St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyer

When a bus is involved in an accident, there is the potential for many people to get hurt. Besides other traffic participants, numerous bus passengers can sustain serious damages as well. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, the majority of people involved may be able to seek compensation.

If you were hurt in this type of crash, you need to file a personal injury claim. To avoid mistakes and maximize your chances of damage recovery, consider working with a St. Louis bus accident lawyer who could provide legal assistance to properly handle the claim.

Liability in a Bus Accident

To determine liability, a St. Louis bus accident lawyer would have to conduct an investigation. While sometimes responsibility may seem straightforward, multiple nuances can prevent the victim from filing the right claim. Some examples of liable parties are:

• Bus Driver: Responsible for safely operating the bus and liable for errors like speeding or distracted driving
• Bus Company: Accountable for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining vehicles, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations
• Other Drivers: Liable if their negligence, such as reckless driving, contributed to the accident
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Held responsible for accidents caused by defective parts, such as brakes or steering systems
• Maintenance Providers: Liable if improper maintenance led to mechanical failure that caused the crash
• Municipalities or Government Entities: May be liable for poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or lack of traffic control measures.
• School Districts (for School Buses): Liable for ensuring drivers are qualified and vehicles are properly maintained

In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for the bus accident. When this occurs, all parties must contribute to compensation according to the percentage of their fault.

Negligence in a Bus Collision

Negligence is the foundation of any personal injury case, including bus accidents. If the injured person fails to prove that the at-fault party acted negligently, they cannot claim compensation. A bus crash attorney in St. Louis could demonstrate the four elements of negligence and collect evidence to back the argument. This often involves investigating the incident, subpoenaing relevant records, and speaking to witnesses.

In some situations, the legal team would have to hire an expert witness to testify about the damaging consequences of the bus collision. They take care of all these legal aspects while the plaintiff recovers in peace.

Why Hire an Attorney After a Bus Collision?

Damages sustained in bus collisions can be life-changing. Mounting medical bills and loss of earning capacity can complicate recovery and cause serious financial issues. Obtaining compensation for all the related expenses is integral to getting the person’s life back on track. An experienced St. Louis bus accident lawyer can help the injured party navigate the case, collect evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company. If necessary, they can take the case to court and fight for fair compensation in front of the judge and jury.

Without an attorney, it is easy to make unfortunate mistakes and cause the insurance company to reduce the payout. In the worst case, the injured party could lose the chance to recover any damages.

Consult an Experienced St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyer Before Filing a Claim

If you or your loved one were hurt in a bus accident, you need legal assistance to recover damages. Taking a comprehensive approach to filing a claim can help you obtain fair compensation – but that is easier said then done. At McCready Law, we work hard to help people who sustain injuries because of someone’s negligence get the money they deserve. For a free case consultation, please call us at any time.