Bus accidents can cause severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In the state of Mississippi, negligence plays a significant role in determining liability for bus accidents. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of negligence in Mississippi bus accidents and how it affects personal injury claims.
What is Negligence?
Negligence is a legal concept that refers to the failure of an individual or entity to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In Mississippi, negligence is the basis for most personal injury claims, including those arising from bus accidents.
Negligence in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, such as driver error, mechanical failure, or poor road conditions. However, the most common cause of bus accidents is driver negligence. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or eating while driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to maintain the bus properly
- If the bus driver’s negligence caused the accident, the injured party may file a personal injury claim against the driver and their employer. In Mississippi, employers can be held liable for their employees’ negligent actions if those actions occurred within the scope of their employment.
Comparative Negligence
Mississippi follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that the injured party’s compensation may be reduced if they were partially responsible for the accident. For example, if the injured party was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, their compensation may be reduced to reflect their share of the fault.
Statute of Limitations
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If the injured party fails to file a claim within this time frame, they may lose their right to compensation.
In addition, it’s essential to remember that negligence can also apply to other parties involved in the bus accident. For example, a third-party maintenance company may be responsible for negligent maintenance of the bus, leading to an accident. In such cases, the injured party may file a personal injury claim against the maintenance company.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This evidence may include witness statements, police reports, medical records, and photos of the accident scene. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather and present this evidence in court to build a strong case.
Negligence plays a critical role in determining liability for bus accidents in Mississippi. If you were injured in a bus accident, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
As a personal injury law firm based in Mississippi, we at the Brad Morris Law Firm, PLLC have experience in handling negligence cases in bus accidents. We can provide you with legal assistance in several ways:
Investigate the Accident: We can conduct a thorough investigation of the bus accident to gather evidence that can prove negligence on the part of the bus driver, the bus company, or any other responsible party. The investigation can include gathering witness statements, reviewing accident reports, analyzing the bus company’s maintenance and inspection records, and obtaining any relevant surveillance footage.
Determine Liability: We can help determine liability for the accident and identify all parties responsible for your injuries. This includes not only the bus driver but also the bus company, the bus manufacturer, or any other party whose negligence may have contributed to the accident.
Calculate Damages: We can help you assess the damages resulting from the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses you have suffered. By analyzing your medical records, bills, and other relevant documents, we can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We can negotiate with the insurance companies involved in your case to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Our attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance adjusters and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Represent You in Court: If necessary, we can represent you in court to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and can provide you with effective representation in court.
We at the Brad Morris Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate the legal system, protect your legal rights, and obtain the compensation you deserve in a negligence case involving a bus accident in Mississippi. If you have been injured in a bus accident, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.