Hartford, CT Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accident happening along the highway.

Are you struggling with severe injuries and severe medical bills after a bus accident in Hartford? If so, you may have the right to compensation. However, it can be challenging to prove who caused the crash and hold them accountable.

The Hartford, CT, bus accident lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert can handle the legal work while you concentrate on healing. Our highly experienced and dedicated attorneys know how to build strong cases and have recovered substantial compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case review with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options for holding the responsible parties accountable and seek compensation you are due.

How Can a Hartford Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Handling a bus accident claim on your own is risky. Insurance companies may try to settle your claim quickly for less than its worth. Government agencies and bus companies have large legal teams to fight your case and limit compensation. Without legal guidance, you could miss important filing deadlines, overlook key evidence, or miscalculate the full value of your injuries and losses.

At Jainchill & Beckert, we don’t back down from tough fights. We are ready to protect your rights at every stage of your claim. We can gather evidence, handle communication with the insurance adjusters, document your losses, and build a compelling case for fair compensation. We understand the rules that apply to bus accident claims in Connecticut. We will use that knowledge to guide you through each step.

What Are Common Causes for Bus Accidents in Hartford, CT?

Bus accidents often occur because of driver negligence, or because someone else with a duty to keep you safe acted carelessly or without concern for other people’s safety and rights. Common causes include:

  • Distracted driving by the bus driver or another motorist
  • Speeding or other dangerous driving behaviors
  • Driver fatigue from long hours on the road
  • Failure to follow traffic signals or right-of-way rules
  • Poor bus maintenance or mechanical failures
  • Inexperienced or improperly trained drivers
  • Hazardous road conditions such as ice, rain, or debris
  • Other drivers making sudden or unsafe maneuvers near the bus.

What Different Types of Buses Might Be Involved in a Bus Crash?

Bus accidents in Hartford can involve many types of buses under the control of private or public entities. Common types of buses you might encounter in the city include:

  • School buses
  • Shuttle (or commuter) buses
  • Charter buses
  • Hartford Transit buses
  • Private buses.

What Types of Injuries Happen in a Bus Accident?

The size and weight of buses make them more likely to inflict catastrophic injuries when a collision occurs. Serious injuries which often result in bus accident claims include:

  • Broken bones from the force of impact
  • Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash or spinal damage
  • Cuts and bruises from shattered glass or loose objects
  • Internal injuries that may not show symptoms right away
  • Joint injuries in the knees, shoulders, or wrists
  • Emotional trauma.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Hartford Bus Accident?

Once you’ve reported a Hartford bus accident to the police and sought medical attention, follow these steps to guard your health and legal rights:

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all of your follow-up appointments.
  • Save your medical records, proof of lost income, and other documents that demonstrate the harm the crash caused.
  • Start a daily journal noting your pain levels, how your injuries limit your physical activities, and other observations about how your injuries impact your life.
  • Don’t discuss your injuries or legal case, especially on social media.
  • Don’t talk to insurance companies or give recorded statements without first talking to an attorney.
  • Contact a Hartford, CT bus accident lawyer at Jainchill & Beckert to learn more about the next steps you can take and your rights and options for seeking maximum compensation.

How Can You Prove Fault for the Bus Accident That Caused My Injuries?

Proving who caused a Hartford bus accident requires evidence of someone else’s careless or dangerous actions. Otherwise, you’re unlikely to recover compensation. A Hartford bus accident attorney at Jainchill & Beckert can collect evidence to support your claim, which could include:

  • Photographs of the crash scene and vehicle damage
  • Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
  • Witness statements from passengers or bystanders
  • Police accident reports
  • Video footage from traffic or bus cameras
  • Driver logs and employment records
  • Bus maintenance and inspection reports
  • Cell phone records from the bus driver or others involved in the collision.

What If the Bus That Hit Me Is a City Bus?

Bus accident claims involving city buses in Hartford involve special rules and procedures. While the general legal process is the same, tighter deadlines apply in these cases, which makes it even more important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A bus accident lawyer can explain the differences in these cases and help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.

What Damages Can I Seek in a Hartford Bus Accident Case?

“Damages” is the legal term for compensation you receive in a personal injury claim to make up for the harm you have suffered. In a bus accident claim, your compensation could include money for:

  • Current medical expenses
  • Future medical needs
  • Lost income while you heal
  • Reduced future earnings due to a long-term injury or disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Damaged personal property.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Connecticut?

The standard deadline for personal injury lawsuits in Connecticut is two years from the date the injury occurred. In the case of a bus accident lawsuit, you usually have two years from the accident date to file the suit.

However, Connecticut has different rules for claims against government agencies, including agencies that operate buses. Under state law, you must notify a government agency of your intent to file a lawsuit within one year of your injury. That’s not much time to collect evidence and build your case, so speak to a Hartford, CT bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a Hartford, CT Bus Accident Lawyer

Our attorneys have over 55 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to put that accumulated knowledge to work for you. With our proven results and stellar client reviews, you can trust us to aggressively protect your interests while treating you courteously and respectfully at every stage. Call Jainchill & Beckert today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.