St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyers Protects Your Rights
Missouri law firm wins compensation for mass transportation injuries
Riding a bus is generally a safe mode of travel. However, accidents can and do occur, sometimes causing serious injury to riders, pedestrians and passengers in other vehicles. If you’re hurt in a bus accident, you face a more complex claim process due to the types and numbers of defendants that may be involved. Private buses are run by major corporations which vigorously defend against accident claims. Municipal buses are subject to special rules, including shorter deadlines, for claims against government entities. Other individuals and companies may also be liable. To have a chance to recover the full value of your claim, you need an experienced St. Louis bus accident lawyer. For more than 38 years, the Guirl Law Firm has provided strong advocacy for bus accident victims, helping them obtain fair compensation.
Causes of bus accidents in St. Louis
Bus traffic in St. Louis comprises the extensive Metrobus network as well as private carriers, such as Greyhound, and charter services such as Vandalia. All bus operations entail risks. These vehicles are large and cumbersome, so they cannot maneuver nimbly in traffic. They require greater stopping distances than passenger cars. Moreover, bus riders often have no seatbelts and some even stand in the aisles, which puts them at risk during sudden stops or in collisions.
The most common causes of bus accidents include the following:
- Operator error
- Equipment defect
- Poor road conditions
- Inclement weather conditions
- Interference from other vehicles, bicyclists, and jaywalking pedestrians
- Commotion among passengers on the bus
Bus drivers work long hours, which puts them at risk of fatigued or distracted driving. With a driver not focused, the potential for accidents increases.
Our St. Louis personal injury law firm investigates bus accidents to determine the precise cause and identify potential defendants.
Who is liable for a bus accident?
If a bus driver’s negligence causes an accident, the bus company is legally responsible under the rule of respondeat superior. However, not every bus crash is solely the bus driver’s fault. Other potential defendants include:
- Third-party drivers
- Bus maintenance contractors
- Government entities responsible for maintaining roadways
In many accidents, there are more than one defendant, and they each would share a percentage of liability for the crash.
Common injuries caused in bus accidents
A pedestrian struck by a bus can sustain catastrophic injuries, including compound fractures, crush injuries and traumatic brain injury. Passengers in vehicles hit by a bus can sustain concussions, broken bones and whiplash. Passengers on the bus can also suffer these injuries, especially if the bus was traveling at a high speed or a collision occurred suddenly. Unrestrained passengers can be thrown around within the bus, putting them at risk of catastrophic harm and even death.
Filing a claim against the government in Illinois
Since some bus lines, such as the St. Louis Metrobus system, are government-run, injured parties seeking damages may come up against sovereign immunity. This doctrine generally means that citizens cannot sue for incidents arising from their employees’ performance of official duties.
Fortunately for riders, the Missouri Tort Claims Act (Revised Statute 537.600) waives sovereign immunity in cases where public employees operating motor vehicles within the scope of their employment have caused injury.
However, there is a significant time constraint on bringing a claim. Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. But when the defendant is a government entity, you must submit a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident.
Contact a seasoned St. Louis attorney for your bus accident injury
The Guirl Law Firm represents victims of bus accidents in the greater St. Louis area. Call 314-391-2585 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.
