Bus Accident Lawyer Columbus Ohio

The Friedmann Firm team is made up of experienced and trusted bus accident lawyers in Columbus, Ohio. Since our firm was founded in 2012, we have successfully represented a wide range of individuals living in Ohio who have faced issues such as workplace harassment, unpaid wage violations, and various personal injury claims. We understand the complexities and stress that come with personal injury claims, especially when a bus accident is the cause.

Buses are a major type of public transportation in the United States. They are used by adults and children to commute to work, school, and for general purposes on a daily basis. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Americans took about 9.9 billion trips on public transportation, including buses, in 2019 alone.

And while buses do serve an important role in transportation, accidents can happen, often unexpectedly. 2020 saw 54 deaths in school bus-related accidents according to the National Safety Council.   More broadly, there were 4,998 large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes in 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

These numbers are down from previous years, but it does show us that bus accidents do happen and have the potential to be fatal for anyone involved. Injuries received from a bus accident, whether you are a pedestrian, driver, or even a passenger on the bus, can come from out of nowhere and may leave you with unexpected medical costs to contend with.

Following an accident, it can be important to consult with a Columbus bus accident attorney to figure out your next steps – especially in terms of seeking compensation from the liable party.

Do You Need a Columbus Bus Accident Attorney?

While individuals are completely free to pursue handling their personal injury claims on their own, it is always beneficial to work with a lawyer. Here at The Friedmann Firm, our team of bus accident lawyers in Columbus, Ohio is qualified to help you throughout the legal process of filing a claim.

We will go over the details of your case and determine what can be done. Should we take your case, we will represent you and shield you from as much stress as possible and ensure that you understand your rights.

What Can a COTA Bus Accident Attorney in Columbus Help With?

For those living in Central Ohio, you may be familiar with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). COTA is a public transport agency that operates and provides a range of bus transportation services throughout Central Ohio. According to COTA’s site, their service area includes 1.2 million residents, and they provide nearly 19 million passengers with bus trips annually.

COTA is considered to be a political subdivision in Ohio, which does grant the agency some specific legal protections when it comes to liability in cases of a bus accident. Section 2744 of the Ohio Revised Code provides more information about political subdivision tort liability, including immunities, damage limitations, and exceptions. The laws around public transit accidents can be confusing, especially for individuals who are not well-versed in Ohio law.

But this is where a COTA bus accident attorney in Columbus, Ohio can help.  We can look at the specifics of any case involving a COTA bus and help determine what kind of approach to take. Depending on the circumstances of the bus accident, there may be limits to COTA’s immunity and you may be able to pursue damages following the accident.

It can be difficult to pursue a claim against a political subdivision like COTA but working with a Columbus bus accident lawyer can be extremely beneficial. We can ensure that you understand your rights and provide you with legal advice and representation.

Common Injuries Suffered in Bus Accidents

Just like any kind of accident that involves a large vehicle, there are a number of different injuries that individuals may suffer when involved in bus accidents.

Some of the most common injuries suffered in bus accidents include:

Injuries like those listed above also range from minor to severe. Minor injuries typically include things like scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and sprains. They can be painful injuries, but do not typically pose a threat to your life or things like long-term mobility. You are expected to recover from these injuries given enough time and care.

Severe injuries on the other hand are often considered to be life-threatening or life-altering. These injuries can potentially cause death, long-term disability, or impact your overall quality of life. Severe injuries include TBIs, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and loss of limbs.

If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries following a bus accident, contact a bus accident attorney in Columbus, Ohio. The Friedmann Firm’s team is here to help.

We understand how stressful and life-changing injuries can be following an accident where a vehicle as large as a bus is involved and we are here to guide you through the legal process of filing your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a valid bus accident case?

Once you schedule a consultation with us, one of our bus accident lawyers in Columbus, Ohio will be able to analyze the details of your case. From there, we will determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim on your hands.

We cannot determine if you have a valid bus accident case until a consultation is done.

Do you handle Ohio school bus accidents as well?

Yes, our COTA bus accident attorneys in Columbus are well-versed in handling school bus accidents as well. School bus accidents can happen when buses collide with another bus or vehicle, because of dangerous road hazards, distracted driving, and a number of other causes.

If your child was involved in a bus accident that was due to the negligent acts of another, you can contact our firm for a free consultation on your case.

Do I have a specific time period to file a personal injury lawsuit following my bus accident?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is 2 years from the date of the accident. This time frame is the same for situations involving COTA-related bus accidents as well.

To ensure that you meet your claim’s deadline for filing, also called the statute of limitations, it is key to consult with a COTA bus accident attorney in Columbus.

Contact Our Trusted Columbus Bus Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident recently that was the result of another person’s negligence, please contact our Columbus bus accident attorneys today. Bus accidents can affect a range of people, from passengers of all ages to drivers and pedestrians.

At The Friedmann Firm, we understand the complexities that come with bus accidents. Should we take your case, you will have aggressive, experienced legal representation from our team as we focus on ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available to you.