Injured in a Bus Accident in Oklahoma City? How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Oklahoma City’s public transit system, EMBARK, provides services to thousands of our residents every day. However, accidents can and do happen. A recent incident in southwest Oklahoma City involved a collision between an SUV and an EMBARK bus, leaving at least two people hospitalized.

Buses are larger and heavier than most vehicles on the road, which means collisions can result in more extensive damage and catastrophic injuries. Victims can suffer from broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and long-term disabilities. If you’ve been injured in an Oklahoma City bus accident, understanding your legal options is the first step toward recovering your losses and rebuilding your life.

What are the common causes of Oklahoma City bus accidents?

Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and determining the cause is important to building a strong legal case on your behalf. Common causes of Oklahoma City bus accidents include:

• Distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, or failure to yield can all lead to devastating bus accidents.
• Buses require regular maintenance to ensure they’re safe to operate. When a bus company neglects maintenance, it can lead to things like brake failure, tire blowouts, or other dangerous mechanical issues.
• Oklahoma City has unpredictable weather, including heavy rain or ice roads, which can make operating buses more hazardous.
• Other drivers on the road can cause bus accidents by making sudden lane changes, driving recklessly, or failing to respect traffic laws.
• Sometimes, the bus itself might have defective components, like faulty brakes or a malfunctioning engine, which can lead to accidents.

Our experienced bus accident lawyers launch a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of your crash and resulting injuries.

How our Oklahoma City bus accident lawyers can help

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, you might be wondering whether it’s necessary to hire a lawyer. The short answer? Yes. And here’s why.

Bus accidents can involve multiple parties, including:

• The bus driver
• The bus company (e.g., EMBARK)
• A third-party vehicle driver
• A maintenance provider
• A parts manufacturer

Our experienced bus accident lawyers know how to investigate these difficult cases, gather evidence, and pinpoint who is responsible.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when victims deserve significant compensation. They may pressure you to accept a lowball settlement or use your statements against you. As your attorneys, we handle all communication with insurers so that they don’t take advantage of you during this vulnerable time.

After an Oklahoma City bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

We work with medical professionals, financial experts, and other specialists to make sure that every aspect of your damages is accounted for.

Bus accidents also often involve unique legal issues. For example, if the accident involves an EMBARK bus, government regulations may come into play. Also, filing a claim against a government entity typically involves strict deadlines and requirements. If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to seek compensation. Our skilled Oklahoma City EMBARK bus collision attorneys work to ensure your case is handled correctly and filed on time.

What should I do after an Oklahoma City bus accident?

If you or a loved one are injured in a bus accident, the steps you take right after can significantly impact your case. Here are a few steps to take.

First, seek medical attention. Your health should always come first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. A thorough medical evaluation not only protects your well-being but also provides important documentation for your case.

Notify law enforcement and the bus company about the accident. Ensure police file a full report, as this documents important facts about the accident and witnesses.

If you’re able, collect as much evidence as possible at the scene, including:

• Photos of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage
• Contact information for witnesses
• The bus number and driver’s name

Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case. Politely decline to provide a statement until you’ve consulted with one of our attorneys. The sooner you get legal representation, the better. Our experienced lawyers can start investigating your case immediately, preserving evidence and building a strong claim on your behalf.

How can your Oklahoma City injury lawyers help with my case?

At Cunningham & Mears, our priority is to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Personalized attention
• Thorough investigation
• Aggressive negotiation
• Trial experience

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are always prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice you deserve.

Frequently asked questions about bus accidents in Oklahoma City

You might still have questions. We have answers.

How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer? Most personal injury lawyers, including Cunningham & Mears, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

What if I was partially at fault for the bus accident? The state of Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

How long do I have to file a claim? The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Oklahoma is generally two years. However, as we mentioned earlier, if your claim involves a government entity like the EMBARK buses, you may be facing a shorter deadline – only a year. It’s best to contact our attorneys as soon as possible so you don’t miss any important deadlines.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus or EMBARK accident in Oklahoma City, don’t wait to get the help you need. The legal process can be seriously overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The dedicated bus accident lawyers at Cunningham & Mears fight for your rights and work to ensure you secure the compensation you deserve. Let’s discuss your case, answer your questions, and take the first step toward justice for the harm you’ve suffered. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle semi-truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis.