Southfield Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus Accident Attorney in Southfield, MI

Being injured in a bus accident can leave you dealing with crippling medical bills, lost income, and the stress of navigating complicated insurance claims. If you find yourself in this overwhelming situation, an experienced Southfield bus accident lawyer can help.

At Wigod & Falzon, we understand the unique challenges presented by these cases, and we’re ready to advocate for your rights every step of the way so you can pursue the compensation you deserve.

About Us

At Wigod & Falzon, our 25-plus years of experience are matched by our commitment to client success. While past cases don’t guarantee future outcomes, across more than 50 Michigan cities, our award-winning team recovered over $7.5 million in 2023, demonstrating our dedication to achieving real results for every client we serve.

Our law firm has earned numerous awards from respected groups like The National Trial Lawyers, Top Attorneys of North America, The American Society of Legal Advocates, and other prominent peer-reviewed groups.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Southfield

In 2023, there were a reported 11,600 school bus-related injuries, and in 2024, there were over 13,000 total bus accidents across the United States.

Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but understanding the root cause of your collision is an important first step if you’ve been injured. Because buses are bigger and heavier than most vehicles, crashes often result in serious injuries and major property damage. Knowing the common factors behind these accidents can help victims identify who might be at fault so they can build a strong bus accident claim, and those common causes can include:

• Driver fatigue from long shifts or inadequate rest periods
• Distracted driving from using the GPS or not paying attention
• Improper training or lack of familiarity with routes
• Mechanical failures like faulty brakes or worn tires
• Inclement weather or failure to adjust speed to poor conditions
• Unsafe road design or construction zone hazards

Negligent driving contributes to a wide range of collisions across the country, including bus crashes. In 2024, 315,167 people were injured due to distracted driving. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Southfield bus crash, impaired driving is among the most serious causes of these collisions, and a trusted Southfield drunk driving accident lawyer can help hold intoxicated operators fully accountable.

The experienced team at Wigod & Falzon can help investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Order of Priority for Bus Passengers

If you are injured as a passenger in a bus accident in Michigan, your medical bills and lost wages are typically covered through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under the state’s no-fault system. However, unlike a standard car crash, bus accidents follow an order of priority that determines which insurance policy pays first.

If you have your own automobile insurance policy, your PIP coverage is usually the primary source of benefits. This applies even if you were not driving at the time of the crash. Your insurer is responsible for covering allowable expenses up to your policy’s coverage limits.

If you do not own a vehicle but live with a spouse or relative who has auto insurance, their policy may apply next. Michigan law allows household policies to extend coverage to resident relatives, which often applies to individuals who do not carry their own insurance.

In cases where no applicable insurance can be identified, injured passengers may seek benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP). The MACP assigns a participating insurer to manage the claim and provide PIP benefits.

The 2020 Michigan Auto Reform Act significantly changed available PIP coverage options. Many drivers now carry reduced coverage levels that can directly impact the amount of benefits available after a bus collision. Therefore, identifying the correct priority and available policies is crucial for securing fair compensation after a bus collision.

Common Injuries Sustained from Bus Collisions

Bus collisions often lead to serious injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles and the limited restraints for passengers. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries from sudden impacts or being thrown within the cabin. Spinal cord injuries can occur in high-impact crashes and may lead to long-term mobility issues or paralysis.

Broken bones are also common, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash and torn ligaments can cause lasting pain and reduced mobility. Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, may not be immediately visible but require immediate medical attention.

In the Southfield area, victims are often treated at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, located at 3601 W 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, and DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, located at 6071 W Outer Dr, Detroit, MI 48235, both of which have trauma teams equipped to handle severe accident-related injuries.

Why You Should Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer

Whether your injury happened in Cranbrook Village, Evergreen Hills, Northland Gardens, or elsewhere in Southfield, your first step toward compensation begins when you hire a bus accident lawyer. Legal representation can play a critical role when it comes to gathering evidence and establishing fault. A Southfield bus accident attorney can explain bus accident laws in simple terms when managing the complexities of your bus accident case.

