St. Louis County Bus Accident Lawyer
Buses operate differently from every other type of vehicle on the road. While their large size and great weight make them hard to stop like a truck, they carry passengers rather than freight. This increases the likelihood of someone suffering an injury in a bus accident.
If you or a loved one were harmed in a bus collision, you may not be certain who is at fault or whether you qualify for compensation to cover your medical bills and other expenses. However, a St. Louis County bus accident lawyer may be able to help. A seasoned injury attorney familiar with the complexities of bus accident cases could evaluate the circumstances of your claim and explain your options for recovery.
Parties Who May Bear Responsibility for a Bus Accident
Bus accidents may be caused by numerous different factors. In some cases, businesses or a group of negligent individuals may be to blame. Examples of parties who could be held liable in a bus accident claim include:
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Bus drivers
- Drivers of other vehicles on the road who may have been careless or driving while impaired
- Poorly maintained roads
- Bus companies
A bus collision lawyer in St. Louis County could investigate the cause of the crash and the parties who may be held legally liable. It is wise to begin the investigation as soon as possible because the availability of evidence may deteriorate rapidly with time.
How Can Mutrux Firm Help Your Bus Accident Claim?
Although many might want to handle your case on your own, it’s important to realize how difficult it is to navigate the legalities of your case on your own and how complicated the law could be. Here’s why it’s best to let Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers handle your case instead of trying to navigate the legal system on your own.
- Your attorney is familiar with the legal system and how it works
- They are a skilled negotiator and know how to secure a larger settlement for your damages
- Your attorney will get eyewitness testimony of the accident
- Consult with industry experts to get their take of what happened
- Prepare all legal documents to help you file your lawsuit
- Will represent you in court to secure a fair settlement
We know it can be tempting to want to handle your case on your own; however, with a skilled St. Louis bus accident lawyer by your side, you can be confident that your case is in good hands and that you have a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
How Long Should I Wait To File Suit in St. Louis?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the accident to file suit; however, we recommend contacting an attorney and filing as soon as possible. Failure to file within the five-year window could severely hinder your chances of receiving the damages you are owed. We recommend contacting your attorney as soon as possible, as this gives them enough time to gather documents, get eyewitness testimony, consult industry experts, and take their time filing your case, ensuring the best result possible.
What Damages Could a Person Recover in a Bus Accident Claim?
It is not uncommon for victims to miss time from work in order to focus on healing from their injuries. However, missed work time could mean a loss in wages earned. Fortunately, compensation may be available to make up for lost wages in the past and those anticipated in the future as a result of an accident.
A damage award would usually cover medical bills and future medical treatment, such as physical therapy. If modifications are needed to be done to the home to accommodate an injury or if help is needed around the house, damages may be provided for those costs as well.
Oftentimes, there are a combination of economic and non-economic damages that could be rewarded to cover the costs of your bus accident. Let’s check this out in more detail below:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are more tangible assets, meaning that it is easier to place a monetary figure on compensation. These can consist of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Travel expenses for treatment
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are a little more difficult to place a monetary value on; however, they are still just as important. These consist of the following:
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Loss of companionship
Punitive damages could also be handed down to the party responsible for your injuries and property damage. It’s important to hire a skilled attorney to receive the compensation you deserve and to make sure that you know your rights and what you are entitled to.
How Could Someone Calculate Damages?
A St. Louis County bus crash lawyer could calculate the value of these losses and intangible harm suffered to come up with an appropriate damage award. This amount could be used to evaluate the fairness of any settlement offers received. Intangible factors for which an injured person may receive compensation for include emotional distress, pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of cherished activities. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Who Could Be Held Liable for Your Bus Accident in St. Louis?
Several parties could be held liable for your bus accident, as it depends on the specifics of the accident at hand. The bus company could be held liable for lack of safety measures or training, or in a school bus accident, the school district could be held accountable.
If a city or public bus is involved in an accident, then the city operating the bus could be held liable for the accident. In the end, it depends on how the specific accident occurred and what went wrong to cause the accident in the first place.
How To Know When to Contact a St. Louis Bus Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a bus accident, and are wondering when you should contact an attorney to handle your case, there are a few things to consider:
- Have you suffered injuries that affect your quality of life?
- Have you lost income as a result of your injuries?
- Do you have expensive medical bills?
- Is the other party attempting to shift the blame onto you?
- Are you having difficulty receiving a settlement from your insurance company?
If you have experienced any of these factors, we highly recommend contacting a St. Louis bus accident lawyer. They will represent you and make sure that your voice is heard and will act as your advocate throughout the entire process.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not collect payment unless we settle your case. This allows anyone, regardless of financial capability, to seek legal counsel. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, get in touch with Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Consult an Experienced St. Louis County Bus Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident, it may be wise to avoid delay in seeking legal advice that could help you avoid costly mistakes. There are many ways victims could inadvertently jeopardize their right to recovery, such as admitting fault or waiting too long to file a claim.
In order to avoid making any crucial mistakes, get in touch with a St. Louis County bus accident lawyer today. An experienced attorney may be able to inform you of your eligibility to receive compensation and how to protect your claim moving forward.