Columbia Bus Accident Lawyer
The injuries and harm that come after a crash involving a bus may be as unexpected as they are severe. Buses’ large size and lumbering nature may convince some that they are safe modes of transportation, but this is a false perception. Like is true for any other large commercial vehicle, careless operation of a bus can lead to a wreck that seriously hurts or even kills others.
A Columbia bus accident lawyer understands the threat that careless bus operators pose to others on the roadway. An experienced attorney can help you in exercising your legal right to seek compensation if you or a member of your family are hurt in a wreck involving a bus.
Who are the Responsible Parties Following a Bus Crash?
Bus drivers may cause bus accidents, but there may be others who are responsible in some way for the crash. Identifying these responsible parties is a crucial step in obtaining compensation. The driver of the bus is liable for any injuries caused by a crash if they commit any of the following acts:
- Drinking alcohol or consuming drugs of any type and then operating under the influence of those substances
- Not being aware of one’s surroundings, including neglecting to give other traffic sufficient clearance
- Texting on a telephone while also attempting to drive
- Violating traffic laws and traffic rules while driving
Similarly, others may be responsible for contributing to a crash because:
- The bus driver at fault in the accident has a history of careless or dangerous driving, but the bus company continues to employ the driver
- The manufacturer of the bus itself allowed one or more defects to enter into the design or manufacturing process, and these defects then contributed to the crash
- A mechanic hired to inspect and repair the bus may fail to see and fix an obvious problem and that problem after that leads to an accident.
Attorneys who represent injury victims of bus crashes in Columbia can help identify the party responsible for causing the bus accident.
Why Hire a Columbia, Mo. Bus Accident Lawyer?
When you are involved in a bus accident, it is critical to hire an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. When a bus accident occurs, multiple entities are involved, such as the bus company and their commercial insurance. A bus accident can be an extremely paralyzing experience; therefore, it is best to let your attorney handle your case while you focus on recovery.
It could take a while to recover, depending on how severe your injuries are. For some bus accident victims, the injuries could have lifelong effects on their well-being. If the accident is extremely severe, it could even result in a wrongful death suit.
The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers are here to help you from the very beginning. We will walk you through the legal process, ensure you understand the details of your case, and assemble a compelling argument using concrete evidence to support your claim.
As your Columbia, Mo. bus accident lawyers, we understand all the minute details of the legal system, how to negotiate with insurance adjusters, and all the tactics they will use to try and undermine your claim.
When you trust The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers with your case, we will put together your case using the following strategies:
- Gathering evidence
- Eyewitness testimony
- Consulting industry experts
- Visit and collect additional evidence, such as pictures and videos from the scene.
As your Columbia, Mo. bus accident lawyer, we will be with you every step of the way. We sincerely care about our clients and want them to receive the maximum compensation they deserve. If you have been involved in a bus accident, get in touch with our attorneys today!
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Columbia, Mo.
There are a few common causes of bus accidents in Columbia, Mo., some of the most common being distracted driving or reckless driving. Let’s review some of the common causes of bus accidents in Columbia, Mo. below.
Lack of Driver Training
In most cases, bus companies want to get their drivers certified and out on the road as quickly as possible. However, this can result in a lack of training and lead to accidents. According to the Journal of Safety Research, drivers under 25 years old and drivers over 55 years old are more likely to cause an accident while on the job.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another common cause of bus accidents. Unsafe maneuvers, driving under the influence, or other infractions that lead to citations. Reckless driving by another motorist can also cause bus accidents, causing the driver to swerve or cause a collision with the other vehicle.
Bus Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is another significant cause of bus accidents. Many drivers work long hours with inadequate rest. Therefore, they are more likely to make mistakes, take risks, or even fall asleep at the wheel. There are rules in place that dictate how much rest a driver must receive prior to returning to work; however, these rules are oftentimes not enforced.
Adverse Road Conditions
Hazards on the roadway, such as construction, lack of maintenance, or tight curves, can hinder a bus’ ability to maneuver around an obstacle properly. This is why it is critical for bus drivers to be constantly alert while on duty.
Lack of Maintenance
The bus company has a certain duty of care to maintain their buses to a reasonable safety standard. When maintenance and inspection routines are not properly completed during the allotted intervals, it could cause mechanical failures and lead to serious accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are only 1.15 inspectors for every 1,000 motor carriers, which is not nearly enough, making maintenance-related accidents extremely common.
What Compensation Can Injured Plaintiffs Recover?
People hurt in a bus crash who need medical treatment or who have to miss work may be able to obtain a judgment through a lawsuit directing the party responsible for the collision pay for such expenses. Other out-of-pocket expenses such as prescription drug costs, counseling, and therapeutic services may also be compensable.
Injured plaintiffs may also recover compensation for expenses they might incur in the future. Plaintiffs who need ongoing rehabilitation services or who have permanent disabilities that impact their ability to earn an income, may have these losses and expenses compensated in addition to any other harm that they suffered.
Victims planning to file an injury claim should rely on the help of a Columbia bus accident lawyer to help them understand the compensation they are entitled to recover.
Contact a Columbia, Mo. Bus Accident Attorney
Once you or your close family member have suffered injuries in a bus accident, you may have only five years from the date of the crash to file a claim to obtain compensation. Acting swiftly to have your situation investigated and your claim filed can mean the difference between recovering compensation for your losses and receiving nothing at all. Speak with a Columbia bus accident lawyer to learn more about your eligibility to recover compensation.
Columbia, Mo. Bus Accident Lawyer FAQs
How long do I have to file a bus accident lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, including those related to bus accidents. It’s crucial to consult with a bus accident lawyer promptly to ensure you meet the applicable deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.
Will I have to go to court for my bus accident case?
Many bus accident cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement without the need for a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to litigate your case in court to seek the compensation you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer in Columbia, Missouri?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, making our legal representation accessible to those who need it most.
How do I schedule a consultation with a Columbia bus accident lawyer?
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation. During the consultation, we will discuss the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with an initial assessment of your potential claim.