Bus accidents can be devastating, causing severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. If you or someone you know has been involved in a bus accident in Oklahoma, it’s important to know your legal rights and the process for filing a claim. In this blog post, we’ll outline the legal process of bus accident claims in Oklahoma.
Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important step after a bus accident is to seek medical attention for yourself and any other passengers who were involved. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation to ensure that you don’t have any hidden injuries that could cause long-term problems. Additionally, seeking medical attention right after the accident can help establish a link between your injuries and the accident, which can be important evidence in your case.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer
After seeking medical attention, the next step is to contact an experienced bus accident lawyer in Oklahoma. A bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the claims process. They can also help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Investigate the Accident
Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including gathering witness statements, reviewing police reports, and examining any available video footage. This investigation is essential in establishing liability and determining who is responsible for the accident.
File a Claim
Once your lawyer has gathered all the necessary evidence, they will file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. This claim will outline the damages you’re seeking, including medical expenses, lost wages, and any other losses related to the accident.
Negotiate a Settlement
After filing a claim, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. The goal of this negotiation is to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may advise you to take your case to court.
Go to Court
If your case goes to court, your lawyer will represent you and present your case to a judge or jury. They will argue on your behalf, presenting evidence and witnesses to support your claim. If you win your case, the responsible party will be ordered to pay damages to compensate you for your losses.
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations for filing a bus accident claim in Oklahoma. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you don’t file a claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your losses.
Comparative Fault
Oklahoma follows a comparative fault system, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and suffered injuries as a result, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your own negligence. Your lawyer can help you understand how comparative fault may affect your case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Some common causes of bus accidents include driver negligence, poorly maintained vehicles, inclement weather, and defective parts. Your lawyer will investigate the cause of the accident to determine who is responsible for your losses.
Getting Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in Oklahoma, it’s important to seek legal help right away. A bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. With the right legal help, you can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses.
Murray Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process of bus accident claims in Oklahoma. Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s personal injury laws and have helped many clients recover compensation for their losses.
We can assist you in several ways, including:
- Investigating the accident: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence and witness statements to help establish liability and determine who is responsible for the accident.
- Filing a claim: We can help you file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company, outlining the damages you’re seeking and negotiating on your behalf to reach a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court: If necessary, we can represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing on your behalf to help you receive fair compensation for your losses.
- Providing legal advice and guidance: Our attorneys can provide you with legal advice and guidance throughout the claims process, helping you understand your legal rights and making informed decisions about your case.
- Maximizing your compensation: We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Murray Law Firm, we understand how devastating bus accidents can be, and we’re committed to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you with your bus accident claim in Oklahoma.