What Is an Average Settlement for a Bus Accident?

There is never an average settlement amount for a bus accident or any accident. The damages a victim can collect can vary widely based on many factors. Some of the factors in bus accident claims include:

The severity of your injuries
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Insurance policy limits

Don’t worry about the average settlement of a bus accident. Work with our Phoenix personal injury lawyers and get the most you can.

Are Bus Accident Settlements Usually Higher Than Car Accident Settlements?

Bus accident settlements are often higher than car accident settlements for several reasons.

Larger Insurance Policies and Settlement Offers

Bus companies usually carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers. These policies are designed to cover the potential for multiple claims in a single accident. The higher policy limits often mean more money is available for settlements.

Additionally, bus companies, especially those operating public transit systems, may be more inclined to settle cases quickly to avoid negative publicity. This can sometimes result in more generous settlement offers.

Multiple Liable Parties

The complexity of liability in bus accidents also contributes to potentially higher settlements. Unlike in most car accidents, where liability typically falls on one or two drivers, bus accidents can involve multiple liable parties.

The bus driver, the bus company, the bus manufacturer, and even government entities (in the case of public transit) could all share responsibility. This intricate web of liability often requires more extensive investigations and negotiations, which can drive up settlement amounts.

Moreover, if any of these parties are found to have been grossly negligent—for example, if a bus company failed to maintain its vehicles or adequately train its drivers properly—punitive damages could result, further increasing the overall settlement.

Severity of Injuries

Lastly, the severity of injuries in bus accidents can often be more significant than in car accidents. Due to their size and lack of safety features like seat belts for passengers, buses can result in more severe injuries during an accident.

Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or severe internal injuries are not uncommon in bus accidents. These injuries require higher compensation to cover ongoing medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life.

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How Can a Lawyer Raise the Average Settlement for a Bus Accident Case?

An experienced bus accident lawyer can significantly increase the average settlement amount for your case in several ways. One of the most crucial ways a lawyer can raise your settlement is by accurately calculating the full value of your claim.

This goes beyond just adding up your current medical bills. A knowledgeable attorney will consider additional damages such as:

Future medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

Additionally, an experienced bus accident lawyer brings strong negotiation skills. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for as little as possible. Your lawyer will know how to counter lowball offers, present your case convincingly, and negotiate from a position of strength.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer should be prepared to take your case to trial. Sometimes, the threat of going to court can motivate the insurance company to increase their offer.

What Can I Do to Raise the Settlement Amount of My Bus Accident Claim?

While having an experienced lawyer is crucial, there are several steps you can take to help increase the potential settlement of your bus accident claim:

Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor immediately after the accident.
Document everything: Keep records of all medical treatments, medications, and related expenses.
Follow your doctor’s orders: Stick to your prescribed treatment plan. This shows that you’re taking your recovery seriously and prevents the insurance company from claiming that your injuries worsened because of your actions.
Keep a pain journal: Document how your injuries affect your daily life. Note your pain levels, activities you can no longer do, and how the injury impacts your work and relationships.
Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence from the accident scene as possible.
Don’t rush to settle: Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that may not fully cover your long-term needs. Wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before considering a settlement.
Be cautious on social media: Avoid sharing details on social media. Insurance companies may use your posts to dispute your claim.
Document lost wages: Keep track of all time missed from work due to your injuries, including time off for medical appointments.
Don’t give recorded statements: Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation. They may use your words against you to minimize your claim.

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Why Choose Zanes Law for Your Bus Accident Case?

Zanes Law knows the average settlement for a bus accident case is impossible to calculate. Far too many things can affect the amount a victim can get. If you’re a bus accident victim, focus on how to get the most from your accident claim.

Contact Zanes Law to learn more about us and discuss your bus accident case. Let us use our experience to fight for the compensation you need to move forward after your bus accident.

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What Is the Average Settlement for a Bus Accident?

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