Kirkwood Bus Accident Lawyer

Kirkwood Bus Accident Attorney

Accidents involving charter buses are less common than other motor vehicle accidents, but they can be serious when they do happen. When someone like a driver or corporation is negligent and causes the accident, you can pursue compensation and hold their insurance carrier liable. It’s much easier to get this compensation with a Kirkwood bus accident lawyer investigating and managing your case for you.

Charter buses are much larger than most vehicles on the road, so they have the potential to cause more severe injuries and destruction. It is also a very regulated industry, as government officials hope to mitigate these and other safety risks. If a regulation is ignored or corners are cut, this can lead to crashes, and the bus company can be at fault for being negligent with safety regulations. Uncovering noncompliance takes the resources and skills of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.

The Cagle Law Firm: Defending Injured Victims of Bus Crashes

At The Cagle Law Firm, we have significant experience in large-scale accidents like bus crashes, so we know how to negotiate and deal with common carrier insurance companies.

After a bus collision, you should not negotiate or sign anything provided by the bus company; instead, contact our team. After a bus crash, we can strive to secure the most compensation available to you. There are many potentially complex aspects of a bus accident investigation and case, and our firm is prepared to handle that for you. This can give you time to physically recover. It also allows you to avoid negotiating with insurance adjusters who do not consider your interests.

What Are Common Causes of Charter Bus Accidents?

Private bus accidents can happen for numerous reasons, and many often have some of the same causes as other motor vehicle accidents. However, some may occur due to unique circumstances that are not present in other accidents. Many charter bus collisions are caused by a driver, company, or other party acting negligently. Some of the most common reasons for these incidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Both bus drivers and other motor vehicle drivers can be distracted while driving, taking their eyes or attention off the road. They may be distracted by a cell phone, the radio, or eating and drinking. Bus drivers may even be distracted by their passengers.
• Insufficient Training: Bus regulations outline how drivers must be trained. If the company does not provide sufficient training and the driver’s lack of knowledge causes an accident, the company and its insurance carrier can be liable.
• Fatigued Driving: Driving tired can be nearly as dangerous as driving under the influence, and any driver can be negligent by driving tired. Bus drivers are especially vulnerable to being overworked and driving while fatigued. If they were not provided with the required meal and rest breaks, the company may be at fault for encouraging the driver to ignore these breaks.
• Lack of Maintenance: Regulations also state how frequently private buses must be inspected and reviewed for maintenance. If these inspections and maintenance were not completed, this is likely the company’s negligence. Their insurance carrier should be held liable for any injuries that occurred because the bus broke down from lack of maintenance.
• Driving Under the Influence: A bus driver or other vehicle operator may have caused the accident because they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While the driver may face administrative and criminal penalties, injured individuals can pursue a case to get financial recovery.

FAQs About Kirkwood, MO Bus Accident Laws

Which Party’s Insurance Company Is Liable for a Bus Accident?

In Kirkwood, the common carrier insurance company of the charter bus company is liable for a bus accident. When you are a passenger in a charter bus collision, you are generally not responsible for arguing any degree of fault on your behalf as a passenger. Though, in any personal injury case, you do have to prove fault of the negligent party.

You would only be potentially at fault if you were interfering with the bus driver. In a bus crash, the bus driver is likely at fault. You could secure financial recovery from the bus company’s insurer or the other driver’s insurer.

How Long Does a Person Have to File an Accident Report in Missouri?

If you are a driver in an accident, you have 30 days to file a police report in specific circumstances, although you should never wait that long. When you are a passenger on a private bus in a collision, filing the police report is not your responsibility; but if a report is not made, it will be a problem for you. . A police report is important initial evidence after an accident, and your statement may be included in the evidence the officer notes. If your statement is requested, give the facts of the accident. As a passenger, you do not have to worry about fault unless you are directly interfering with the driver or safe operation of the bus.

What Is the Cause of Most Traffic Accidents in Missouri?

The most common probable contributing factor in traffic accidents in Missouri was the failure to yield, which was responsible for 26,156 crashes in 2021, including fatal, injury, and property damage-only crashes. 8,348 of those crashes were injury crashes, and 152 of those crashes were fatal.

The most common probable contributing factor for fatal crashes was driving too quickly for the conditions, which resulted in 195 fatal crashes and 17,364 total crashes. Be aware that every collision is unique, and there may be any number of causes of a crash.

Should I Speak With the Bus Company’s Insurance Carrier After a Bus Accident?

No, you should not speak with the bus company’s insurance carrier after a bus accident without consulting an attorney first. An adjuster will likely attempt to contact you, have you sign releases, and make an offer that’s much too low. The attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm understand how to counter these tactics.

Obtaining Financial Recovery After a Bus Accident

When you are a passenger in a private bus crash, you will likely be quickly approached by the bus company’s insurance carrier, which is looking to provide a quick settlement. This is rarely in your best interests. The costs of your injury will likely be much higher than the insurer’s initial offer. Do not negotiate with the adjuster; instead, find an experienced legal team to get the compensation you deserve. The Cagle Law Firm can handle your case for you. Contact our firm today.