St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus Accident Attorney in St. Louis and Missouri

If you or a loved one has been injured in a devastating bus accident, take control of your recovery by calling Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT  or by contacting us online.

Why Burger Law is Your Best Option for Your Bus Accident Case?

• We have more than 100 years of combined litigation experience in St. Louis.
• We’ve recovered over $200 Million for our clients winning complex personal injury cases, including bus accident cases in St. Louis, MO.
• Our legal team will review your case at NO CHARGE.
• NO FEE unless we’ve achieved success for you.
• Our team has earned many distinctions and peer-reviewed awards for our work in civil litigation and trial work in Missouri. A few of the honors we have earned include the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award.
• Once you hire Burger Law, we take care of everything – obtaining medical records, contacting doctors, tracking down evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, everything. We focus on your case while you focus on your recovery.
• Our firm is one of the most- and best-reviewed law firms in St. Louis, with a 4.9 Positive rating on Google and over 600 (and counting) five-star reviews, in addition to over 100 video reviews on our website and YouTube channel. We measure our success by the satisfaction of our clients.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?

After the horrific experience of being in a bus accident in St. Louis, the next challenge you face is figuring out your next steps, including getting the medical treatment you need to heal fully and finding the right St. Louis bus accident lawyer to fight for your complete recovery.

In Missouri, you can pursue compensation when someone’s negligence injures you or a family member. However, to get a fair financial recovery to make up for the physical, emotional and financial distress of your bus accident, you will almost certainly need the help of a skilled lawyer.

The steps you take immediately after your bus accident are key to both your health and legal recovery. Not following through on medical care or procrastinating on taking legal action can jeopardize your chances for justice. But, if you get a lawyer to look out for your interests, we will guide you on what to do next.

Here are some important steps to take after a bus accident:

Call 911

Your first action is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If there are injuries, call 911 to report the accident. First responders will secure the scene and provide necessary emergency medical care.

Take Pictures/Videos of the Scene

If you can do so safely, take comprehensive photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, visible injuries and road conditions. This visual evidence can greatly support your legal case by showing the extent of damages and contributing factors to the accident.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms right away. In a medical evaluation, your physician can check for and direct appropriate treatment for such injuries, reducing the chance of further complications in your recovery

Medical records are indispensable for proving the cause (the bus crash) and severity of your injuries These records reveal a patient’s diagnosis, treatment and prognosis and offer a chronological narrative of a patient’s medical journey. Insurance companies will request these records to get a clear picture of causation.

One of the things the defendants will look for in your case is treatment gaps. Insurance providers are always looking for reasons to deny or lowball claims. Some of the most common arguments based on gaps in medical care include:

Questioning the Severity of Injuries

If you don’t seek prompt medical assistance or you fail to follow through with the prescribed medication or other treatment, defendants could argue that the pain or injury was manageable without medical assistance. Insurance adjusters use this argument to minimize the perceived impact of the injuries and thus reduce the compensation amount.

Doubting Compliance with Medical Advice

Defendants in bus accident claims may also argue that documentation gaps reflect non-compliance with medical advice. This stance questions the claimant’s credibility and raises doubts about whether the extent of the injuries was aggravated by the claimant’s own actions or inactions. The implication is that if the claimant had followed the prescribed treatment plan diligently, their recovery would have been more complete or rapid, making the defendant only partially liable for the resulting extent of damage.

Implying Mitigation Failure

In Missouri, if you’re injured, you’re expected to do what’s reasonable to lessen the impact and costs of your injuries. If you didn’t seek appropriate medical treatment following an accident or follow through in a timely manner on recommended treatments or therapies, defendants might argue the ongoing medical costs are due to your failure to use prescribed treatment to recover properly.

Challenging Causation

Treatment gaps might indicate other potential causes for your condition. The opposing counsel could argue that if the injuries were directly caused by the accident, timely and continuous medication would have been necessary. You must be able to demonstrate the direct and causal relationship between the bus accident and your injuries. Otherwise, you could lose the ability to receive compensation.

Highlighting Pre-existing Conditions

Defendants might use gaps in care to emphasize or exaggerate pre-existing conditions. They argue that inconsistency in medication or therapy suggests management of pre-existing conditions rather than treatment of new injuries from the accident, attempting to shift responsibility away from the incident and, as a result, their liability.

File a Police Report

In Missouri, you have up to 30 days to file a police report after a bus accident. However, our St. Louis injury attorneys advise that you do this as soon as possible to take advantage of fresh memories of the accident. A police report is an official account of the accident, which helps establish the facts in your claim. This report is very useful in negotiations with insurance companies or in court.

