Kansas City Bus Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, buses are no stranger to accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 220 fatal crashes and more than 66,000 non-fatal accidents involved a bus. It is known that when buses and passenger vehicles get involved in a crash, the smaller car occupants suffer the worst of the damages. However, the occupants of the bus may also suffer severe injuries because buses usually miss safety measures. There are cases when the passengers do not pay attention to the road, and they are either sleeping, chatting, or reading, leading to traumatic injuries.
The most common causes of bus accidents in Kansas City typically include driving errors, distraction, fatigue, improperly trained driver, drunk driving, bad weather, mechanical failure, or defective parts.
In most situations, bus accident cases have turned to be more complicated to pursue than car accidents. That is why it is crucial to hire a bus accident lawyer to help you seek compensation for your personal injuries or other damages. If you or someone you love have been involved in a bus accident, you should not be responsible for paying for any injuries or damages. Whether the bus driver or a driver of another car has been found at fault in the accident, contact a Kansas City bus accident attorney to help you recover the damages you are entitled to.
Bus Accident Liability Kansas City
If the bus driver is at fault, the claims process can be complicated. Usually, the driver is employed by a school or public transportation bureau or works for a government entity. You should know what filling a claim with the government is different and time-consuming than a typical insurance claim. You must file a claim with the government within 180 days of the accident. The statute of limitation can vary from case to case, but your bus accident attorney can help you in this regard.
In some cases, government agencies have immunity from liability and lawsuits. This immunity is referred to as sovereign immunity. Missouri Revised Statutes §537.600 waives sovereign immunity when an employee injures someone due to the negligent operation of a vehicle while on the job. Technically, this waiver lets you sue RideKC or a school district if you can prove that their driver operated the bus carelessly, leading to the accident that caused your injuries.
Some examples of negligent behavior are:
- speeding;
- DUI (driving under the influence);
- distracted driving;
- fatigued driving;
- failing to yield the right of way.
According to the Kansas City, Missouri official website, if you submit a claim for personal injury, the city’s Claim Unit will document and investigate your claim. Then they will negotiate a settlement if it is proven that the city is liable for your accident. The Kansas City, the city officials, and the city employees are represented in lawsuits by The Litigation Division.
It will be in your best interest to hire a bus accident lawyer as the negotiations, and the legal actions might be complex and challenging for you to handle.
Bus Accident Injuries and Awards You May Be Entitled To
Being involved in a bus accident could lead to severe injuries due to the bus’s sheer size and weight. The most common bus accident injuries are:
- traumatic brain injuries;
- broken bones;
- spine and neck injuries;
- organ damage or internal bleeding;
- lacerations or deep cuts.
Bus passengers can also suffer severe injuries, such as neck, back, or shoulder injuries, broken bones, concussions, or bruising.
A bus accident lawyer will help you recover awards to pay your expenses or compensate you for your pain and suffering when it comes to compensation. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you will have legal assistance on your side to fight for:
- Medical costs, including all your past and future medical care related to your bus accident. You might be entitled to compensation for the costs of hospitalizations, treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation services, or medications.
- Pain and suffering, including compensation for limb loss, depression, scarring, post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Wage compensation means that you can recover your lost wages or the loss of future income as you may not return to your job.
- Property damage. If a bus hits your car, you can seek compensation to pay the car’s repair or even replacement, as well as other personal property damaged in the bus accident.
Contact a Kansas City Bus Accident Attorney
No matter who is at fault in a bus accident, it is crucial to hire a bus accident attorney to help you identify all liable parties and the compensation you could recover for your injuries. You will have to meet the five-year statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit according to Missouri Revised Statutes §516.120.
When suing a government entity, or a large bus company, the tasks might intimidate you, but our legal team is prepared to fight them. We will negotiate the best possible outcome for your case and not back down until we reach a fair settlement. Schedule your free consultation at (816) 813-8256 today. It’s time to take action get back to your everyday life.