Mehlville Bus Accident Lawyer

Mehlville Bus Accident Attorney

Private and commercial buses are often considered a safe mode of transportation. However, accidents do happen, and the resulting injuries can be severe. These incidents are also substantially more complicated than a typical motor vehicle case. If you are an injured passenger in a bus crash, you need a Mehlville bus accident lawyer, and it is important that the personal injury lawyer you work with has the resources and knowledge needed to navigate these complex cases.

Diligent Legal Representation After a Bus Crash

After a charter bus accident, you will often be approached soon after by the insurance adjusters of the bus company’s common carrier insurance. They will often provide releases to give you settlement offers to cover your injuries. While presented as being in your interests, they are not. Most passengers injured in bus accidents will have injuries that far exceed the compensation provided. Once you accept their settlement, you will be unable to pursue fair compensation.

Instead, you should avoid talking or negotiating with the insurance adjuster and find a skilled attorney. The Cagle Law Firm has decades of experience with charter bus accidents, and we can protect your rights during the process. We can determine your options for compensation and fight for the most financial recovery possible.

Complex Regulations Affecting Charter Bus Accidents

Numerous state and federal guidelines apply to charter bus companies, like charter buses and party buses. These governmental agencies are aware of the increased danger that buses pose if their drivers are not regulated and the vehicles are not properly maintained. Charter bus companies must follow these regulations. Failure to do so increases the chances of a crash. Some of the established rules for charter bus companies include:

• The hours-of-service requirements for when bus drivers can operate vehicles
• Bus registration and how they must properly keep their records
• Maintenance and upkeep of the buses
• Passenger capacity limits and other safety features
• Proper procedures after a crash
• How bus drivers are trained and reviewed
• Drug and alcohol testing for bus drivers
• Required minimum commercial liability insurance

If a charter bus company is careless and fails to follow these regulations, their insurance carrier may be held liable for the accident. Having the right attorney as your legal representation is crucial. Your attorney must thoroughly investigate and discover these violations, and they should also be aware of the many complex issues that can arise. You want to secure legal counsel who has significant experience in charter bus accidents and securing compensation for injured passengers.

What Can Cause Charter Bus Accidents in Mehlville?

Bus accidents can be caused by many of the same issues as other forms of motor vehicle accidents, but some incidents have unique causes. These include:

• Distracted driving
• Distractions caused by a bus passenger
• Fatigued driving, potentially caused by overworking the bus drivers
• Improperly trained or inexperienced bus drivers
• Unvetted bus drivers
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Moving violations
• Aggressive driving
• Lack of required maintenance on the bus
• Unsuitable roads for these large vehicles
• Improperly maintained roads
• Driving too quickly in dangerous road conditions

When the cause of the crash is driver negligence, it may be the bus driver, another motor vehicle driver, or both.

As a passenger on a charter bus, you should not have to prove liability or defend yourself from accusations of fault, as it’s extremely unlikely that you were interfering with the driver in any way. However, it’s still vital to hire an expert attorney for your bus accident case. Without a lawyer on your side, common carrier insurance adjusters may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge.

FAQs About Mehlville, MO Bus Accident Laws

Which Party Is Liable for a Bus Accident in Missouri?

The common carrier insurance of the bus company is liable for a bus accident in Mehlville. If you are a passenger in a bus accident, you should not have to prove or defend yourself against accusations of fault. Your injuries should be compensated through a case against the common carrier insurance company.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Bus Accident in Missouri?

The statute of limitations on a bus accident in Missouri where you were injured is five years from the date of the incident. It’s important to act quickly after a charter bus accident and speak with an experienced bus accident attorney.

While five years may seem like plenty of time, acting quickly is incredibly beneficial to your case, as evidence should be gathered immediately. It can also prevent you from missing the statute of limitations. If it expires, you will be barred from compensation, regardless of your case’s merits.

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

The driver in an accident has a responsibility to file a police report within 30 days if there is a certain level of damage or if anyone is hurt or killed. However, filing an accident report is typically not your responsibility as a passenger in a private bus accident.

When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they may take statements for their report. A police report is important initial evidence in determining fault. As a passenger, you do not usually have to worry about fault. Simply give the facts of the ancient if asked.

How Is Fault Determined in an Accident in Missouri?

Fault is determined in an accident in Missouri by reviewing evidence to determine the cause of the crash and whether it was due to someone’s negligence. The fault determination in a bus accident will not often concern you if you are a passenger. Determinations of fault usually involve the bus driver and the drivers of other motor vehicles involved in the accident.

Securing the Compensation You Deserve After a Charter Bus Crash

Following a bus accident, you may be one of many injured passengers, with insurance adjusters focused on their bottom line. You need an attorney who is focused on your interests and your financial future. The Cagle Law Firm can pursue the compensation you need when you are injured in a charter bus accident. Contact our firm today.