Helena Bus Accident Lawyer

Expert Bus Accident Attorney In Helena

Buses are much larger than standard passenger vehicles, so they can cause a lot of damage. This is true whether you were a bus passenger, riding in a car that got hit by a bus, or a pedestrian struck by one of these massive vehicles. If you’ve been injured, you need to hire a Helena bus accident lawyer who can help you determine liability and make sure that you get fully compensated for your suffering.

Trust Bliven Law Firm, P.C.

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., is a full-service law firm with extensive experience in interpreting bus accident laws and leveraging our knowledge to get our clients the compensation they need and deserve. We have a reputation for providing aggressive representation and experienced, professional legal services. You can trust us to tackle even a complex bus accident claim.

How Common Are Bus Accidents?

Helena has not had an ordinary stop-based public transit system since 2022. However, Capital Transit provides curbside service and has ten drivers. Add to these buses the Greyhound buses that travel through town and the school buses serving Helena’s children, and it’s clear that bus accidents can be a serious problem.

In 2024, there were 110 deadly school bus-related accidents across the country. School bus accidents have a fatality rate of just 0.2 deaths per vehicle mile traveled, compared to 1.5 for passenger vehicles. However, many people are still injured by school buses each year.

Why Bus Accidents Happen

Buses pose substantial safety risks. They are much taller than standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, which gives them a higher center of gravity and increases the risk of tip-over and rollover accidents. Buses also lack the standard safety equipment found in other vehicles, such as seat belts and airbags. These factors often result in serious injuries.

Most accidents occur due to driver error. In some cases, bus drivers cause accidents. In others, smaller passenger vehicles play a more significant role. Some of the factors that can contribute to bus accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Inadequate training
• Driving while intoxicated
• Overloading
• Improper maintenance

Most bus collisions involve other motor vehicles, but even those that don’t can cause substantial injuries to the passengers on board the bus. Passengers in other vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists hit by buses are more likely to sustain severe injuries than ordinary accident victims due to the much larger size of commercial buses.

Where Bus Accidents Happen

Bus accidents can happen anywhere, from major freeways like Interstate 15 to busy surface streets like Main Street or Lyndale Avenue. It doesn’t matter whether your bus accident occurred on the interstate or in front of your home. You need a personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim against the liable party.

Typical Bus Accident Injuries

Some traffic accidents involving buses are minor and lead to only a few cuts and bruises, or no injuries to passengers at all. Others involve catastrophic collisions or rollovers. They are more likely to lead to substantial injuries, which can include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Sprains
• Strains

The amount of compensation you receive can depend partially on the severity of your injuries.

Why Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer?

The most effective way to improve your chances of getting fairly compensated is to hire a bus accident lawyer. Insurance companies are known for offering low settlements to people who don’t have lawyers, and without legal counsel, you may not be able to negotiate a settlement that actually covers your damages.

Hiring a lawyer is also a great way to reduce stress during a difficult time. Your attorney can handle all aspects of your bus accident claim, from gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to putting together a case and negotiating with the liable party’s insurance company. Instead of having to deal with all those moving pieces, you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

FAQs

Can I Get Compensation if My Bus Crashes?

You may be able to get compensation if your bus crashes and you suffer an injury. To do so, you’ll need to prove that the fault lies with the bus driver or the company they work for, another driver, or a government entity responsible for maintaining the roads. Your Helena bus accident attorney can help you identify the liable party and file your claim.

How Much Money Can You Get if You Get Hit by a Bus?

How much money you can get if you get hit by a bus varies based on the circumstances of the accident. Factors that can influence the amount of your settlement include the severity of the injuries you sustain, who was liable for the accident, and how skilled your attorney is at negotiating with insurance companies.

What Should You Do if Your Bus Gets Into a Crash?

If your bus gets into a crash, you should prioritize your safety. Check for injuries, move away from traffic, and help anyone else involved get to safety. You should then call 911 to request police and medical assistance. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, you should seek medical care right away. Some severe injuries have delayed symptoms, and it can help your claim if you can show that you sought medical care immediately.

Who Is Liable if a Bus Hits Your Car?

Who is liable if a bus hits your car varies. In most cases, the bus driver is to blame. However, third parties such as the bus company and the mechanic responsible for maintaining the vehicle may also have played a role. If other cars were involved, their drivers may also hold some of the liability. You can still file a bus accident claim even if you were partially liable for the crash.

Your Helena Bus Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, it doesn’t matter whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. You need to work with a Helena bus accident lawyer who can help you hold the liable parties responsible for your injuries. The team here at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., can help. We have been in practice for over 30 years, and in that time, we’ve handled many bus accident cases. Let us help with yours. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.

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