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Denver Bus Accident Lawyer

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There are many reasons why a person may choose to use a bus service for transportation. Bus services offer convenience and affordability whether you are in your hometown or touring a new city. Just like other modes of road transportation, bus transportation poses some risks to bus riders and other road users. Bus accidents can cause a deadly chain of events leaving tens of people injured or dead in one accident event. The US Department of Transportation reports that the majority of bus and truck accidents resulting in fatalities involved intercity buses, school buses, and transit buses.

If you are involved in a bus accident, either as a bus passenger or an occupant of another vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or losses you suffer. Consult with a Denver bus accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and any compensation that may be due to you. At Fuicelli & Lee, we can help you make sense of your legal position and pursue your legal interests to get you full and fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to discuss your case.

Denver bus accident attorney

Why Choose Fuicelli & Lee

  • Fuicelli & Lee is an accomplished boutique personal injury law firm servicing all of Colorado.
  • We represent clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries as the result of someone else’s reckless or careless actions and help them recover the compensation they deserve.
  • As a boutique law firm, we do not measure our success by the volume of cases we handle, but by the difference we make in our clients’ lives.
  • Many firms are intimidated to go to trial and do not have the experience needed to win in court. Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors with 20+ years of experience.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, contact a bus accident attorney as soon as possible. At Fuicelli & Lee, our No Fee Promise means that your initial consultation with us is free. You will pay nothing to find out if you have a case. So call us today at (303) 444-4444 to speak with one of our experienced Denver bus accident attorneys.

Private Bus Accidents

If you are injured in a bus accident with a charter bus or another privately operated bus, you may be entitled to make a claim for your injuries based on negligence. All bus drivers have a duty to ensure the safe operation of their buses. Safe operations include:

  • The experience of the driver
  • The training and conduct of the driver
  • The maintenance of the bus
  • The condition of the bus while in operation

Private bus companies are required to have the minimum insurance coverage prescribed by Colorado law.

Public Bus Accidents

Public bus accidents involve buses that are owned or operated by the government. If you are injured by a city, regional, or state bus, you may be afraid to hold the government accountable for your injuries. Generally, government entities are partially immune from liability in all claims for injury based on tort law, such as negligence. However, this immunity does not apply when the injuries result from the operation of a government-owned or leased motor vehicle operated by a government employee.

The government bears financial responsibility for public bus accidents. An experienced Denver bus accident lawyer can evaluate your bus accident case against the government and discuss your best legal options for obtaining compensation.

Colorado Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are a significant concern in Colorado, reflecting national trends in frequency and severity. In one recent year, Colorado reported 167 accidents involving buses, resulting in 7 fatalities and 31 injury-related incidents.

These figures align with national data, which recorded 15,033 bus accidents in the same year, including 219 fatal incidents and 13,268 injuries.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

The injuries bus accident victims sustain can be life-altering, affecting every aspect of a victim’s well-being. Victims often face an uphill battle of physical recovery, emotional distress, and financial strain. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common injuries and their impact:

  • Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a bus crash often causes fractures that require surgery, physical therapy, and long recovery periods.
  • Whiplash: The sudden jolt during a collision can damage muscles, ligaments, and the spinal column, leaving lasting discomfort.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even minor head injuries can have profound effects on memory, coordination, and personality, while more serious injuries can result in permanent disabilities.
  • Spinal Cord Damage: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, profoundly altering a victim’s quality of life.
  • Internal Organ Injuries: Blunt force trauma can lead to internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, requiring emergency medical intervention.
  • Emotional Trauma: Bus accidents don’t just leave physical scars. Victims frequently struggle with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after the accident.

Recovering from these injuries can be overwhelming, especially when compounded by mounting medical bills and the stress of lost income. It’s critical to take action quickly, not only to ensure proper medical care but also to build a strong legal case for compensation.

At Fuicelli & Lee, we understand how deeply a bus accident can disrupt your life. Our compassionate attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your voice is heard and your needs are met. Contact us today to start your journey toward justice and recovery.

