Compensation in Bus Accident Cases
When you bring a lawsuit, you must prove the defendants were negligent and that their negligence was a direct cause of your injuries. Negligence is a failure to use reasonable care to avoid harming others. However, bus owners and drivers must meet a higher standard: they must use the utmost care to avoid causing injuries.
When the evidence demonstrates that another party was negligent, that party is financially liable for your injuries. You can receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, incidental expenses, and payment for your pain and suffering. Idaho Code § 6-1603 caps pain and suffering damages with few exceptions, and our Boise attorneys could explain whether the cap applies in your bus accident case.
If your conduct played a role in the accident or the severity of your injuries, it will impact your compensation. Idaho Code § 6-801 says that the total amount you can collect must be reduced by a percentage that equals your portion of the fault. If you are more than 50 percent to blame, you cannot collect any compensation.