Who Is Liable for Injuries Sustained in a Bus Accident in Missouri?

Bus accidents can cause severe injuries and significant disruptions in your life. Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a pedestrian, or the occupant of another vehicle, Missouri law gives you the right to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence caused your injuries. A bus accident lawyer from Parkville, MO, will help you understand how liability is determined in these personal injury cases under Missouri law.

From a Bus Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL: Understanding Liability for Injuries in a Bus Accident

Determining Bus Company Liability

In many cases, the bus company bears responsibility for injuries that occur during the operation of its vehicles. Bus companies in Missouri are held to a high standard of care because they operate as common carriers. If the company failed to maintain the bus, hired unqualified drivers, or did not properly train its employees, you may have grounds for a claim.

We help you investigate whether maintenance records, personnel files, and safety procedures reveal negligence on the part of the bus company. If you prove that the company’s actions or omissions contributed to the accident, you may hold it financially accountable for your damages.

Considering the Driver’s Responsibility

The bus driver’s conduct is another key factor in establishing liability. If the driver was fatigued, distracted, speeding, or impaired, those behaviors may indicate negligence. Under Missouri law, drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care can be held personally liable.

When the driver was acting within the scope of employment, the bus company typically shares legal responsibility through a principle called vicarious liability. We examine evidence such as driver logs, surveillance footage, and accident reports to determine whether the driver’s negligence contributed to your injuries.

Addressing the Role of Government Entities

If your accident involved a public bus operated by a city or county transit authority, additional rules apply. Missouri’s Sovereign Immunity laws normally protect government entities from lawsuits, but there are exceptions. For example, Missouri law waives immunity when injuries result from the negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Claims against public entities involve strict notice and filing deadlines, and there are very specific legal procedures to preserve your right to compensation. We can guide you through this process and help ensure that your claim complies with state and local requirements.

Identifying Other Potentially Liable Parties

Liability in a bus accident may extend beyond the bus driver and the company. If another driver caused the accident, that individual or their insurance company may be responsible for your injuries. Similarly, if a defective bus part or improper road maintenance contributed to the crash, you may have a claim against a manufacturer or government agency.

We thoroughly analyze all aspects of your case to identify every party whose actions contributed to your injuries. By holding all responsible parties accountable, you can pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.

Determining liability in a Missouri bus accident requires a careful review of who caused or contributed to the crash. Schedule a consultation with us today at Spooner & Perkins Attorneys at Law in Parkville, MO, where we will build a strong legal case to protect your rights under Missouri law.

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