Have you or a loved one suffered injuries from a bus accident? These large vehicle accidents can result in significant damage to a pedestrian, cyclist, or motor vehicle occupants. Victims can suffer severe, life-altering injuries that require lengthy recovery times and even cause death. If you experienced significant trauma from a bus accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
At Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C., we focus on litigating the most complex personal injury claims, including bus accident cases. We represent clients in all types of personal injury claims, from car accidents to workplace injuries to medical malpractice and more. Clients choose the Montana bus accident lawyers at Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. based on our network of resources and years of litigation experience.
- Our attorneys ensure open, honest lines of communication throughout every step of your case, keeping you well-informed from consultation to settlement.
- Our bus accident attorneys have significant experience assisting clients in personal injury claims in Montana civil courts.
- Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis to make justice accessible for all. You do not have to pay legal fees unless we resolve your claim with a settlement. For payment, we take an agreed-upon percentage of the settlement – effectively reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can involve public transportation, charter vehicles, and even school buses. Just like regular passenger vehicle accidents, many different factors can lead to bus collisions.
- Mechanical failure
- Fatigued drivers
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Blind spots
- Negligent and reckless driving
- Poor driving weather
- Fires aboard the bus
- Left turns, which can obstruct a driver’s vision
Common Bus Accident Injuries in Montana
Bus accident injuries range from mild to severe depending on how you were involved in the accident. Pedestrian-bus collisions are often fatal, while passenger vehicles could escape with minor injuries. Common bus accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Concussions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Permanent disability, including paralysis
Determining Liability in Bus Accident Cases
Filing a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim for a bus accident can become complex very quickly. You may have to involve multiple parties in your suit, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the type of bus involved. You may have to involve the bus company, government agencies, manufacturers of certain parts, the bus driver, a school district, and the different insurance companies for all parties.
In addition to identifying the defendants, you will need to determine the cause of the accident and prove that negligence occurred to receive a settlement. Speak with a Montana bus accident attorney to determine what your legal options are and if you should consider filing a claim.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Montana
To file a personal injury lawsuit in Montana, you will need to file a claim with the civil court within three years of the date of the accident. If you do not file within this time period, the courts will not hear the case. The jury will listen to arguments from all involved parties and determine the number of compensatory damages to award you.
You can claim the following damages for Montana bus accident cases:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Property damage
- In-home services
The jury will also determine the liability of each party involved in the case to calculate the final settlement amount. Montana uses a modified comparative fault rule, which can significantly reduce your settlement. If the jury finds you to be between 1% and 49% responsible for the accident, your settlement amount will decrease by that percentage.
For example, if your settlement is $100,000 and the courts determine that you are 20% responsible for the accident, the settlement will be reduced to $80,000.
Are you looking for a Montana bus accident attorney to pursue a personal injury lawsuit? Contact Kovacich Snipes Johnson today to schedule a free consultation at our Great Falls offices.
