal teams focused on minimizing liability and payouts. Having a dedicated lawyer levels the playing field, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of during negotiations.

Trial Experience

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a Bus Accident Lawyer is prepared to take your case to court. Their experience with litigation ensures that your case is presented effectively to secure the best possible outcome.

Peace of Mind and Support

Dealing with the aftermath of a bus accident can be overwhelming. Having a lawyer provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a legal advocate who is focused on your best interests. They offer support, guidance, and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.

Common Causes of Albuquerque Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but the most common causes in Albuquerque include the following:

Driver Error

Bus drivers and others on the road can make preventable mistakes or errors that lead to accidents. For example, failing to use signals, drifting into another lane, abrupt lane changes, failing to obey traffic signs, driving while tired, etc.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions, mostly caused by talking or texting on a cell phone, eating or drinking, reaching for an item, talking to passengers, reaching for an item, or daydreaming.

Speeding

Speeding drastically increases the time a driver needs to brake and avoid a crash. Additionally, speeding makes it easier for drivers to lose control or make a bad decision when they are in a hurry.

Defective Bus Equipment

Bus companies are required to perform routine safety inspections and maintenance of their vehicles to ensure they are safe for use. However, if they fail to regularly inspect or properly maintain a bus, equipment failure can cause an accident. Additionally, some buses or their parts are inherently dangerous due to manufacturing defects, which would make the manufacturer liable for a collision through a product liability claim.

Driving Under the Influence

A driver’s ability to operate a bus safely is significantly diminished if they are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. It is against the law for bus drivers to work while impaired. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict guidelines against it and requires testing.

Road Hazards

Bus accidents can also be caused by dangerous road conditions or hazards, such as inclement weather, large potholes or cracks, narrow roads, faded lines, a lack of signage, or construction zones.

Who is Liable for a Bus Accident?

Liability for a bus accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Here are some potential parties that could be liable for a bus accident:

Bus Driver

The bus driver may be liable if their negligence, recklessness, or impairment contributed to the accident. This could include actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.

Bus Company or Operator

The entity that owns or operates the bus, whether it’s a public transportation agency, a private company, or a charter service, may be liable for the actions of their drivers or their own negligence, such as issues related to hiring, training, maintenance, and supervision.

Other Drivers

In some cases, other drivers on the road may contribute to or cause a bus accident. If another motorist’s negligence is a factor, they could be liable for the damages. Our Albuquerque car accident lawyer is ready to handle complex situations such as this.

Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers

If a bus accident is caused by a defect in the bus or its components, the manufacturer or those responsible for maintenance may be held liable. This could include problems with brakes, tires, or other critical systems.

Government Entities

If the bus is owned or operated by a government entity, such as a municipal transit agency, they could be liable for negligence, but sovereign immunity laws might impose limitations on the claims.

Contractors or Third Parties

If the bus company contracts out certain services, such as maintenance or driver training, and negligence on the part of these contractors contributes to the accident, they may share liability.

Pedestrians or Other Passengers

In some cases, pedestrians or other passengers may contribute to an accident through their actions.

Identifying the liable party or parties is a complex process and often requires a detailed examination of the accident, witness statements, police reports, and potentially expert opinions. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, and the degree of fault for each party must be assessed.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been a victim of a bus accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Consulting an Albuquerque Bus Accident Lawyer ensures that your rights are protected, and you have the necessary support to pursue a fair and just resolution to your claim. Call (505) 207-4401 or message us online to arrange a free consultation today.