Placing your trust in busses, bus drivers, and people sharing the road is a necessity for people who commute publicly to and from work, school, and everyday travel. However, the safety a large bus provides you could be jeopardized by the multitude of vehicles on the road or the negligence of the bus driver or bus company.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that every year approximately 137 people die due to bus accidents with hundreds of thousands more incurring injuries from the same cause.
If you or someone you love has suffered damages related to a bus accident, a Jefferson County bus accident lawyer may be able to get you compensation for your damages.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
While buses are a convenient form of transportation, they remain large and heavy vehicles that come with an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Bus crashes are often more serious than other vehicle crashes due to their size and weight.
The most common causes of bus accidents in the U.S. are:
- Bus driver fatigue
- Bus driver negligence
- Bus company negligence
- Driver age or lack of experience
- Bad weather or road conditions
- Other drivers
- Left turns
- Bus fires
Compensation for Losses After a Bus Accident
Medical bills from a bus accident quickly add up. You need to know that you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond your medical bills. In a bus accident case, you may be awarded compensation for your:
- Loss of income
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Legal and travel expenses
When the wrong-doer acted in a wanton and willful manner, you may be able to pursue punitive damages. These damages are considered a punishment by the courts and might be mandated per the jury’s discretion.
If these type of damages are sought by you and your counsel, the evidence must show that the defendant acted in a deliberate and wanton manner.
It is important to note that per Missouri law, compensation awards are determined by the jury. There are no state-set caps on the amounts a bus accident victim can recover. You need to contact a bus accident lawyer in Jefferson County to find out more about the compensation you are able to seek.
Get Legal Help from a Jefferson County Bus Accident Attorney Today
A Jefferson County bus accident lawyer is experienced in dealing with insurance companies. While an insurance company’s goal is to minimize your injuries and other damages, our goal is to show them and the jury, how the injuries you sustained as a result of the negligence of others has impacted your life.
Our attorneys are well-versed in crafting cases that demonstrate the severity of your damages in an attempt to get you full compensation. Call our trial lawyers today to receive a case evaluation.