If liability is disputed or you are falsely accused of contributing to your own injury, your lawyer can take decisive action to protect your claim by setting the record straight based on the available evidence. Careful documentation is needed to show that you endured measurable harm. An attorney can also calculate the value of the intangible losses you suffered by relying on special formulas.

Whether your compensation comes through a fair negotiated settlement or a favorable court verdict, legal representation plays a critical role in guiding an injury claim toward a fair conclusion that compensates you for the harm and setbacks you endured.

Proving Liability in a Bus Accident

Figuring out who’s responsible in a bus accident can be complicated, because unlike standard car accidents, bus crashes can involve multiple parties and insurance providers. Understanding how Michigan’s no-fault law applies to your situation is an important part of knowing where to begin when building your case. To build a strong bus accident case under Michigan’s bus accident laws, you need a thorough investigation that prioritizes careful attention to detail. Some key elements of proving liability include:

• Identifying all responsible parties, like drivers, bus companies, or maintenance contractors
• Reviewing driver logs, training records, and employment histories
• Examining vehicle maintenance and inspection reports
• Analyzing surveillance footage, dash cams, or nearby traffic cameras
• Consulting accident reconstruction professionals when necessary

Compensation You Could Be Entitled to

Understanding the types of compensation available to you after your bus accident is an important part of planning your recovery. Head trauma is among the most serious outcomes of bus collisions, and an experienced Southfield traumatic brain injury lawyer can make sure those injuries are fully valued in your claim. Each bus accident case is different, and our Southfield bus accident attorneys can help make sure nothing is overlooked under Michigan’s bus accident laws. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning ability
• Rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Receiving the right compensation can make a real difference in your ability to move forward after a crash. The team at Wigod & Falzon works closely with clients to identify all possible damages, to negotiate with insurers, and to advocate for the full and fair recovery you deserve.

Hire a Southfield Bus Accident Lawyer: Why Local Legal Representation Makes a Difference

When you hire a bus accident lawyer in Southfield, hiring one with local legal experience can have a major impact on the outcome of your bus accident case. At Wigod & Falzon, our team lives and works right here in Southfield, which means we understand the roads, traffic patterns, and the way bus accident laws are applied in our local courts.

Our team regularly appears before the 48th and 44th District Courts and the Oakland County Circuit Court. This familiarity allows us to anticipate issues before they arise and course-correct our strategies to align with local preferences, procedures, and judges who determine the outcome of your claim.

That means when you work with us, you’re not just getting a lawyer; you’re getting a team that’s deeply connected to the Southfield community.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Bus Accident in Michigan?

The amount of time you have to file a claim after a bus accident in Michigan is determined by the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file. However, depending on the circumstances of your accident, some exceptions could apply, so it’s important that you reach out to us as soon as possible.

Are Claims Against City or School Buses Handled Differently?

Yes, claims against city or school buses are handled differently, as these kinds of cases could trigger governmental immunity defenses. That said, immunity only means that there’s a limit on claims, not that no claims can be filed. In addition, these cases often require shorter notice, shorter time limits, and more precise pleadings, making it even more important to reach out to our team as soon as possible.

What Happens if the Bus Company’s Insurance Refuses to Pay?

If the bus company’s insurance refuses to pay, it’s not the end of your claim. That’s because insurance coverage for commercial vehicles can be complicated, and there are likely multiple policies to contend with, including ones that cover the carrier, the employer, and even excess layers of coverage. Our team can dig into the details, uncover all avenues to compensation, and challenge any denials.

Can I Still Get Compensated if I Was Partially At-Fault for the Accident?

Yes, you can still get compensated if you were partially at-fault for the accident. Because of Michigan’s comparative fault system, you can be assigned a numerical percentage of responsibility for your part in the accident, and later, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. Our team works to minimize the percentage assigned to you to increase your compensation.

Get Help From a Southfield Bus Accident Lawyer at Wigod & Falzon

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, there’s no need to face the process alone. The team at Wigod & Falzon is ready to put our experience, local knowledge, and dedication to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.