Bus Accident Lawyer in Denver, CO
Bus transportation is an integral part of Denver’s transit system, providing an essential service for thousands of residents daily. However, with the high frequency of bus travel comes the unfortunate possibility of bus accidents. Accidents involving these large, heavy vehicles can be devastating, often resulting in significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.
When you or a loved one is a victim of such a crash, you’ll need more than just medical attention—you’ll need legal representation that is dedicated to asserting your rights and securing your entitlement to compensation. If you or a loved one recently experienced a city, charter, school, taxi, Greyhound, or other bus accident and related damages, contact the Denver bus accident attorneys at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC, for a free case review.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Us as Your Bus Accident Lawyers in Denver
- Why Do You Need a Bus Accident Lawyer?
- Types of Bus Accidents in Denver
- Denver Bus Accident Law
- Who Is Liable?
- Common Bus Accident Injuries
- Contact a Denver Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Why Choose Us as Your Bus Accident Lawyers in Denver
The team at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC stands out for its commitment to the welfare of the community, including victims of vehicle accidents. Unlike other firms that focus on high case turnover or large profits, our central mission is to assist those affected by motor vehicle accidents within our community.
Attorney Eric J. Faddis is not only a prolific law professional but also an actively contributing member of the community. As a volunteer trial lawyer for the Colorado Lawyer’s Committee Hate Violence Education task force and a volunteer judge for the Denver Urban Debate League, his service transcends the courtroom.
Our personal injury lawyers are driven by a desire to deploy their legal acumen, not just professionally but also for the broader good of the community. Helping bus accident victims navigate the often daunting and complex legal processes aligns perfectly with this objective.
Our approach to caring for the people and not just the case has yielded impressive results, proving that at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC, we’re more than just lawyers — we’re advocates for those who’ve experienced harm due to others’ negligence.
Why Do You Need a Bus Accident Lawyer?
In 2016, 227 buses were involved in fatal accidents in the U.S., according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
A typical bus accident involves multiple passengers, a bus driver, a bus company or the city government, a third-party driver, and more than one insurance carrier. Our legal team takes over comprehensive case management — gathering evidence, obtaining medical records and reports, interviewing witnesses, and liaising with insurance companies. We negotiate assertively with insurance carriers, ensuring that they do not undermine your claims or offer settlements that do not adequately cover your damages. If necessary, we can efficiently steer your case through the courtroom process, striving for the most favorable judgment.
At Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC, we believe that you should not have to pay for another party’s negligence. The goal of our Denver Bus Accident Attorneys is to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable while helping you secure the compensation you deserve. This commitment to protecting your rights and providing exceptional legal representation underlines why you need us as your lawyers in the wake of a bus accident.
Types of Bus Accidents in Denver
In our bustling city of Denver, different types of buses ply the roadways, and each carries its unique risks and complications should an accident occur. Understanding these various bus types and the frequent causes of their accidents can shed light on your legal situation.
Types of Bus Accidents
- City Buses: These are part of Denver’s public transit system and constitute a significant number of buses on the road. Packed to capacity during peak hours, city bus accidents can potentially involve large numbers of injured passengers.
- School Buses: Transporting our most precious cargo, school bus accidents can be particularly devastating. Ensuring the safety of children on board is paramount.
- Charter Buses: These private transit buses for group trips may involve different liability considerations in the case of an accident.
- Shuttles: Often operating in confined areas such as airports or large event complexes, shuttle bus accidents can involve multiple parties and factors.
- Tour Buses: These buses cater mainly to the tourism industry and often navigate unfamiliar routes or terrains, posing additional potential accident risks.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
- Driver error: This can range from distraction, fatigue, and poor judgment to driving under the influence. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to disastrous consequences.
- Mechanical failure: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and steering system malfunctions are examples of mechanical issues that can cause a bus accident.
