Were you involved in a bus accident? Incidents like these often result in serious injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and drivers alike. While you might feel overwhelmed and confused in the aftermath of the crash, you’re not alone—a Raytown personal injury lawyer can help.
As the victim of a bus-related collision, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained. A bus accident lawyer in Raytown can explain the intricacies of your case, advocate for your rights, and fight for compensation on your behalf.
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the details involved in bus accident cases, and we’re here to help. Backed by 45 years of combined experience, we have helped our personal injury clients recover over $1 billion in compensation.
Types of Bus Accidents in Raytown
Bus accidents can happen in a variety of ways. In Raytown specifically, many different types of buses operate daily, including:
- Raytown C-2 School District buses
- KCATA public transit buses
- Private charter buses
- Church or daycare vans
- Intercity carriers, like Greyhound or Megabus
Each type of bus usually falls under a different set of rules when it comes to insurance coverage, driver training, and legal responsibility.
For example, public buses operated by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) may involve claims against a government entity, while school buses might fall under local school district policies.
With those types of buses in mind, these are examples of common types of bus-related collisions:
- Collisions with passenger vehicles at intersections
- Rear-end accidents involving stopped or slowing buses
- Bus rollovers due to driver error or unsafe road conditions
- Accidents caused by improper maintenance or mechanical failure
- Pedestrian strikes near bus stops or school zones
- Injuries caused by sudden stops or driver negligence on board the bus
No matter the specifics, these incidents can cause serious harm to multiple people at once. Your bus accident attorney in Raytown can help you understand the cause of the crash that left you injured.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. It all depends on the speed of the vehicles, the point of impact, and whether the victims were passengers, drivers, or pedestrians.
Because most buses don’t have seat belts—and because they often carry large numbers of people—the risk of injury is higher in many cases, especially compared to collisions only involving cars.
Here are examples of injuries victims often endure as a result of bus crashes:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Deep lacerations or contusions
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
Injuries like these often require extensive and ongoing medical care. Victims might have to face emergency surgeries, physical therapy, long-term rehabilitation, or permanent disability. In tragic cases, these accidents result in fatalities.
Your Raytown bus accident attorney can help you identify your injuries, prove the extent of them, and advocate for your right to seek compensation for the pain you’ve experienced.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
What Causes Bus Accidents?
Many factors can lead to bus accidents. Some are caused by human error, while others may stem from mechanical problems or poor road conditions. Your Raytown bus accident lawyer will look into the details of your case to determine what caused the crash.
In the meantime, these are common examples of bus-related collisions:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can impair judgment and slow reaction time.
- Distracted driving: Using a phone, talking to passengers, or engaging in other distractions can lead to preventable accidents.
- Speeding: Buses that are going too fast for road conditions or traffic can be harder to control.
- Improper turns or lane changes: Buses have large blind spots and require more space to maneuver, making sudden turns dangerous.
- Driving under the influence: Although rare, bus drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause catastrophic harm.
- Lack of training: Inexperienced drivers may not know how to safely operate large vehicles.
- Mechanical failures: Brake issues, tire blowouts, and steering problems can all lead to crashes, especially if the bus hasn’t been maintained properly.
- Poor weather or road conditions: Rain, ice, and potholes can contribute to loss of control or difficulty stopping.
In many cases, more than one factor contributes to the crash, which is why identifying the root cause is essential for understanding liability.
Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims in Missouri
If you were injured in a bus accident, it’s important to know that there’s a time limit for how long you have to take legal action. Under Missouri law, many personal injury claims must be filed within five years from the date of the accident. This is known as the statute of limitations.
However, if your claim is against a government agency, like a school district or public transit authority, you may be subject to much shorter deadlines. In some cases, you might be required to file a formal notice of claim within 90 days to six months, depending on the agency involved.
If the bus accident led to a fatality, wrongful death claims must be filed within three years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines may prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether, so it’s important to keep track of timing.
Call Our Bus Accident Law Firm in Raytown Today
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, the road to recovery can be tough, but you don’t have to face it all by yourself. Collisions involving buses often introduce complicated legal matters into the picture, but we have the experience it takes to handle these cases successfully.
The sooner you reach out to Foster Wallace, the sooner we can start building your case and moving through the legal system. We’re here for you through this difficult time. We are committed to fighting for your rights and your future.
