Damages in Aurora Bus Accident Cases
Bus accidents are often more complicated than other vehicular crashes, as they may involve multiple entities and cause severe damage due to the bus’ size and weight. Establishing liability and filing within the applicable statute of limitations can be crucial to receiving damages in Aurora bus accident cases.
If you have been hurt in a crash, contact an experienced bus wreck lawyer to discuss your next steps and begin pursuing compensation for your losses.
Types of Compensation in a Bus Accident Case
When someone else’s negligence causes an accident, they can be held legally responsible for compensating those injured. A range of damages may be considered in a lawsuit following an Aurora bus accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most straightforward and can include the cost of car repairs, accrued medical expenses, ongoing medical expenses, and necessary medical equipment, such as mobility devices. These damages also extend to lost wages for the time an injured person must take off work.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages do not have a clear dollar amount attached to them, but are still recognized by the law. These include pain and suffering and may extend to loss of enjoyment of life in the case of permanent injuries.
Wrongful Death Damages
If someone is killed in a bus accident, their surviving family members may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages awarded in wrongful death suits typically include funeral and burial costs, loss of economic support for dependents, and emotional loss and loss of companionship.
Considerations for Government-Owned Buses
Many buses operating in Aurora are either owned by the government or involved in a government contract. Under Colorado Revised Statute § 24-10-109, plaintiffs in these cases only have 182 days to file a claim against a government entity. In addition, C.R.S. § 24-10-114 places caps on damages in Aurora bus crashes involving government entities.
If the bus was privately owned and not operating under a government contract, these limitations do not apply, and the case will proceed through Colorado’s typical personal injury claims process. During a consultation, a seasoned lawyer from Amy G Injury Firm could help you determine whether your accident involved government entities and, if so, how your case will be affected.
What Impacts Total Compensation in a Bus Accident
The total compensation awarded in an Aurora bus accident case depends on many factors, including:
- Severity of the damages
- Permanence of the injuries
- Number of victims involved
- Percentage of fault assigned to the liable parties
- Thoroughness of documentation in recording expenses
Working with a lawyer could ensure you have adequate documentation to demonstrate both liability and the impact of your injuries.
Contact an Aurora Lawyer Regarding Damages in Your Bus Accident Case
A lawyer from Amy G Injury Firm could analyze your case to determine where liability rests and whether your crash involved a government entity. They could ensure proper documentation is filed on time and, if necessary, seek additional evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, dash cam footage, and crash site forensics, to establish liability. Furthermore, your lawyer could negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and prepare to represent you in court.
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one and need to understand damages in Aurora bus accident cases, we are here for you. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and begin pursuing the justice you deserve.
