Were you or a loved one injured in a bus accident in Tulsa? Did a negligent bus driver or someone else harm you, whether you were riding as a passenger on the bus or in another vehicle? If so, you could be owed significant compensation.
At Edwards & Patterson Law, our Tulsa personal injury attorneys have seen firsthand the devastation that collisions like these can cause. We are here to help people who’ve been hurt seek justice and compensation for their losses.
Whether you were injured by a private charter bus, a public bus, a school bus, or any other type of bus, we have the experience and resources needed to pursue the full and fair compensation you need. We can take the stress and worry of a complex personal injury claim off your shoulders.
Edwards & Patterson Law is focused on your future and your health. And when it comes to bus accidents, we care, we fight, and we win! If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, get in touch with us 24/7 for a free consultation and legal advice.
What Are the Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Oklahoma?
Buses are enormous and powerful vehicles. That means that even a minor maintenance problem with the bus or a driver error can lead to a devastating bus crash. But what causes bus accidents to happen in Oklahoma? Causes may include:
- Driver error
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Design defects
- Poorly performed repairs
- Lack of maintenance
- Road conditions
What Injuries Can Result From a Bus Crash in Tulsa?
Bus accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Some people suffer injuries when the bus they’re on crashes into another vehicle or an object on the road. Others could be struck by a bus while walking down the road or riding in another car involved in a crash with a bus.
Injuries often sustained in bus accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Joint damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Burns
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Bleeding and bruising
- Loss of limbs
- Wrongful death
Any bus accident can lead to long-term injuries that can transform your life in an instant. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, get the medical care you need, then talk with a Tulsa bus accident lawyer about your options as soon as possible.
What Types of Buses Could Be Involved in a Crash?
We may think that some buses are safer than others, but the fact is that any bus could wind up in a crash. That’s because driver error, mechanical malfunctions, and many other problems could cause an accident for:
- Public transportation buses
- Greyhound buses
- Charter buses
- School buses
- Church buses
- Tour buses
- Motorcoaches
- Double-decker buses
- Minibusses
- Articulated buses (buses with a hinge in the middle)
- Private buses
What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?
When you’re facing injuries from a bus accident, it can be a stressful and confusing time. But there are some vital steps you can take to help protect your rights. Following a bus accident, you should:
- Speak with an attorney as soon as possible following an accident. When you’re injured, one of the best steps you can take is to talk with an experienced bus accident attorney. They can take the stress off you, answer your questions, and serve as your advocate during this difficult time.
- Pull together any evidence about the accident. Driver names, photos of the accident scene, witness information, and vehicle details can all be crucial for a bus accident claim. Collect any evidence you have and put it in a safe place.
- Stay off social media. After an injury, posting to social media can seem like a good idea. But insurance companies could use your statements against you later. Keep any discussions about the bus accident where they belong, between you and your attorney.
- Keep any bills or records related to the accident. As part of a bus accident claim, you’ll need to show how the accident has hurt you. Medical bills, wage statements, communications from an employer, and many other documents could be helpful. Retain copies of everything that could be important.
- Follow through on any medical instructions. After an accident, a doctor may give you a treatment plan for your injuries. Go to all appointments, get the care you need, and keep records.
What Are the Factors in Mass Transit Negligence?
Mass transit organizations must work to protect their passengers and others on the road. But sometimes, they fail to take the steps needed to safeguard your safety. A few examples of factors that could indicate negligence by a mass transit operator include:
- Failures in their hiring process
- Poor repair and maintenance of their vehicles
- Lack of driver training
- Faulty bus safety devices
- Improper monitoring of drivers or review of safety records
How Can a Trusted Tulsa Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
A trusted Tulsa bus accident lawyer can look out for you and your future at every step. From answering your questions to standing up for your rights, a bus accident attorney can handle everything about your case.
A few examples of the important ways that a lawyer can help include:
- Answering the questions you have about the accident
- Exploring potential sources of compensation and your options
- Investigating the accident
- Taking the worry and stress of an injury claim off your shoulders
- Doing everything they can to pursue the compensation you deserve
- Helping you get the medical assistance you need
- Working with experts to understand what happened and how you’ve been hurt
- Handling all of the communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating vigorously for a bus accident settlement
- Representing you and your rights in court
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Oklahoma?
Yes, there is. The state of Oklahoma has a Statute of Limitations regarding personal injury lawsuit claims. For Oklahoma, you have two years from the time of the accident to file your claim. Should you fail to file your personal injury claim before that time has lapsed, you will not be able to file a claim. While two years may, at the initial glance, seem like a long time, the process of gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and more can take time. So, time is of the essence. Don’t delay. Call or contact us as soon as possible to start the process.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in Tulsa Today
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, get in touch with the experienced lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law today. Serving clients throughout McAlester, Tulsa, and surrounding Oklahoma communities, our knowledgeable bus accident lawyers are ready to provide the compassionate and aggressive legal help you need. Contact our Tulsa personal injury lawyer today.
For your free consultation, get in touch with us now by reaching out to us online or by calling us. We’re here 24/7 to serve you.