Morrin Law Office
Public Transportation and Bus Accident Lawyer in Richmond, KY
Were you or someone you love injured as a result of negligence involving public transportation? A Richmond, Kentucky personal injury lawyer from the Morrin Law Office is available to help you seek financial compensation for your injuries. We offer free case evaluations and do not receive payment for our services unless you get paid.
Some injuries involving public transportation vehicles, such as buses, stem from the bus driver hitting your vehicle. Other injuries come from being a passenger on the bus during an accident. In either case, our skilled public transportation accident lawyers can negotiate a settlement from the liable party’s insurance carrier or represent your interests by filing a legal complaint in court if necessary.
How a Richmond Bus Accident Lawyer Can Build Your Case
We understand that your injuries and other obligations may not allow you to devote the time and effort needed to thoroughly investigate your case. Many people also do not understand the complexities of Kentucky law. We are here to help.
The injury professionals at the Morrin Law Office can handle all these details for you, including the paperwork, investigation, and determining who was liable for the accident.
Here are some of the ways that we can help build your case:
Gathering Evidence About Your Public Transportation Accident
An important part of the process for building your case is gathering evidence. Our investigation includes:
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Identifying all parties involved in the accident
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Determining what caused the accident
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Finding and securing photos and video footage of the accident (such as accident scene photos, traffic cams, and dashcams)
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Identifying and interviewing any witnesses
Determining Who is Liable for Your Damages
Determining liability in an accident involving a Richmond public transportation vehicle can be difficult. Our priority will be identifying who is responsible for your financial compensation. For example, it could be:
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A public transportation agency – The agency in charge of the vehicle involved in the accident, including (but not limited to) buses, ferries, and railroads
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Another driver – If another driver of a passenger vehicle or semi-truck was involved
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A vehicle malfunction error – If a malfunctioning vehicle caused the accident, the vehicle’s manufacturer may be liable
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A vehicle maintenance error – If a maintenance issue caused the accident, the vehicle’s maintenance company may be liable
During an investigation, we often turn to the American Public Transportation Association for information about the agencies that operate public transportation vehicles. In most cases, it is Kentucky counties that run local public transportation companies. The county in charge of the public transportation company involved in the accident may be liable for your injuries.
Handling Communications from Liable Parties and Insurance Carriers
Insurance carrier representatives and other personnel may want to contact you. We can handle all these communications on your behalf, so you can stay focused on your recovery.
Maximize Your Benefits Under Applicable Vehicle Insurance Policies
We will also help you identify which insurance policies are applicable to your accident and how to maximize your benefit from these policies. For example, in every vehicle accident in Kentucky the PIP (Personal Injury Protection) policy, also known as Basic Reparations Benefits, will cover at least $10,000.00 in medical bills, lost wages, and out of pocket expenses made necessary by the vehicle accident injuries. In Kentucky, each person who is hurt bad in an accident has the right to direct their PIP policy benefits, including reserving them entirely for lost wages or paying of medical liens from unpaid medical bills. After the PIP policy or policies are exhausted we will pursue claims against the liability policy covering the at fault driver’s vehicle. Sometimes multiple liability insurance policies are applicable. For example, if the at fault driver was driving a friend or relative’s vehicle and they own their own vehicle which carries liability insurance then we will be able to pursue both insurance policies. After the liability insurance policies have been exhausted then we can pursue any applicable UIM (Underinsured Motorist) policies. These are policies you purchase in case you are in a wreck in which there is not enough liability insurance coverage to pay for the damages another driver causes you to suffer. What many people don’t understand is how policies purchased by their relatives whom they live with can also be applicable to a wreck they are in even if their relative’s vehicle wasn’t involved in the wreck. We investigate every insurance coverage which can apply and we make sure you are treated as favorably as Kentucky law says you should be.
Streamlining the Legal Process for You
A public transportation injury case in Kentucky will have several steps between filing a claim and successful resolution. Our injury professionals are here to manage this process for you while you heal from your injuries. Other aspects of your case that we can handle include:
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Reviewing and explaining your insurance claim options
Some victims of public transportation accidents may decide to accept a settlement to avoid going to court. We can review any offers from the liable parties and ensure that you are receiving sufficient compensation for your damages.
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Completing and submitting paperwork on your behalf
Personal injury cases involve significant amounts of paperwork that must be filed on time. We can file this paperwork on your behalf and keep your case moving through the Kentucky legal system.
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Determining your economic and non-economic damages
Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial compensation. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental duress, and other non-financial matters.
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If necessary, representing you in court
The circumstances surrounding each public transportation accident case are unique. We will always consult with you and explain your options to help you make an informed choice.
Kentucky Bus Accident Statistics
There are several kinds of buses in the state of Kentucky. These include school buses, transit (public transportation) buses, passenger vans (including those that transport children to and from daycare), and many others. Like any motor vehicle, the potential for an accident is always present.
According to a 2019 report on Kentucky traffic data, there were 390 school bus accidents and 12,240 other bus collisions in 2019 alone. The primary cause of these accidents was a lapse in driver attention.
Common Types of Kentucky Bus Accident Injuries
Like any motor vehicle, the potential injuries from a bus accident are substantial. Because buses are so much larger than passenger cars and SUVs, these potential injuries can be even worse. Common injuries in Kentucky bus accidents include:
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Fractures
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Abrasions
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Sprains
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Internal organ injuries
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Soft tissue injuries
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Burn injuries
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Brain injuries
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Spinal cord injuries
You deserve to be fairly compensated if you were injured due to the negligence of another driver. A skilled public transportation accident lawyer can help you navigate the process of seeking justice in Richmond, KY.
Call a Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer Today to Review Your Case
Remember, you only have a short window from the date of your accident to file a claim. A Kentucky personal injury lawyer from the Morrin Law Office is ready to help build your case and ensure that you file your claim before the deadline. We can also help identify the liable parties, thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident, and determine the economic value of your damages.
Being involved in an accident with a public transportation vehicle can be a frightening experience. Thankfully, you do not have to fight for justice alone. Call the Morrin Law Office today at (859) 358-0300 to schedule a free case review. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.