If a school bus, private charter bus, or city government bus crash caused your injury, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can seek compensation for your losses based on the bus driver or bus company’s negligence. If another party is liable, we can name them in your claim or lawsuit instead. We will identify all liable parties in your case.
A Marksville bus accident lawyer from our team can assist you in bringing a legal claim based on your damages after a bus collision. Our attorneys boast over 250 years of experience in personal injury law and are ready to work for you. Moreover, our free consultations and no win, no fee policy make pursuing compensation as risk-free as possible.
Potentially Liable Parties in Bus Accident Claims
Although every bus accident is unique, commonly liable parties and groups include:
- Bus drivers
- Drivers of other vehicles
- Bus manufacturers
- Bus companies
In some cases, a bus parts manufacturer or maintenance team may also bear liability. If we find that an accident resulted from a mechanical defect involving the bus, we will aim to hold these parties financially accountable.
Either way, a bus accident lawyer from our office in Marksville can help identify the right party or parties to pursue compensation from in your case.
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Proving Negligence in a Marksville Bus Accident Case
The legal theory known as the common carrier doctrine creates a higher duty of care for bus drivers than for other drivers on the road. While everyone must drive reasonably and safely, common carrier drivers must put passengers’ safety first. When bus drivers or companies fail to meet this heightened standard of care, they are typically liable for the resulting accidents and damages.
The common carrier doctrine alters the burden of proof during a legal claim for liability after a bus crash. Though the burden to prove negligence in an injury claim falls on the victim, people injured in a bus accident must establish a relationship between their injuries and the accident.
Comparative Negligence in Bus Accident Cases
Under CC Art. 2323, injury victims can pursue compensation from all potentially liable parties, even if they bear partial liability. However, any damages awarded by the court would decrease by the injured person’s assigned percentage of fault. For example, someone who is 15 percent at fault would have their damages reduced by 15 percent.
Because comparative fault can have a tremendous impact on a case’s value, defendants often attempt to shift blame onto the accident victim to protect their financial interests. A bus accident lawyer in Avoyelles Parish from our firm can help victims refute such claims and fight for the right to fair compensation.
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Collecting Damages in a Bus Accident Case
Individuals injured in bus collisions are often left with a tremendous financial burden and may be unable to work while they heal. Victims often experience pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
All these losses, known as damages, are often recoverable through a personal injury action. A lawyer from our team can help you recover the damages you deserve. This will require:
- Collecting proof of the losses you’ve experienced using medical bills and other records
- Identifying non-financial damages, such as pain and suffering
- Adding up your expenses and losses
- Assigning a value to your non-financial damages
- Presenting evidence and the calculated case value to the insurance company or court
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Can You Seek Damages if You Are Partially Responsible?
Multiple parties can contribute to an accident. For example, both a bus driver and a passenger vehicle driver may have made mistakes behind the wheel, leading to a collision. This is crucial to note for your case, because an injured person may hold partial fault for an accident and still seek civil compensation in Louisiana.
However, the recoverable damages may change with the legal theory of comparative negligence. The higher the percentage of fault, the lower a court award or settlement may be.
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How Fault Works in Louisiana Car Accident Claims
States usually follow one of two car insurance systems: no-fault car insurance or the fault system. Under no-fault legislation, injured parties have limited choices for recovery and often have to meet injury thresholds to file a lawsuit. Meanwhile, fault states like Louisiana provide bus accident victims with more options for seeking compensation.
Personal injury plaintiffs in Avoyelles Parish have the option to file a claim with their own insurance company as well as the at-fault driver’s insurance. A personal injury attorney from our firm could be instrumental in evaluating your claim resulting from a bus accident and could help identify all liable parties.
Why Hire the Team at Laborde Earles Over Any Other Team in Louisiana?
From our office in Marksville, the attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers serve clients all over Avoyelles Parish. We help bus accident victims handle all aspects of their cases, from the initial investigation to fighting for a verdict in court, when necessary.
Just consider what past clients say about our representation, as these are the strongest possible endorsements of our firm:
- “We met in the curve, and we hit head on. I knew the hospital bill was going to be way more than we could imagine. Digger helped me a lot. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be in the position I am right now. I would have nothing. He took care of everything for me. Digger got me back on my feet.” – Carl, former client
- “I was feeling more and more pain and went to the doctor. I had two surgeries in my neck and my back. I made an appointment with David and it was a real good experience. He worked with me all the way and was like a good friend in a time of need. I don’t think anybody could have done a better job than he did.” – Keith, former client
- “David was a phenomenal individual. I felt secure; I felt that he was protecting me and my family, and he was going to get what us what we deserved. He was a great lawyer and went above and beyond.” – Kelsie, former client
You may be experiencing the same pain and uncertainty that these clients did. They came to us for help, and our team delivered. We will seek to deliver similar results in your case.
Our Verdicts and Settlements Are a Testament to Our Work Ethic
Our clients often point to our high standard for client service. What they also appreciate, though, are the financial results we’ve recovered for them. Some of our most notable settlements and judgments include:
- A $23 million judgment for clients whose mother passed away under wrongful circumstances
- A $17 million recovery for a client who suffered losses because of another party’s unjustifiable actions
- A $10.4 million recovery for a client whose circumstances caused them to lose substantial revenue
- A $7 million judgment for a driver who suffered serious injuries in an accident
- A $5.25 million recovery for a client who suffered a brain injury as the result of an auto accident
We will never make promises regarding a specific financial recovery. However, we do vow to use all of our resources in your favor as we seek the judgment or settlement that you deserve.
Our Fee Structure Protects You, the Accident Victim
Legal help should never pose a financial burden. Our firm ensures that every client who needs our services can afford them. You will pay absolutely nothing when you hire our firm. Instead, we will agree to accept a portion of any judgment or settlement that we secure for you.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers will pay all case-related costs at no cost to you. If we win for you, then we receive our fee from your recovery. If we don’t get the job done, then you’ll owe us nothing. In this arrangement, our firm gladly takes the financial risk as we fight for your financial recovery.
Previous clients have referred to us as “always polite and professional,” as well as “caring and prompt with returning calls and emails.” Perhaps more importantly, we take pride in offering legal services that are “quick, to the point,” and we waste “zero time” when we take a case. Our goal is to address all of your legal needs, whether this means going head-to-head with an insurance adjuster or defense attorney.
Call Today to Start Working Right Away With a Bus Accident Attorney in Marksville
With the help of an attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you may recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Since there are generally strict time limits on your ability to bring a bus accident lawsuit, time is of the essence. Call today to discuss your potential claim and begin working toward a favorable outcome.
Get The HelpYou Need(318) 310-8922To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