Gather Contact Information for Witnesses

Witnesses can provide unbiased accounts of the accident, which may support your version of events. Collect names, email addresses, phone numbers and any other details of those who witnessed the accident. Their testimonies can help establish fault.

Seek the Assistance of a Bus Accident Attorney in St. Louis

Juggling injuries, insurance claims and possible legal battles all at once is challenging. Hire a St. Louis bus accident attorney to maximize your settlement and handle all the stress and effort of building your case on your behalf.

What Can a St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyer From Burger Law Do for Me?

Getting a lawyer is usually the first step to making sure your rights and interests are protected and your best chance of getting the compensation you deserve. A St. Louis bus accident lawyer from Burger Law can help you out with the following:

Case Evaluation

The first service a bus accident lawyer provides is a thorough evaluation of your case. The lawyer will assess the case to see whether you have a viable claim and what kind of compensation you might be eligible to recover. At Burger Law, our free case evaluations involve the following:

• Your account of the bus accident – when and where it occurred and the events leading up to the incident.
• Details about your involvement in the accident and how the collision has impacted you physically, emotionally and financially.
• Discussion of potential claims that could be made against responsible parties and the viability of those claims.
• An explanation of what to expect throughout the legal process, including filing deadlines and trial procedures.
• Clarify the lawyer’s responsibilities and how they’ll communicate with you throughout the case.
• Explanation of the lawyer’s contingency fee structure, where they only get paid if you win your case.
• Recommendations for immediate actions you should take to protect your rights and preserve your claim.
• If you choose to move forward, you’ll get to sign a formal representation agreement that outlines all the details of your engagement with the lawyer.
• In addition to all of this, our St. Louis bus accident lawyers will answer any questions you have, whether about your case, our qualifications or anything else related to your situation. When you are in the process of hiring a law firm, it’s a good idea to be prepared when speaking to attorneys and come with questions to ask.

Gathering Evidence

Good evidence is the backbone of a successful personal injury claim in Missouri. Your bus accident attorney will gather any supporting documentation to bolster your claims. These may conclude:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Expert witnesses accounts

Burger Law’s legal team will do the work necessary to collect allevidence possible to strengthen your case.

Negotiation For a Fair Settlement

Bus companies in St. Louis have large insurance policies, which come with powerful insurers who dedicate their resources toward minimizing or denying your claim. Luckily, the attorneys at Burger Law have the skills to negotiate for a settlement that adequately covers your losses.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit If Necessary

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer may recommend file a personal injury lawsuit. They will submit a complaint to the court to officially commence the legal process. Our trial-winning St. Louis lawyers will handle everything from preparation and discovery to the trial itself, and thoroughly prepare you on your role.

Estimating the Full Extent of Your Losses

Your St. Louis bus accident attorney will assess the losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. We will calculate the full scope of your damages to ensure no aspect of your life affected by the accident is left unaccounted for in the pursuit of fair compensation.

Professional Advice and Guidance

We view providing tailored, professional legal advice as a significant part of our role as your personal injury lawyer.. Our chief purpose is to secure the best possible settlement in your case and we work hard to do it, but the decisions in your case, such as whether or not to accept an offer, are up to you. Our advice will help you make informed decisions. From our firm, you can expect professional and timely counsel on the best course of action, prompt responses to your concerns and assistance in understanding the legal parameters, such as the statute of limitations.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Schedule a free case evaluation here.

Gary Burger

Litigation attorney

Bus Accident Statistics

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports the following regarding bus accidents across the United States in 2021:

• About 48,000 crashes reported
• 10,000 crashes caused injuries
• 204 crashes involved fatalities

It is important to note that these bus accidents also include school buses, which are often seen as a safe method of transportation for school-going children. While school buses are relatively safe, these buses do crash, and child passengers are included in the above statistics.

When we look at Missouri, the situation mirrors the national trend, with 421 bus accidents reported in 2022. Of those crashes, there were five fatal crashes and 218 injury-causing incidents. The Missouri STARS Reporting system noted that 339 people were involved in bus crashes in St. Louis in 2022. Between January and May, the bus accidents in St. Louis resulted in 99 individuals surviving with injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in St. Louis?

In Missouri, you have five years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim, according to the Missouri Revised Statutes Section 516.120. However, this timeline can be affected by several factors:

Discovery Rule

In some cases, the injuries or their full extent may not manifest immediately following the bus accident. In Missouri, the statute of limitations only starts ticking when you discover your injuries or when you reasonably should have discovered them. This could potentially extend the time you have to file a lawsuit.

