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Denver Personal Injury Lawyers

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Denver Bus Accident Lawyer Near You

denver bus accident lawyer near you

Buses are a convenient means of transportation because they don’t require the same level of infrastructure development as a subway system, they’re less expensive to maintain, and they reduce energy consumption per capita.

 

Buses transport thousands of people each day, but unfortunately, bus accidents can cause unnecessary pain, suffering, injury, and even death due to their size and the number of people they transport at a time. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, speak with a Denver bus accident lawyer who can inform you of your rights and protect your entitlement to damages through a claim.

Steps to take after being hurt in a bus accident in Denver, CO

denver bus accidentThe immediate aftermath of a bus accident can be extremely overwhelming, but your health and future claim hinge on your actions during this crucial time. In the moments after the crash, stay as calm and composed as possible and take the following steps.

1. Move to a safer location

Remaining in the middle of a chaotic bus accident scene can leave you vulnerable to further harm. If possible, move to another location near the accident site that is removed from traffic and other hazards.

2. Call 911 and ask for police and an ambulance

Once you’re in a safe area, you should call 911 and inform them that you were involved in a bus accident. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s a good idea to request an ambulance because some serious injuries aren’t visible to the eye, and someone could be injured. Additionally, you should request a police officer to the scene to document the accident.

3. Tell your side of the story to the responding police officer

When the police officer arrives, tell them your side of the story and answer any questions they may have, but avoid making assumptions or admitting fault. Your statement will be included in the police report and can become an essential piece of evidence if you choose to file a claim.

4. Notify your insurance company

If the bus accident occurred while you were driving a vehicle, contact your insurance company and provide them with the details of the collision. Depending on your policy, they may cover some of the costs associated with the accident.

5. Gather evidence at the scene

If you’re able to, take photos and videos of the scene, making sure to document any property damage, skid marks, and visible injuries of those involved. You should also take a moment to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can help your Denver bus accident lawyer reconstruct the circumstances of the accident and strengthen your claim.

6. Visit urgent care or your primary care physician

Whether or not you feel like you sustained an injury, it’s important to visit a medical professional for an evaluation. Many injuries associated with bus accidents don’t present symptoms immediately, so prompt medical care can ensure that any injuries you sustained are documented and treated appropriately.

7. Consult with a Denver bus accident attorney

After taking the above steps, the next step is to consult with a reputable Denver bus accident attorney. An attorney can assess the situation and help you determine whether filing a claim is in your best interest.

Make sure you meet the deadline to file a claim

All motor vehicle accident claims are subject to a statute of limitations, or deadline, by which they must be filed. In Colorado, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims involving a motor vehicle is three years from the date of the accident.

denver bus accident lawyer claim

If you don’t file your claim within that time frame, you may be unable to recover any compensation for your injuries. To make sure you don’t miss this important deadline, it’s wise to consult with a Denver personal injury attorney as soon as possible. This will give them ample time to build a strong case on your behalf.

Possible damages you can claim

The goal of a bus accident claim is to recover financial compensation for the losses, or damages, you incurred due to the accident. These typically include economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages

Any money you lost and are expected to lose in the future due to the bus accident will be classified as economic damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and difficult to quantify, but they still have a significant impact on your quality of life. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

We fight to get you the maximum compensation

At Zaner Harden Law, LLP, we understand the devastation that a bus accident can cause, which is why we fight to get our clients the maximum amount of compensation they’re entitled to. We don’t seek acceptable settlements — we aggressively pursue the best possible outcomes.

We do this by thoroughly investigating the incident, gathering compelling evidence to support your claim, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re also prepared to take your case to trial.

Parties who may be liable for the bus crash

Buses are considered to be common carriers, so they operate by different rules than individual and privately owned passenger vehicles. Likewise, different regulations govern what happens in the event of an accident. Common carriers are a special class of vehicles that operate according to stricter state regulations, such as trains, airplanes, buses, and semi-trucks.

Additionally, buses may be owned by the city or leased by the city and rented out by a private company, so there could be statutory limitations on how much you can recover from the accident. Seatbelts on buses are atypical, which can increase the likelihood of a passenger sustaining a life-threatening injury.

Those parties that could be potentially held liable in the instance of an accident include:

  • Bus line operator or owner
  • Government agency or municipality that rents or employs the buses
  • Bus driver
  • Other drivers involved in the accident that might have been responsible for the collision; and
  • Manufacturer of the bus, if the accident was caused by a defect

Additionally, subpar maintenance, neglectful drivers, and inclement weather can contribute to a collision involving a bus. Even if the main reason for the crash was outside the control of the operator or driver, negligence may aggravate the ramifications and increase the likelihood or severity of injury to passengers.

denver bus accident attorney

“Dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with insurance after an accident

Our attorneys will handle communicating with the insurance company. However, there may be times when the insurer attempts to contact you directly. To ensure your rights remain protected should this occur, here are some “dos” and “don’ts” that you should keep in mind.

Do:

  • Be polite and professional
  • Provide only basic information, such as your name and contact info
  • Inform them that you are represented by an attorney, and refer all questions and requests to them
  • Take detailed notes of your interactions

Don’t:

  • Admit fault
  • Make any statements regarding the accident
  • Accept a settlement without consulting with an attorney first
  • Sign any documents before reviewing them thoroughly with your lawyer

When in doubt about the insurance company’s intentions, it’s always best to direct them to your lawyer. Your attorney will ensure that any offers made by the insurer are fair and protect you from any attempts to take advantage of your situation.

Cost of hiring a bus accident attorney

You’re already dealing with enough financial hardship after an accident, and we don’t want you to be further burdened by the cost of legal representation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay a dime out of pocket for our services.

Instead, we get paid a portion of the settlement or award we win on your behalf. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay anything. This arrangement means you can receive the top-quality representation you deserve without worrying about upfront costs.

Why you should visit a doctor as soon as possible after your bus accident

It can be tempting to put off medical attention in the hopes that your injuries will improve on their own, but this can be a mistake that can cost you dearly. Not only can prompt medical attention help you recover more quickly, but it will also provide crucial evidence in connecting your injuries to the bus accident.

Insurance companies are quick to cast doubt on the origin of an injury and will often challenge a claim based on the absence of clear medical documentation. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can protect you and your case from the insurer’s tactics.

Why work with Zaner Harden Law, LLP

You deserve individualized attention, and that’s what you get when you hire Zaner Harden Law., LLP We take on a limited number of cases at any given time to ensure that every client has full access to our resources. When you turn to our team of injury attorneys, we’ll take the time to get to know you and your situation to ensure that we can craft a strategy that best meets your needs.

Our case results speak for themselves, and we have a long list of satisfied clients who have entrusted us with their legal representation. We’re recognized industry leaders with prominent awards including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and Top 100 National Trial Lawyers. This level of achievement is just one of many factors that have made us the go-to choice for injured Coloradans.

Our Denver bus accident attorneys are here to help

A bus accident attorney can help collect the evidence you need to prove your case and help you have the best possible chance of making a fair recovery for your injuries and damages.

Schedule a free consultation with one of the skilled Denver bus accident attorneys with Zaner Harden Law, LLP by contacting us online or calling (720) 613-9706.

Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Denver, CO

Zaner Harden Law, LLP – Denver Office
1610 Wynkoop Street. Suite 120. Denver, CO. 80202
(720) 613-9706

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Where We Are

We are located across the street from Union Station in downtown Denver and offer validated parking for all our clients. We also have offices in Boulder and Colorado Springs.