Grand Rapids Bus Accident Lawyer

Have You Been Hurt in a Bus Crash?

‍Buses are a common site throughout 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 decide to ride on a bus as they travel out of state to see family or friends. Whatever the reason, Michigan residents are boarding buses in large numbers each year and that is a pattern that is expected to continue in the coming years. The majority of these citizens travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many sustain injuries each year in Michigan bus accidents. Often these injuries are very serious, partially because passengers do not use seat belts while riding on most buses. With several bus companies servicing Grand Rapids and Michigan in its entirety, it may not be surprising that this bus crashes account for numerous injuries each year and unfortunately some might result in death. If you suffer an injury, be sure to talk to a Grand Rapids bus accident lawyer ASAP.

‍What are some of the common reasons for bus crashes?

‍Bus drivers experience a lot of the same challenges as any motorist, plus some other unique issues. Some common causes of bus accidents include:

• Driver distraction-- Motorists who pay more attention to their phones or other electronic devices are much more prone to accidents. Because of the amount of occupants on buses, bus drivers also are more prone to passenger distractions than somebody operating a car.
• Driver fatigue-- Much like a truck driver, bus drivers have a schedule to meet. This often means they work long hours without taking adequate breaks. The loud environment of a bus can also wear on a driver.
• Speeding-- To make their scheduled stops, drivers might disregard speed limits or road conditions due to inclement weather.
• Vehicle maintenance-- An improperly maintained bus can crash because of a failing part.
• Inadequate training-- Too often, drivers lack appropriate training on the safest methods for operating a bus. The absence of training or poor training can lead to a driver mistake that can result in a crash.

What injuries are prevalent in bus crashes?

‍Just like any kind of collision on Grand Rapids roadways, the injuries from a bus accident can partially depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the crash.The most common injuries consist of:

• Fractures (broken bones) that need surgical repair
• Head and brain injuries
• Back & neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Scars and lacerations
• Wrongful Death

What Legal Rights are Available to a Bus Crash Victim?

‍As a bus crash victim, the law might offer you one or more civil claims to pursue. The cases available will rely on the circumstances of a particular crash and who is at fault in the crash.

‍At Fault Third Parties

‍If another driver causes a crash with a bus while you are an occupant on that bus, you might 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 accident 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

‍On the other hand, if the crash is due to a negligent bus driver and you were either a bus passenger or in another vehicle, you might have a claim against the bus driver and the bus company. This is 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 accident 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 that is hurt in an accident might also have a claim for worker's compensation for their injuries.The possibility of so many claims makes a bus crash case complicated and complex. Often the more vehicles involved in the collision, the more complex the claim( s). This is a reason that when choosing a bus accident lawyer in Grand Rapids, you want to select one with experience prosecuting personal injury cases.

‍What do I do after I'm involved in a bus crash?

‍You might be shaken and in a state of shock after being involved in a bus accident. However there are a few important things that you should do before leaving the scene.

• Call 911
• Get witness information
• Seek medical care
• Contact a bus crash attorney

How much can I recoup financially after a bus crash?

‍The amount of money you might receive following a bus accident will depend a great deal on the extent of your injuries. Generally, you may recoup the costs of your:

• medical bills
• lost income
• pain and suffering
• loss of companionship
• lost earning capacity
• damages caused by long-term disability or disfigurement

Families that have lost a loved one in a Grand Rapids bus crash might also collect for any care their loved one received prior to dying as well as compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and various other damages. Speak with a knowledgeable Grand Rapids bus crash lawyer to learn all of your options.

‍Have you been injured in a Grand Rapids Bus Crash?

‍The Grand Rapids bus accident attorneys at Marko Law will work to help you receive the financial recovery that you deserve. Bus crash damages might include medical expenses, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, loss of income, and more. We also aim to recuperate present and future expenses when representing an accident victim.

‍Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

‍If you are ready to start your case or need more information about a Bus Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, 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.