Age

If the injured party is a minor at the time of the bus accident, Missouri law provides an exception that can extend the filing deadline. Typically, the statute of limitations for minors in Missouri does not begin to run until their 21st birthday.

Mental Incapacity

If the person injured in the bus accident is deemed mentally incapacitated at the time of the incident, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the incapacity is resolved. This may provide more time to file a claim.

The Defendant is Out of the State of Missouri

If the defendant is out of the state for any period after the accident occurs, that period may not count toward the statute of limitations. This would effectively extend the time you can file.

It’s so important to take action as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your chance to sue. Plus, early action helps ensure evidence is preserved and witnesses’ memories are fresh, which can be crucial for the success of your case.

Given such issues surrounding the statute of limitations, you should consult a St. Louis personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will protect your rights and your ability to seek justice by filing your lawsuit within the statute of limitations.

Types of Passenger Bus Accidents

The diversity of bus transportation in St. Louis and all over the country is evident. Due to the key role buses play in daily commutes, there are different types of passenger bus accidents. The most common passenger bus accidents include:

Public Transit Bus Accidents

Many people use public transportation in St. Louis, and Metro Transit buses run many routes throughout the metropolitan area daily. This bus system provides an affordable and accessible means for residents to navigate the city. However, the extensive operation hours and the complexity of urban traffic pose significant risks of Metro buses being involved in crashes.

Accidents involving public transit buses can be attributed to various causes:

• Sudden stops
• Interactions with pedestrians and bicyclists
• Collisions with other vehicles
• Drunk driving
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Whatever the cause, many people can suffer injuries when a Metro bus crashes in St. Louis.

Shuttle Bus Accidents

Shuttle buses are a common sight in St. Louis, serving airports, hotels, stadiums and large institutions like universities and hospitals. These buses operate within relatively short distances but frequently travel. Sometimes, these accidents involving shuttle buses may occur due to tight schedules that put pressure on drivers, leading to speeding.

Private and Commercial Buses

Private and commercial bus services in St. Louis cater to specific transportation needs, such as employee commutes, school bus transport, and private events. These buses often navigate residential areas and adhere to specific route schedules. Accidents may arise from inexperienced drivers, vehicle overloading and poor road conditions, especially in less-traveled areas.

Tour and Charter Bus Crashes

Tour and charter buses ferry residents and tourists across St. Louis and the country. They mainly offer guided tours of the city’s landmarks and provide group travel services. However, it is not uncommon to witness accidents involving tour and charter buses. These crashes may result from various factors, such as:

• Driver fatigue
• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Navigating through rugged terrain
• Bustling traffic

Different types of bus accidents attract unique legal considerations, often due to the nature of the service provided and the law related to liability for these entities. For example, many school buses are operated by public school districts, and they may be subject to sovereign immunity. This alters the path to legal recourse for injuries, which is all the more reason to hire a bus accident lawyer to guide you toward your best chances of recovery.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Bus Accident?

If you’re involved in a bus accident, there are different types of compensation you may receive. These are based on the specific ways that the accident affected you.

You have the right to seek the following types of damages to cover your losses.

Economic Damages

These involve damages that have a clear price tag. They’re expenses you wouldn’t have incurred if the accident had never happened. We like to think of them like a bill for the expenses and debts you incur because of the accident:

• Medical bills: costs for doctor visits, hospital stays and any treatment you need.
• Lost wages: if you couldn’t go to work because of the accident and lost money, you would have earned.
• Repair costs: if any of your property was broken in the accident, like a phone or backpack.
• Future medical care: if you need doctor’s care in the future because of your injuries.
• Lost earning capacity: if you can’t earn an income in the future or are limited to earning less than you would have because of your injuries.

Non-Economic

Non-economic damages are about the accident’s impact on you, and you can’t easily put a price on it. They’re more about how the accident made you feel or the ways it negatively changed your life that don’t have clear financial costs. Some of these damages include:

• Pain and suffering: for physical pain or emotional stress from the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: if you can’t do things you used to love doing before the accident.
• Emotional distress: suffering psychological or emotional pain or dysfunction due to your experiences.
• Loss of companionship: if your relationship with a spouse, partner or other loved ones suffers because of the accident.

Contact Our St. Louis Bus Accident Attorneys Today

We have represented and secured great recoveries for bus accident victims in St. Louis and can attest to the serious losses such crashes can inflict. The good news is that you can receive compensation from the liable parties to help you recover from the damages and move on with your life. If you or a loved one suffers injuries from a bus accident in St. Louis, the legal team at Burger Law will fight for you.

Call us today at (314) 500-HURT  or complete our online form for a free case evaluation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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