Columbia Bus Accident Lawyer
For millions of Americans, transportation via bus is an everyday occurrence. Whether for personal travel, commuting to work, or taking a vacation, roads across the country are filled with all types of buses from school buses, airport buses, tour buses, and intercity buses.
Many people in Columbia utilize bus transportation without much thought, and the truth is, they are an important lifeline to amenities, jobs, and personal freedoms. Unfortunately, bus accidents can and do happen, often resulting in personal injury or even death. When this happens personal injury claims may be necessary to seek compensation for damages. A Columbia bus accident lawyer can initiate your claim and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Most Common Types of Bus Collisions
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were about 5,000 crashes in the U.S. involving buses and large trucks that resulted in fatalities in 2020. Of these, 46 school buses, 9 intercity buses, and 86 transit buses were directly involved in fatal crashes. These numbers are staggering and emphasize the need for representation should you or a loved one be involved in a bus accident.
Bus accidents can occur for many reasons. Common types of bus accidents include rear-end collisions caused by an inattentive driver or one who is driving too fast, rollover accidents due to a careless driver or poor road conditions, head-on collisions caused by a distracted driver or a driver who is going the wrong way, and pedestrian accidents caused by a bus driver who is not paying attention. Bus accidents can also occur due to bad weather or road conditions, or mechanical failures such as brake problems. A knowledgeable attorney in Columbia could review the details of a public transportation crash and determine how it occurred.
Typical Injuries Stemming From a Bus Crash
Depending on a variety of factors, such as speed, location of impact, and the type of accident, injuries from bus collisions can range from minor to catastrophic. Some more common types of injuries associated with bus crashes include:
- Fractures and broken bones: bus accidents can cause broken bones and serious fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Internal injuries: bus occupants can suffer from internal bleeding and organ damage due to the force of a bus accident.
- Soft tissue injuries: soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, contusions, dislocations, and lacerations are common in bus accidents.
- Whiplash: bus occupants who are not wearing seatbelts may suffer from whiplash or other neck injuries due to the sudden stop of a collision.
- Burns: fires and explosions can occur due to a bus accident, resulting in serious burn injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): head injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: spinal cord injuries can range from sprains and strains to more severe, life-altering paralysis.
In some cases, injuries that occur as a result of bus accidents leave victims with disabilities requiring long-term medical treatments or even death. With the help of a dedicated lawyer in Columbia, a bus crash victim could gather compelling evidence of their injuries to ensure they receive the maximum compensation available.
How a Legal Team Member Can Help File a Civil Claim
In the wake of a bus accident, personal injury claims can often be made against individuals or entities such as bus companies and government agencies responsible for maintaining the safety of those on board. These claims are meant to provide compensation for the damages that were incurred due to the accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a public transportation accident, there are certain steps you should take to make sure your personal injury claim is properly handled. The first step is to seek medical attention for any resulting injuries as soon as possible. Once you have received medical attention for your crash-related injuries, it is important to contact an experienced attorney immediately.
A skilled attorney in Columbia will assess your case and provide legal advice and guidance on how to move forward with your bus collision claim. They will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, review any available evidence and documentation including police reports and medical records, gather witness statements, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Contact an Attorney in Columbia Immediately After a Bus Accident
The Law Office of Chris Miller in Columbia, Missouri is experienced in personal injury cases related to bus accidents. We understand the complexities of these types of claims and our team of personal injury attorneys provide the representation you need to get the compensation you deserve. Contact a Columbia bus accident lawyer today for a free consultation.