Pedestrian safety is a serious concern, especially in busy urban areas, and when a crash involves a large vehicle like a bus, the consequences tend to be severe. If you or a loved one is injured in such an incident, you need a Raleigh, NC pedestrian accident lawyer who understands how to handle complex claims with transit authorities, insurance companies, and government regulations. At Burton Law Firm, we take these cases seriously and fight to protect your rights from day one.
Why Bus‑Involved Pedestrian Crashes Are Unique
Bus-related pedestrian accidents pose distinct challenges compared to collisions with private vehicles:
- Multiple Responsible Parties: Liability may lie with the bus operator, the bus company or transit authority, maintenance contractors, or even a municipal agency responsible for road or sidewalk design.
- Strict Rules and Immunities: Municipal transit authorities sometimes enjoy limited liability or special procedural rules that change how lawsuits must be filed or notice requirements that must be met.
- Higher Injury Severity: Because buses are large and heavy, even at low speeds, the injuries tend to be more catastrophic: fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and serious soft tissue trauma.
- Evidence Challenges: Getting priority bus data (dash cam video, black box logs, driver logs) often requires quick action and knowledge of how to issue proper legal requests or subpoenas.
Key Steps After A Bus‑Involved Pedestrian Crash
Whether the accident was caused by distracted driving or another factor, when someone is struck while on foot, here is how we proceed:
- Immediate Report & Medical Care: Get medical attention right away (even if injuries seem minor) and make sure the crash is reported to bus authorities or transit oversight.
- Preserve Evidence: That includes photos of your injuries, the bus, the scene, witness statements, CCTV or bus camera footage, and any relevant maintenance or operational records.
- Demand Notice to Transit Agency: Many transit agencies require a formal notice or claim within a short legal window before a lawsuit can proceed.
- Retain Counsel Quickly: Hiring a lawyer experienced in pedestrian-bus collisions helps ensure these deadlines are met and your case is built properly from the start.
How We Help Clients In Bus Accident Claims
We handle every detail so you can focus on recovery. We:
- Evaluate all possible parties for liability, including transit agencies, private operators, and road maintenance contractors
- Handle required administrative claims, notices, and appeals
- Negotiate or litigate aggressively to obtain maximum compensation
- Coordinate with medical care providers, accident reconstructionists, and liability analysts
Over the years, we’ve taken cases others would not. For example, we represented a Raleigh man who was struck as a pedestrian by an intoxicated driver, a case that multiple firms declined. He suffered a broken wrist in addition to widespread bruises and abrasions. After conducting a thorough investigation, we secured a $100,000 settlement for him.
Also, Jason M. Burton has been honored as a Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, reflecting our dedication and credibility in complex injury matters.
Your Next Steps After A Bus Pedestrian Collision
If you or someone you know has been struck by a bus as a pedestrian, there are several important steps to take after the accident, for example:
- Get medical care and follow all doctor instructions
- Document injuries and the crash scene with photographs or video
- Collect contact details from witnesses and bus operator information
- Reach out to a firm experienced in handling public transit claims
- Keep all records, such as medical, repair bills, and lost income statements
At Burton Law Firm, we know how to take on transit agencies, meet strict procedural timelines, and pursue maximum recovery for victims of pedestrian‑bus collisions. If you need experienced representation, contact us today to get your case evaluated.