What to Do After a Bus Accident

If you are already receiving medical attention for your injuries following a bus accident, there are several crucial steps you can take to protect your legal rights and maximize your potential compensation. Here’s what to do next:

  • Contact a Lawyer: Speak with an experienced Denver bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal representation can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
  • Gather Any Evidence You May Have: Collect photographs of the accident scene, the bus, and any visible injuries. If you have contact information for witnesses or a copy of the police report, provide these to your attorney.
  • Avoid Talking to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company: Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize your claim or get you to settle for less than you deserve. Refer all communications to your lawyer.
  • Keep a Record of Your Medical Treatment: Document your medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and any related expenses. This information is crucial for calculating your medical expenses and building your case.
  • Track Other Accident-Related Losses: Record missed workdays, lost wages, and any property damage. Also, non-economic damages such as emotional distress and pain and suffering should be noted.
  • Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries online. Anything you say on social media could be used against you in your bus accident case.
  • Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Comply with all medical recommendations and treatment plans. Failing to do so could harm your case by giving the impression that your injuries are not serious.

Taking these steps can significantly strengthen your bus accident case and help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Getting Compensation for Your Bus Accident Injury in Denver

Public and private bus drivers are responsible for ensuring that all passengers board and disembark their buses safely. Whether you are dealing with a private bus company or the government, you will need to prove fault in order to be eligible for compensation for your injuries.

The process of claiming compensation can be cumbersome and confusing, which is why you should speak with a bus accident attorney as soon as possible after you are injured in a bus accident. Being represented by a dedicated Denver accident attorney who knows the law and is fighting for your interest is the best way you can ensure that you get full and fair compensation for your injuries.

What Damages Can Denver Bus Accident Victims Claim?

Being involved in a bus accident can lead to a wide range of damages, and victims often face significant challenges in recovering their losses. At Fuicelli & Lee, we fight to secure compensation for every aspect of your suffering and financial strain. Here are the types of damages you may be entitled to claim:

  • Medical Expenses: These include all costs associated with your medical care, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future treatments needed for your recovery.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries, as well as any reduction in your earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous job or require a career change.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These cover the intangible impacts of the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma.
  • Property Damage: If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the accident, you can claim the cost of repair or replacement.
  • Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: Severe injuries may require extensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, or in-home care. These expenses can be included in your claim.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: If the accident resulted in the loss of a loved one, eligible family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct by the responsible party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

No matter the nature or extent of your injuries and losses, Fuicelli & Lee is committed to helping you obtain full, fair, and complete compensation. Let us provide the aggressive legal representation you need to hold all responsible parties accountable and move forward with your life.

Determining Negligence and Liability in a Bus Accident Case

Determining liability and negligence in Colorado bus accidents is usually more challenging than it is for car accidents, as multiple parties and insurance companies may be involved. In every personal injury case, proving negligence is key. Negligence is established by demonstrating four essential elements:

  • Duty of Care: The at-fault party, such as a bus driver, bus company, or government entity, had a responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users.
  • Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed in that responsibility, such as through driver fatigue, poor maintenance of city buses or charter buses, or reckless driving.
  • Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the injuries sustained by the bus crash victim.
  • Damages: The injured party suffered measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, bodily injuries, and emotional distress, as a result of the accident.

Liability can rest with multiple parties, including:

  • The Bus Driver: Negligent actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to adhere to traffic laws.
  • The Bus Company: Failing to maintain buses properly, inadequate driver training, or insufficient safety measures.
  • Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or defects in government-operated city buses.
  • Other Motorists: Actions by other drivers that contributed to the crash.

At Fuicelli & Lee, we investigate traffic accidents exhaustively, gathering crucial evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing every aspect of the accident scene to establish fault. Whether it’s holding a bus company accountable for poor maintenance or addressing government liability for unsafe road conditions, our team identifies all responsible parties and holds them accountable for your injuries.

Contact a Denver Bus Accident Attorney

You should contact a Denver bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. The sooner you are able to commence action on your case, the more evidence you can gather to support your claim. Call Fuicelli & Lee today at (303) 444-4444 to schedule your free consultation with our experienced bus accident attorneys.

Fuicelli & Lee, PC – Denver Office

1731 Gilpin Street
Denver, CO 80218
P: (303) 444-4444