At Deming Parker, we guide victims through the legal process that follows a bus accident in Savannah, ensuring you receive the necessary legal support to get the compensation required for your recovery and future well-being. With five decades of experience on our backs, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence knowing your case is in capable hands.
Injured in a Bus Accident? Our Attorneys Can Help You Claim Compensation
Bus accident claims are often complex, involving multiple parties and substantial damages. If you’ve been involved in such an incident in Savannah, it becomes essential to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex process of claiming compensation. A personal injury lawyer can indeed assist you in several ways, including:
- Gathering evidence
- Filing a personal claim
- Fighting for fair compensation and maximizing your settlement
- Navigating legal procedures
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Providing expert legal advice
- Representing you in court
- Protecting your legal rights
- Offering emotional support and guidance
By hiring a skilled attorney, you ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of recovering the compensation owed to you. At Deming Parker, our team is committed to understanding the specifics of your case and providing the support and guidance necessary to achieve a favorable outcome.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Savannah
In Savannah, motor vehicle accidents occur due to various reasons. No matter if you were involved in a car accident, a motorcycle accident, or a bus accident, the most common causes include driver error or negligence, vehicle maintenance issues, mechanical failures, adverse weather, and hazardous road conditions. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), speed is a factor in 17% of truck and bus crashes, while driver distraction contributed to 6% of these crashes, with 16% related to smartphone use.
Additionally, due to the sheer size of those vehicles, bus accidents often result in severe injuries or even wrongful death in the worst cases. As we assist many victims of these types of accidents, we understand the need to get specialized legal assistance that helps to recover from the long-term impacts of the accident.
Determining Fault in Savannah Bus Accidents
Establishing fault in bus accidents is vital because it determines who is legally responsible for the accident and, consequently, who is liable for compensating the victims.
In personal injury law, compensation is typically sought from the party whose negligence or wrongful actions caused the accident. But without clearly establishing who is at fault, it becomes challenging to hold any party accountable and to ensure victims receive justice and financial support for their recovery.
To establish fault, a lawyer will actively investigate each incident, focusing on gathering and reviewing evidence to pinpoint the liable parties. For this, we consider factors like driver behavior, vehicle maintenance records, and road conditions at the time of the accident. Our approach is hands-on and thorough, ensuring that every possible angle is explored to accurately establish responsibility.
Recovering Damages After an Accident
In Georgia’s personal injury law, damages refer to the monetary compensation you can receive for the losses you’ve endured due to an accident. Typically, these include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
Personal injury lawyers play a pivotal role here since they take care of meticulously assessing and calculating your damages. This involves not only quantifying immediate costs like medical bills and lost income but also evaluating non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Our goal at Deming Parker always is to ensure every aspect of your loss is accounted for, providing a comprehensive claim that reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Bus Accident in Savannah?
Following a bus accident in Savannah, victims have two main legal avenues to consider for seeking justice and compensation:
- Negotiating a settlement: This involves discussions with the involved parties (typically their insurance companies) to reach a financial agreement that compensates for your losses.
- Pursuing litigation: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, the next step is to file a lawsuit. Litigation involves presenting your case in court, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome based on the evidence.
It’s important to act promptly in either scenario, as outlined by Georgia Code § 9-3-33, which specifies the timeframe for filing a claim of two years from the date of the accident. Delaying action will threaten your right to compensation, so it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.
Legal Process of Pursuing a Bus Accident Claim in Savannah
If you suffered an injury or economic damage after a negligent driver, poor road conditions, or any other factor that involves negligence, chances are you are entitled to claim compensation for your losses. In the process of seeking justice, these are the steps you can expect:
Step 1: Case Evaluation and Investigation
Your case begins by consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Savannah, who will evaluate your case and conduct a thorough investigation to gather all necessary evidence of the other party’s negligence. This will be the foundation that supports your claim from here onwards.
Step 2: Determining Liability and Damages
The next step is to determine liability and accurately assess the damages you’ve suffered. A lawyer will help you identify the liable parties, determine fault, and build a personal injury claim that takes into account all aspects of the impact the accident had on your life.
Step 3: Negotiation and Litigation
Finally, we solve your case by engaging in negotiations and, if necessary, litigation to secure the compensation you deserve. If a settlement offer seems fair, you and your lawyer can discuss whether to accept it or not. However, if the insurer doesn’t make a fair final offer, your lawyer can directly sue the party at fault.
In Georgia, a fair settlement offer should not only cover your hospital bills and legal fees but also compensate for a substantial portion of your current wages, particularly if your injuries are permanent or result in a disability. Ideally, this amount should be close to a year’s worth of your current earnings to ensure you are adequately supported during your recovery.
Why You Need a Savannah Bus Accident Attorney
After a bus accident in Savannah, your financial future may depend on what you receive with your personal injury claim. In this scenario, having a skilled personal injury attorney by your side is crucial to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests throughout the whole legal process.
At Deming Parker, our attorneys are equipped to provide a comprehensive assessment of your case and explain each legal avenue in detail, to determine what is the best course of action for your case moving forward. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your bus accident case with one of our skilled attorneys.
Savannah Office
22 Barnard Street, Suite 240 Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: 912-527-2000