Many people ride the bus on a daily basis. Taking the bus is a common form of transportation in many big cities. Would you know what to do if you were a passenger in a bus accident, or struck by a bus? According to 2020 bus accident statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, roughly 10,100 buses were involved in accidents in the United States in 2020. Bus accidents are some of the most dangerous traffic collisions, and they can be far worse than a typical collision between two cars.
Buses carry numerous passengers and are significantly larger than the average car or SUV; therefore, the likelihood of severe injuries is considerably higher. If you have been injured in a bus accident and are considering pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you should discuss all of your options with an experienced attorney.
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Buses generally do not contain the same safety devices as a standard passenger vehicle, such as seatbelts and airbags. As such, the sudden force of a stop and impact can result in catastrophic injuries for bus passengers. These injuries and complications can include:
The compensation offered by insurance companies is often not enough to cover medication, physical therapy, hospital bills, and other costs associated with a personal injury accident.
An experienced Southern Minnesota personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you can file suit against at-fault parties for your injuries and damages. An attorney can advise you of your options and assess your estimated damages according to specific court guidelines.
Injuries from a bus accident can often be catastrophic and result in long-term physical, mental, and financial consequences for the victim and their family. Some victims may lose their job if they are unable to continue working after their injury. For this reason, Minnesota personal injury lawyers often seek a broader scope of compensation for damages for victims and their families.
Damages sought by victims after a bus accident often include:
Minnesota has no cap on damages for pain and suffering so there is no limit on how much money a plaintiff can seek for pain and suffering related to the personal injury.
An attorney may be able to help you recover money for different types of damages by filing a personal injury claim on your behalf.
You never know when a bus accident might occur. There are several steps you should take after you are involved in a bus accident:
Safety should be your number one priority after a bus accident. Call 911 to report the bus accident so that emergency personnel can arrive as quickly as possible.
You should see a medical professional after any serious accident. Even though you may not think you are injured, you might have experienced whiplash or other soft tissue injuries that are not evident. It could take hours or several days for symptoms to appear, and early medical diagnosis can help avoid further injury.
Right after the accident, start gathering information and evidence. Such evidence includes photos of the scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you have. Collect other passengers’ contact information and the information of the bus driver, emergency personnel, and others that arrive on the scene. If you preserve evidence of the accident, an attorney will have the tools to better handle your case.
Major bus companies carry high levels of insurance to protect against a variety of issues that may arise; however, insurance companies often try to pay the least amount possible to an accident victim. Discussing your case with an attorney is critical to the long-term success of your claim.
You must follow different laws and procedures when suing governmental entities like those who operate city buses. The legal team at Knutson & Casey understands these laws, and we will designate you a personal legal representative to guide you through the legal process. In addition, our attorneys take care of all paperwork and keep you informed at every stage of your case.
Our lawyers are excellent investigators, negotiators, and, if necessary, trial attorneys. We will work hard to establish a strong case and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at Knutson + Casey are ready to discuss your case with you. Contact us or call us at (507) 344-8888 to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys.