When we take a bus, we entrust our safety to the driver and his or her employer. However, these vehicles can still be involved in serious and sometimes fatal collisions, leaving victims and their families with extensive damages.
Under Missouri law, you may be eligible for financial compensation if you are injured in a bus accident and someone else’s negligence is responsible for the collision. In these situations, it is important to know your rights—and to speak with a bus accident attorney as soon as possible.
Legal Options for Bus Accident Victims
Bus accidents can be devastating. Collisions involving these large transport vehicles can result in serious injuries and fatalities, causing victims to experience physical pain, financial hardship, and psychological trauma. By filing a claim against the party responsible for the accident, you can recover compensatory damages to pay for your losses.
Missouri is a fault accident state, meaning that negligent drivers are financially liable for any accidents they cause. There are multiple legal options available for bus accident victims to recover compensation. Your optimal pathway will depend on several factors, including the cause of your accident and the at-fault party.
Insurance Claims
Many bus accidents are covered by insurance policies. If a motor vehicle driver is responsible for the accident, you could pursue a claim against his or her liability insurance. A bus company may also have an insurance policy for its drivers, and you could pursue compensation under its coverage.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury lawsuits are claims filed in Missouri civil court. If someone else caused the bus accident, you could file a claim against the responsible driver.
For example, you can name the bus driver as well as his or her employer in your lawsuit if the employee’s negligence caused the collision. You can also file a lawsuit against the bus company directly if its own negligence caused the accident, such as improper maintenance.
Claims Against the Government
Many buses are operated by local and state government agencies. If you are injured on a public bus, you could pursue a claim against the appropriate agency under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). These claims involve different procedures than a regular personal injury claim, so make sure to consult with an attorney.
Product Liability Lawsuits
Defective vehicles and vehicle parts can lead to a bus accident. If this is the case, you could file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, retailer, or distributor of that product.
Compensation Available in Bus Accident Claims
Through a bus accident claim, you can recover compensation for the economic and non-economic losses that you experienced in the collision. Economic damages involve your financial losses, such as the following.
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Property damage
- Disability accommodations
On the other hand, non-economic damages refer to your physical and emotional pain and suffering. Common examples of non-economic losses include the following.
- Chronic pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Fear
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
Protect Your Rights With a Bus Accident Attorney
Bus accident claims can be difficult to navigate, especially after a recent injury. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can represent your claim and help you prepare for each stage of litigation.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Kansas City, Missouri Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Kansas City area car accident you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.