- Dangerous road conditions: Unmaintained roads, poor weather, lack of proper signage, or traffic control can precipitate bus accidents.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Buses that are not adequately maintained pose a significant accident risk. Regular inspections and maintenance are critical for safe operation.
Understanding the type of bus involved and the potential causes of the accident is the first step in building your legal case. At Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC, we meticulously explore all these details to identify liable parties and build a robust argument for your compensation.
Denver Bus Accident Law
Bus accidents fall under common carrier law, not standard car accident laws. Common carrier laws extend beyond the state of Colorado and into federal territory. These laws state that bus drivers must fulfill certain obligations to keep passengers safe. Common carriers have high standards of care and must be vigilant in protecting the safety of passengers. Failure to meet the accepted standards of care, resulting in a preventable accident, is negligence.
As an injured passenger, it becomes your duty to prove the common carrier’s negligence and fight for fair compensation. Otherwise, an insurance company may take advantage of you and offer less than your injuries deserve. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, hire a lawyer as soon as possible to represent your case. An experienced bus accident attorney can help gather crucial evidence and fight for fair compensation under the circumstances.
Who Is Liable?
Determining liability in a Denver bus accident can be complex. In most bus accident cases, the bus company will be liable for damages. Bus companies are typically vicariously accountable for the actions and behaviors of their commercial drivers. If you were riding a city bus, the city may be liable. However, in Colorado, multiple parties could potentially bear liability in an accident involving a commercial or public bus:
- The Bus Driver: If the bus driver acted negligently, such as by driving while distracted or under the influence, exceeding speed limits, or not observing traffic signals, they could be held accountable for the accident.
- The Bus Company: In some instances, the bus company could be found liable. This could be due to neglecting bus maintenance, employing unqualified or improperly trained drivers, not complying with safety regulations, or pushing drivers to work beyond legal time limits.
- Other Parties: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, additional parties could also bear responsibility. These might include other negligent motorists, government entities responsible for road maintenance, or manufacturers of faulty bus parts.
A bus accident lawsuit against the government can have stricter notice and filing deadlines than typical claims—sometimes just six months after the accident. Your initial injury claim should be filed with the bus company’s insurer, after which settlement negotiations would ensue. To protect against the company denying your claim or failing to offer what you think it owes you, contact a lawyer for case assistance.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
The sheer size and speed of buses mean that collisions can lead to severe and often life-altering injuries. Different from car accidents, passengers in a bus are subjected to unique risks, as buses generally lack seat belts and airbags and are more prone to flipping over in a crash. If you have been unfortunately involved in a bus accident, you might have suffered serious injuries such as:
- Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries: Sudden jerks and jolts during the crash can lead to severe strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. This can result in persistent pain, flexibility issues, and, in some cases, neurological complications.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A violent jolt or blow to the head can cause a TBI, leading to complications like memory and concentration problems, mood swings, and even seizures. These injuries can have long-term or even permanent repercussions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine can range from minor strain to major damage, leading to paralysis and impacting the victim’s quality of life significantly.
- Broken Bones or Fractures: The impact of a crash can lead to broken or fractured bones, necessitating surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations: Flying debris during a crash can lead to cuts and bruises. While they may seem minor, deep lacerations could lead to infections or extensive scarring.
The physical and emotional aftermath of a bus accident can be overwhelming, and dealing with these also brings in financial burdens such as medical bills, therapy fees, and loss of income. A skilled bus accident attorney at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC can help you navigate this challenging time, ensuring you are adequately compensated for your immediate medical expenses and long-term losses.
Contact a Denver Bus Accident Lawyer Today
The personal injury attorneys at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC, are waiting to take your phone call in Denver to discuss your bus accident case. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations to find the underlying cause of your injuries and discuss what your claim could be worth. Let us answer your questions, preserve key evidence, and start the groundwork of your personal injury claim. Contact our firm in Denver to learn more about your bus accident claim during a free consultation with our team.
Office
6025 South Quebec St.
Suite 100
Centennial, CO 80111
Phone: 720-710-9073