Canton Bus Crash Lawyer
Have You Been Hurt in a Bus Accident?
Buses are a common site across Michigan. Hundreds of thousands of passengers use buses each year to get from place to place. Some buses provide local transportation around a city and service commercial districts, while others use buses as their way to commute to and from work. Still, others choose to ride on a bus as they travel out of state to see family or friends. Whatever the reason, Michigan citizens are boarding buses in large numbers each year and that is a trend that is expected to continue in the coming decades.
The majority of these individuals travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many sustain injuries every year in Michigan bus accidents. Often these injuries are very serious, in part because commuters do not use seat belts while riding on most buses. With many bus companies servicing Canton and Michigan in its entirety, it might not be surprising that these bus crashes account for many injuries every year and unfortunately some might result in death. If you suffer an injury, make sure to talk to a Canton bus accident attorney ASAP.
What are some of the common reasons for bus accidents?
Bus drivers experience many of the same challenges as any motorist, plus a few other unique problems. Some common causes of bus accidents involve:
- Driver distraction– Motorists that pay more attention to their phones or other electronic devices are more prone to collisions. Because of the number of occupants on buses, bus drivers also are more susceptible to passenger distractions than someone operating a car.
- Driver fatigue– Much like a truck driver, bus drivers have a schedule to meet. This commonly means they work long hours without taking sufficient breaks. The loud environment of a bus can also wear on a driver.
- Speeding– To make their scheduled stops, drivers may disregard speed limits or road conditions because of inclement weather.
- Vehicle maintenance– A poorly maintained bus can crash because of a failing part.
- Insufficient training– Too often, drivers do not have appropriate training on the safest practices for operating a bus. The absence of training or inadequate training can lead to a driver error that can result in an accident.
What injuries are prevalent in bus accidents?
Just like any kind of accident on Canton roadways, the injuries from a bus crash may partially depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the collision.
The most prevalent injuries include:
- Fractures (broken bones) that require surgical repair
- Head and brain injuries
- Back & neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Scars and lacerations
- Wrongful Death
What legal rights are available to bus accident victims?
As a bus crash victim, the law may offer you one or more civil claims to pursue. The claims available will rely on the circumstances of a specific accident and who is at fault in the accident.
At fault third parties
If another motorist causes a crash with a bus while you are a passenger on that bus, you may have a claim against the other motorist for your injuries. If the other driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage available for all of the injuries suffered in the collision or if the other motorist has no insurance available at all, you might also have a right to bring an uninsured or underinsured case against your own insurance provider or the bus company itself, if there is UM coverage available.
At fault bus driver
Alternatively, if the collision is because of a negligent bus driver and you were either a bus occupant or in another vehicle, you might have a claim against the bus driver and the bus company. This holds true even if the bus owner is a municipality, like a city bus used for public transportation.
Safety Defects on a Bus
Lastly, if the crash is caused by some defect in the bus itself and not through actions of any drivers, you might have a claim against the:
- manufacturer of the bus
- seller of the bus
- owner/operator of the bus
- anyone that performed negligent maintenance while servicing the bus
Any bus driver who is injured in a crash may also have a claim for worker’s compensation for their injuries.
The possibility of so many claims makes a bus accident case complicated and complex. Often the more vehicles involved in the accident, the more complex the case( s). This is a reason that when selecting a bus accident attorney in Canton, you want to choose one with experience prosecuting personal injury claims.
What do I do after I’m involved in a bus accident?
You might be rattled and in a state of shock after being involved in a bus crash. However, there are a few important things that you need to do before leaving the scene.
- Call 911
- Obtain witness information
- Seek medical care
- Get in touch with a bus accident lawyer
How much can I recover financially after a bus crash?
The amount of money you may receive after a bus crash will depend a lot on the extent of your injuries. In general, you might recover the costs of your:
- medical expenses
- lost income
- pain and suffering
- loss of companionship
- lost earning capacity
- damages caused by permanent disability or disfigurement
Families that have lost a loved one in a Canton bus accident might also collect for any care their loved one received prior to passing away as well as compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages. Talk to a knowledgeable Canton bus crash attorney to learn all of your options.
Have you been hurt in a Canton Bus Crash?
The Canton bus accident lawyers at Marko Law will work to help you get the financial recovery that you deserve. Bus crash damages might consist of: medical costs, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, loss of income, and much more. We additionally seek to recover present and future costs when representing a crash victim.
Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation
If you are ready to start your case or need more information about Bus Accidents in Canton, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.