Because of their size and power, buses can cause major damage in accidents. When that happens, the responsible party needs to be held accountable. Assigning liability in a charter bus accident is often more complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties.
If you have been involved in a charter bus accident, you may have sustained serious injuries. Your bills will add up fast, especially if you can’t work. A Kansas City charter bus accident lawyer can identify the liable parties and fight to get you fair compensation for your losses.
Our team at Foster Wallace has recovered over $1 billion in combined settlements, jury awards, and judgments for injured accident victims. It’s your injury, but it’s our fight. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how our Kansas City bus accident lawyers can help.
Why You Need a Lawyer
It usually isn’t wise to take on a personal injury claim by yourself. Insurance companies have expensive lawyers who get paid to make sure they come out on top whenever possible. That means they aren’t really on your side. They are more concerned about their bottom lines.
Our Kansas City personal injury lawyers are the advocates you need to ensure a fair fight. We know the law, and we understand how insurance companies operate. We can ensure your claim remains in good standing by handling paperwork and making sure you don’t miss deadlines.
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay until we win. We deduct fees from your final award. That makes our services available to almost anyone who needs them. Insurance companies shouldn’t be the only ones with access to quality legal representation.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
After your accident, a representative from an insurance company may reach out to you with a settlement offer. It could be tempting to accept it when your bills are piling up. However, it is never a good idea to take an initial settlement offer without speaking with a lawyer first.
Insurance companies know what your claim is worth, but they hope that you don’t. If you accept a lower settlement that doesn’t cover your damages, they can close out your claim for a bargain. You may lose your rights to future compensation, even if your condition gets worse.
Insurance companies may employ other unscrupulous tactics, like calling to show support while hoping you will say something they can use against you. You are not required to talk to them when they call. Instead, refer them to us.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Assessing Your Damages
Your Kansas City charter bus accident attorney will assess your economic and non-economic damages to calculate your maximum compensation amount. We can use this number to file your claim and negotiate a fair settlement later on.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that have a cost associated with them. Usually, you’ll get a bill or invoice. While every case is unique, some of the economic damages you may be able to recover include expenses associated with the following:
- Ambulance transport and emergency care after the accident
- Follow-up doctor appointments and specialist visits
- Medication you require after your injury
- Surgery and procedures
- Physical and occupational therapy sessions
- Lost wages for the time when you are unable to attend work
- Projected future medical needs such as ongoing treatments or therapy
- Property damage, such as the cost of repairing your vehicle
Non-economic Damages
Some of your damages may be associated with a monetary amount but instead relate to mental and emotional well-being. These are considered non-economic damages, and while they are hard to prove, they may apply to your case. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
It’s a good idea to keep detailed records of your expenses, as well as the psychological, social, and emotional impact the accident has had on you and your family. Doing so can help your attorney determine which economic and non-economic damages you may be able to claim.
Assigning Liability
A charter bus operation involves several parties. Your charter bus accident lawyer in Kansas City will consider the possibility of filing claims against the driver and the bus company. However, there could also be other entities responsible for your accident and injuries, including:
- Other motorists or pedestrians
- Bus passengers
- The chartering agency
- The event organizer
- The company that maintains the bus
Investigating the circumstances of the accident is one of the most important jobs your attorney will perform. This will help identify the liable parties and devise a strategy for filing claims with the appropriate insurance providers and getting the compensation you need.
Negotiating Your Settlement
Our goal is to work with insurance companies and come away from the table with a fair settlement that meets your needs and covers your expenses. We’ll handle the negotiations on your behalf so you can focus on your family and recovery.
We hope that this will be all it takes to get you compensation. You have already been through enough after the accident. Unfortunately, there are times when an insurance company isn’t willing to do the right thing.
While we’d prefer to settle your case amicably, if the insurance company doesn’t see it our way, we will not back down from a fight. If necessary, we can help you file a civil lawsuit and let a court decide your damages.
Contact a Kansas City Charter Bus Accident Attorney
A bus crash can mean catastrophic injuries and major medical expenses. Whenever you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation from the liable party. The problem is that the liable party isn’t always clear in a charter bus accident.
Even if you file your claim, the insurance company may not be willing to help you. They might deny your claim or try to manipulate you into taking less. You don’t have to deal with all of this alone. A Kansas City charter bus accident attorney can help.
At Foster Wallace, we have over 45 years of combined legal experience. Our law firm is dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured victims in Missouri. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and tell us what happened.
