After a bus accident, you may be dealing with broken bones, a brain injury, a spinal cord injury, or other life-changing harm. Figuring out who is responsible can also be difficult because more than one person or company may have played a role.
A Michigan bus accident lawyer can help you understand what compensation may be available and determine liability after your bus accident, regardless of whether you were a bus passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver.
At Sweet James, our attorneys have experience helping injury victims for over 25 years. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless we recover money for you. Contact us today to learn how a bus accident lawyer from our team may be able to help.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Bus Accident
After a bus accident, the liable party’s insurance company may try to protect its own interests. An insurance adjuster may offer you a settlement before you know how much your injuries will cost in the future.
A Michigan bus accident attorney can review the offer and help you understand whether it fairly covers your losses. Your attorney can also gather evidence, handle calls with insurance companies, and build a strong claim on your behalf.
At Sweet James, you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you. A Michigan personal injury lawyer from our team can also help you keep track of important deadlines so you do not miss your chance to seek compensation.
Determining Who Is Responsible for a Michigan Bus Crash
A bus crash may happen because of one person’s actions or several problems at once. Depending on what caused the crash, you may be able to bring a claim against:
- A public transportation agency may be responsible for problems with bus operations.
- A private or charter bus company may be responsible for negligent hiring, poor training, or failing to maintain its buses.
- Another driver who speeds, drives while distracted, or otherwise causes a crash may be liable for your injuries.
- A maintenance contractor hired to inspect or repair a bus may be at fault if poor work contributed to the crash.
- A government entity may be responsible if unsafe road conditions played a role in the crash.
Because more than one party may share responsibility, it is important to speak with one of our Michigan bus accident lawyers as soon as possible. You can call Sweet James 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Understanding Compensation After a Bus Accident
If another person or party caused your bus accident, you may be able to seek money for different types of losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover losses that have a clear dollar value. They may include:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and other lost income
- Reduced ability to earn money in the future
- Damage to personal property
Non-Economic Damages
Some losses are harder to assign a dollar amount to. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent limitations or disfigurement
The amount you may recover depends on the facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and who was responsible for the crash. Talking to a lawyer will help you understand what damages may be available in your situation.
Michigan No-Fault Insurance and Bus Accident Claims
Michigan has a no-fault auto insurance system. This generally means injured people first look to their own personal protection insurance (PIP) benefits for certain medical expenses and other losses, regardless of who caused the crash.
But that does not always mean you cannot bring a claim against the person or company that caused the accident. If your injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” standard under Michigan law (MCL 500.3135), you may be able to bring a third-party injury lawsuit against a negligent driver, bus company, or another responsible party.
The rules can be complicated, especially when a bus company or government agency is involved. Our team can review your case and help determine whether your injuries may meet Michigan’s threshold for a third-party claim.
Time Limits for Filing Your Lawsuit
Michigan generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims against government agencies can have much shorter notice deadlines.
Once the deadline has passed, you generally will not be able to file a claim, which means you may not be able to recover compensation for injuries, property damage, or any other impacts of the bus accident.
Because missing a deadline could affect your ability to recover compensation, it is best to talk with an attorney as soon as possible after a bus accident. Early legal help can also give your attorney more time to collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and build your claim.
Get Help From Our Bus Accident Attorneys Serving Michigan
If you were injured in a bus accident, you do not have to deal with the insurance companies or legal process alone.
Sweet James offers free consultations and handles injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay unless we recover money for you.
If you are searching for a “Michigan bus accident lawyer near me,” our team is ready to listen to what happened and explain your legal options. Contact Sweet James today to schedule your free consultation. Real Lawyers. Real Results.
