When negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing causes a bus accident in Albuquerque, the experienced team at Caruso Law Offices is ready to fight for your rights. Our law office has deep roots in the Albuquerque community, and we know how local courts and insurance companies handle these cases. Whether you were hurt by a bus while cycling, walking, or as a passenger onboard one, we’ll develop a personalized strategy to hold responsible parties accountable and ensure your best interests are protected. Call our Albuquerque bus accident lawyer now to get started at (505) 883-5000 or fill out our online contact form.
Why Choose an Albuquerque Bus Accident Attorney From Caruso Law Offices?
Unlike most Albuquerque injury law firms, at Caruso Law Offices we exclusively handle traffic accident cases. Every Albuquerque bus accident lawyer and staff member focuses only on the state’s laws for traffic-related accidents, giving us a deep well of knowledge to navigate your bus accident claim. We offer the following important advantages:
- Local Knowledge. With two decades of experience handling bus, car, truck, and pedestrian accident claims in Albuquerque, we know the system, including the best strategies for compensation in any case. Our experience also tells us that no two cases are the same so we develop unique strategies for each client’s circumstances.
- Trial-Ready Representation. We are skilled investigators, negotiators, and litigators who prepares each case as though it’s going to trial right from the beginning. This gives us the most compelling case to bring to the insurance company to negotiate a settlement so you’re unlikely to have to go to court.This leaves our Albuquerque accident lawyers more than prepared to argue aggressively on your behalf in court when required.
- Proven Results. Our track record of success puts a powerful voice behind our claim. Insurance companies and defendants know we have the power to win. Recent cases have brought multi-million dollar settlements for clients injured in traffic accidents.
What Our Clients Have to Say
“They always kept me update with my case and always answered any questions…I would highly recommend and I will be using Caruso law firm from here on out” – Joe S.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bus Accident in New Mexico?
Bus accident injuries can range from mild to life-altering. Injuries such as fractures, brain injuries, burns, and spinal cord injuries in Albuquerque are all associated with bus accidents. New Mexico personal injury victims may be able to recover compensation that falls into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate accident victims for the direct financial losses they experience because of the accident, including:
- Medical expenses for current and future medical bills related to the injuries they sustained in the accident
- Lost wages for income they lost while recovering from their injuries or seeking medical treatment
- Reduced earning capacity if they suffered permanent disabilities due to the injury or were forced to move to a lower-paying job
- Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles and other personal property
Keep all receipts and documentation related to these losses to prove their value.
Non-Economic Damages
Accident victims can suffer in ways that are not easy to quantify. Non-economic damages recognize these losses, which might include:
- Pain and suffering damages, which compensate for the physical, emotional, and mental suffering accident victims endured because of the accident
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma, including the onset of PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to the accident and resulting injuries
- Lost quality of life if victims cannot enjoy their favorite pastimes due to their injuries
- Loss of consortium, which is the negative impact the injury had on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family
Because quantifying these losses is difficult, it is important to work with bus accident attorneys who can establish the existence of these damages and their value.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
The Albuquerque Journal reported that New Mexico ranks in top 10 list for most dangerous public transportation, including buses. Whether you were injured on an ABQ RIDE bus, a private tour bus, or a school bus in Bernalillo County, determining liability is complex. Our law office, based in Albuquerque, knows the key players in the local transit system and how to hold them accountable.
Common negligent parties in bus accidents in Albuquerque include the following:
- The bus driver
- The bus company
- The driver of another vehicle
- A bus parts manufacturer
- A negligent bus maintenance company
- A negligent road maintenance company
Passengers are never liable for damages in a bus accident, but filing a bus accident claim to recover damages becomes complex when there are many possible liable parties.
Your Albuquerque bus accident lawyer from Caruso Law Offices will investigate all aspects of the bus crash to identify the correct liable party or parties, document evidence of liability, and carefully calculate your damages to make a compelling case for your compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in New Mexico?
Each state is responsible for establishing laws that set time limits for filing certain legal actions, such as personal injury lawsuits. These are known as the statutes of limitations. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the accident date. If you do not file a lawsuit within this timeframe, the court can dismiss any case you later file as untimely.
In bus accident cases, you could be dealing with additional legal complexities if your case is against the government. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit against a government agency is two years in New Mexico. Additionally, you must file a tort claim notice within 90 days of the accident.
Because you may only have a few months to begin taking legal action on your claim, it’s vital that you contact an injury lawyer who is experienced in handling bus accident claims as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Albuquerque
Traffic in Albuquerque can be unpredictable, especially in high-traffic areas like Coors Boulevard, Montgomery Boulevard, and I-40. Many bus accidents in our city result from driver negligence, such as failing to adjust for Albuquerque’s unique traffic conditions, pedestrian crossings near Old Town, or sharp turns in Uptown. Other common causes can include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Making wide turns
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances
- Driver fatigue
- Driver negligence
- Poor weather conditions
- Left turn accidents
- Failing to adjust speed and stopping time to poor road conditions
In some cases, mechanical failures, a negligent road crew, or a negligent bus maintenance company cause a bus accident.
What Evidence Can Prove Liability in a Bus Accident Case?
As a plaintiff in a personal injury case, it is your responsibility to show the bus company or driver was at fault for the accident. Evidence that can help you prove your case may include:
- Accident reports
- Black box data
- Videos from inside the bus
- Photos of the accident scene
- Maintenance records
- Personnel records
- Witness statements
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
Our experienced injury lawyers in Albuquerque know how to obtain this evidence and present it effectively.
Contact Our Albuquerque Bus Accident Lawyers Today
Bus companies have large, powerful insurance companies that protect profits at the victim’s expense. That’s why you need a dedicated Albuquerque bus accident lawyer who understands the local court system, local insurance adjusters, and the unique challenges of New Mexico personal injury claims.
At Caruso Law Offices, we are proud to serve our Albuquerque community. We’ve helped local residents recover millions in compensation, and we’re ready to fight for you. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (505) 883-5000 or by filling out our online contact form. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve—right here in Albuquerque.