Detroit Inclement Weather Bus Accident Attorneys
The Detroit bus accident lawyers of Ravid & Associates, P.C. are here to help you if you have been harmed in an accident caused by a bus driver’s negligent driving in inclement weather. Inclement weather requires drivers to be even more careful than they would normally be, and this is especially true for buses. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident because a bus driver drove recklessly in bad weather conditions and failed to use reasonable care, you might be eligible for compensation.
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., our bus accident lawyers are ready to defend your rights if you’ve been the victim of an accident in Detroit. We have helped over 25,000 families since 1990, and we want to help you too. It is our mission to get you the compensation you deserve after this tragic incident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by chatting with us live on our website, filling out our email form, or calling (248) 948-9696.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Due to the incredible size of buses and the number of innocent people who rely on the bus for transportation, a bus accident can have overwhelming and often fatal consequences. An accident caused by a negligent bus driver in inclement weather can be difficult to handle because it could likely have been prevented had the bus driver exercised the proper care for the conditions. If you were hurt, or if you lost a loved one in a bus accident, you deserve compensation, and an experienced and knowledgeable bus accident lawyer can help you get it.
This compensation can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and any other costs associated with the crash. Choosing a skilled bus accident attorney is essential in trying to get the maximum amount possible for your claim, but it is also important because an attorney can help make the process far less stressful as you try to recover. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., our lawyers have decades of experience handling bus accident claims, especially ones resulting from inclement weather. We will work hard to get you the best outcome possible.
Why Choose Ravid & Associates, P.C.?
If you were seriously hurt in a bus accident, or if someone you love lost their life in a tragic crash, you need an experienced law firm that will put your interests first. Turn to the firm that has a track record of successful verdicts and settlements and is known for showing compassion for its clients during their difficult time.
With more than 180 years of combined experience, Ravid & Associates, P.C. has won over $350 million in compensation for its clients. We have a reputation for securing the maximum damages for those we help, which is why people consistently choose Ravid & Associates, P.C. to handle their inclement weather bus accident claims. You deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries, and the attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. will work hard to get you what you are owed. Contact us today at (248) 948-9696 to schedule your free consultation.
Proving Negligence in an Inclement Weather Bus Accident
The weather has a significant impact on how we drive. The chances of an accident increase dramatically when inclement weather is present, and drivers should always slow down and take extra precautions when driving. When a bus driver fails to exercise reasonable care during a storm or other inclement weather, the consequences can be tragic. Not only is the bus driver putting themselves in danger, but they also subject their passengers and other drivers around them to the perils of a bus accident. Even though bad weather makes driving more dangerous, it does not excuse reckless driving or harm to others.
For a negligence claim, you must prove that the bus driver acted unreasonably. Bus drivers are held to a higher standard than regular passenger-vehicle drivers because of the weight and size of a bus. Federal law requires the use of extreme caution in hazardous situations (i.e., snow, rain, mist, fog, etc.). In fact, if conditions are too bad, the law requires drivers to cease operation. To prove negligence in a bus accident claim, you must determine that your injuries were caused by the bus driver’s lack of reasonable care given the inclement weather. This can be tricky to prove, which is why you should retain the services of an experienced bus accident lawyer from Ravid & Associates, P.C..
Avoiding Inclement Weather Bus Accidents
Buses require a much longer stopping distance than other motor vehicles because of their large size and weight. Furthermore, the shape of buses makes it much easier for them tip over. Driving a bus requires a great amount of care (especially when there is inclement weather), but, unfortunately, bus drivers are not always responsible enough to take the necessary precautions. As another driver on the road, there are some things you can do when driving near a bus during bad weather conditions that can help decrease the risk of being harmed in a bus accident. These precautions include the following:
- Increase your distance behind a bus
- Drive at a slower speed
- Pass only when necessary
- Use headlights to make yourself known to other drivers
- Stay out of the bus’s blindspots
Unfortunately, you can be as alert and careful as possible when driving in inclement weather and still not be able to avoid a collision if others do not extend the same courtesy. If a bus driver is the one at fault for an accident, you may have a claim against the bus company and other entities for the accident.
What to Do If You’ve Been In an Inclement Weather Bus Accident
As with any accident, it is important that you immediately call emergency services after an accident with a bus in inclement weather. Even if you feel fine after an accident and the EMTs let you go, you should visit a doctor because more serious injuries may not arise until later. A doctor can help determine all of your injuries and make sure you’re okay.
After seeing a doctor, seek out an attorney. Bus companies and drivers often have complicated insurance plans, so trying to reach a proper settlement amount can be extremely difficult. On top of that, inclement weather bus accidents usually involve multiple parties. You may be able to sue the bus driver, the bus owner, or both depending on the accident. It is important to talk to a lawyer right away because the statute of limitations may prevent you from pursuing your claim if you wait too long.
Inclement Weather Accident Statistics
According to the Department of Transportation, there are over 5,748,000 vehicle crashes each year. About 22%, or almost 1,300,000, happen because of weather (weather-related accidents include slick-pavement accidents as well). Other pertinent statistics regarding accidents in inclement weather include the following:
- Nearly 6,000 people are killed in inclement-weather-related crashes every year
- 445,000 people are harmed every year as a result of bad-weather accidents
- Most of these accidents occur because of wet pavement
- Rain causes the most amount of accidents of any type of weather
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident during inclement weather, contact the Detroit bus accident attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today. We are ready to protect your rights and get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. Contact us today at (248) 948-9696, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live on our website to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.