816-326-2968Bus accidents are catastrophic and potentially deadly events that often cause large numbers of casualties. Victims are typically left with severe injuries that sideline them from work and result in significant medical bills. Tragically, in some cases, bus riders, motorists, and pedestrians die from their injuries.
When negligence is to blame for a bus accident, the victims and their families have the right to recover compensation. Having experienced counsel by your side will make a difference. Trust the Kansas City bus accident lawyers of Aramjoo Law Firm.
Causes of Bus Accidents in Kansas City
Victims and their attorneys have an obligation to explain how exactly the crash happened. It helps to understand a few of the most common causes of bus accidents, such as:
- Traffic law violations: Speeding, running through stop signs, and other illegal actions unnecessarily endanger the lives of others.
- Distracted driving: Anything that takes a driver’s focus away from the road may be considered a distraction. Some examples are texting while driving, using a GPS system, and eating and drinking.
- Driving under the influence: Any form of intoxicated driving is illegal and dangerous, whether it’s because of alcohol or drugs (including prescription medication).
- Not ensuring safe entry and exit onto the bus: Bus drivers should only allow passengers on and off the bus at designated stops. Not doing so can cause injury to riders.
- Failure to adjust to adverse conditions: Heavy traffic, inclement weather, and other dangerous conditions should cause drivers to act with abundant caution. Failure to drive more cautiously could cause a wreck.
- Hazardous road conditions: These are usually caused by negligent third parties such as construction companies and governmental entities.
- Ignoring blind spots: Buses have dangerous blind spots, and failing to check them may lead to a collision.
- Poor training: Bus drivers are required to be trained to safely do their jobs. The agency or company that fails to properly train its drivers may be held liable.
- Defective parts and poor maintenance: The bus manufacturer, the company that made a dangerous or defective part, and/or a repair shop or mechanic may be responsible for these wrecks.
Types of Bus Crash Cases We Handle
Our Kansas City bus accident lawyers represent victims in all types of cases, including those involving:
- School buses
- City buses (operated by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, or KCATA)
- Tour buses
- Charter buses
- Private buses (e.g. Greyhound)
We also represent all victims who are harmed in bus accident cases, such as:
- Bus occupants
- Motorists
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Property owners
Who May Be Liable for a Bus Accident?
One of the most important responsibilities of a Kansas City bus accident attorney is to determine which party or parties were at fault. There could be several individuals, businesses, or entities that share the blame. More defendants mean more potential compensation so you and your family can get your life back to normal.
All of the following could be held liable for a bus crash:
- Bus driver
- The driver of another vehicle
- Bus company
- Government entity (school district, city, or county)
- Government contractor (e.g., where dangerous road conditions were to blame)
- Bus maintenance or repair company
- The manufacturer of the bus or a defective component
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Bus Accident in Missouri?
A statute of limitations is a deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a victim fails to file the lawsuit within the timeframe established by the statute of limitations, the claim is forever barred, and the victim will receive no damages.
Bus accident injury lawsuits must be filed no more than five years from the date of the accident. The deadline is three years if the victim dies and eligible survivors pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.
The rules are different for victims who sue a government entity such as KCATA. For instance, a notice of intent to file a claim must be made, usually within 180 days of the accident. An experienced Kansas City bus accident lawyer can help ensure no deadlines or procedural requirements are missed in these cases.
Although you have time to file a lawsuit, it’s recommended that you act sooner rather than later. It takes time to build a compelling legal case, and waiting too long risks losing evidence and memories about the incident.
Potential Damages in Bus Accident Cases
In most bus accident lawsuits, a victim can seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate victims for:
- Past and future medical bills, including rehabilitation and nursing care
- Lost income
- Lost income-earning ability
- Property damage
Meanwhile, non-economic damages cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement
Wrongful death damages are also available to eligible survivors of victims who die from their injuries. In very limited cases, punitive damages can be sought to punish a wrongful party for especially negligent or reckless conduct.
How We Serve Bus Accident Victims
Our firm knows just how upsetting and disruptive any kind of accident can be to a person’s life. This is especially true when the victim is a child on a school bus or a family breadwinner who was just trying to get to work. We represent each and every one of our clients with the legal experience, professionalism, and respect that they deserve.
When you hire us, our Kansas City injury attorneys start looking into how exactly the accident occurred. This includes interviewing witnesses, examining police and other investigative reports, and reconstructing the crash. As we start to build a case, we identify the cause(s) of the accident and who was responsible. Once a lawsuit is filed, our bus accident attorneys will be able to use a process known as discovery to obtain relevant evidence.
We handle all legal paperwork, pleadings, service, and procedural matters. Our firm is well-versed in the various rules that govern these cases, such as those concerning civil procedure, evidence, and the special rules that apply when suing a governmental entity like the city. We will also take care of negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company to reach an out-of-court settlement if possible.
Finally, our firm understands how to determine the value of a victim’s case. Often, this requires obtaining testimony from expert witnesses. These are individuals with specialized knowledge who can explain complex subjects to juries and insurance companies, such as how an accident will affect a person’s ability to earn a living in the future. This information helps set a reasonable amount of damages to demand from the defendant.
Bus Accident FAQs
Can I pursue a claim if I was a passenger a bus during an accident?
Yes, as a passenger on the bus involved in an accident, you have the right to pursue a claim for compensation. Whether it’s due to the bus driver’s negligence, maintenance issues, or another party’s fault, you are entitled to seek damages for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Consulting with a bus accident lawyer is crucial to understanding your rights and navigating the legal process effectively. They can help you determine liability, assess the strength of your case, and guide you in seeking the compensation you deserve.
What steps should I take immediately after a bus accident in Kansas City, MO?
After a bus accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Seek medical attention for any injuries, report the incident to law enforcement and gather contact information from witnesses. Document the scene, take photographs, and obtain the bus driver’s information. Contact a bus accident lawyer promptly to guide you through the legal process and preserve crucial evidence.
What compensation can I pursue after a bus accident in Kansas City, MO?
Victims of bus accidents in Kansas City may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Additionally, if the accident resulted from the bus company’s negligence, punitive damages might be sought. Consulting with a skilled bus accident lawyer helps determine the specific damages applicable to your case and facilitates the pursuit of fair compensation through negotiations or legal action.
Contact Our Kansas City Bus Accident Lawyers
Were you or a loved one injured in a bus crash? Are you worried about piling medical bills, missing work, and how you’ll provide for your family? It’s time to speak with a compassionate Kansas City bus accident lawyer of Aramjoo Law Firm about your bus accident. Contact us today for your consultation.