Royal Oak Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus Accident Attorney in Royal Oak, MI

Bus accidents are different from other types of crashes. These accidents are different because you’re dealing with a mass of people, all traveling together, when something goes wrong. You understand the intricacies ahead when you begin your search for a skilled Royal Oak bus accident lawyer. Injured victims and their families not only face complex insurance claims with potential injuries, but they’ll have to work with an intricate network of parties responsible for the accident.

About Wigod & Falzon

For over 20 years, Wigod & Falzon has helped injury victims throughout the metro Detroit area. That includes accident victims in Royal Oak, bus drivers who’ve been injured on the job, and families. As a dedicated Royal Oak personal injury lawyer, we pride ourselves on providing the personal attention and support you deserve after a traumatic event. With over 30 attorneys and staff members, we pride ourselves on personal attention, responsiveness, and honest answers. We can give you the time and support you deserve.

Understanding Bus Accidents

While a traditional car accident involves two drivers and two insurance companies, a bus accident can involve multiple responsible parties. You may be able to hold the driver liable, but there may be other parties involved. For instance, maybe the bus maintenance company was negligent in their inspections, or maybe the city or town responsible for maintaining the roads caused poor conditions that led to a crash.

This series of responsible parties complicates a bus accident claim. Buses are also bigger and heavier than most passenger vehicles. When a bus crashes into another vehicle, the other vehicle’s occupants are likely to suffer more serious injuries.

In Michigan in 2024, there were 421 crashes involving a 9- to 15-passenger bus. One of these was fatal. There were 1,664 crashes that involved 16+ passenger buses. Eight of these crashes were fatal.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Royal Oak

Drivers who cause bus accidents tend to blame bad weather, unknown mechanics, or reckless passengers. However, negligence is often the underlying factor. Common negligence that leads to bus accidents includes:

• Driver fatigue or distraction
• Failure to train or supervise drivers
• Mechanical or maintenance issues
• Poor weather conditions or roadside obstacles
• Careless drivers sharing the road

Downtown Royal Oak and along Woodward Ave can get very busy. A lapse in a driver’s focus can quickly escalate into a devastating event.

Michigan Bus Accident Laws

Bus accident claims involve all the same laws that cover car accidents on Michigan roads. However, there are specific laws governing commercial vehicles and public transportation that might affect a case. For example, one law states that every vehicle shall be maintained in a safe condition. Mechanical or engineering failure due to poor maintenance can become grounds to establish negligence.

Also, vehicle owners face the same legal accountability for negligent driving as the drivers themselves. Like many vehicle accidents, bus accidents can involve a negligent driver. These drivers usually aren’t driving their personal vehicle. They’re employed by a bus company, or they could be driving a government vehicle. Either way, legally, the owner could also be held responsible. A Royal Oak bus accident attorney can help you identify all responsible parties.

How to Strengthen a Bus Accident Claim

With so many parties that could be held liable in a bus accident, it’s important to have solid evidence to support your case. Evidence is the main thing that can strengthen your case. Some of that evidence can include:

• Driver logs, timesheets, and employer documentation
• Past maintenance records and inspection reports
• Traffic or security camera footage
• Passenger witnesses

When to Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer

Traffic in Royal Oak flows through the city on its way to I-75. Accidents can happen on the highway, but they also happen in residential areas and downtown. Additionally, public transit buses and school buses can influence where and how accidents can occur.

Bus accidents involve more parties than your average car crash. There are more people who can be held liable. Bus accidents can also result in severe injuries requiring immediate care and ongoing treatment. Navigating who is at fault and how you can receive compensation can be tricky. When you hire a bus accident lawyer, they can help you through this legal process.

The 52-3 District Court is where your case would likely end up if it requires litigation. The address is 700 E Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can You Get From a Bus Accident?

There is no set amount of money that you can recover from a bus accident claim. Much will depend on the extent of your injuries, treatment costs, lost wages, and the impact of the accident on your everyday activities. Bus accidents can result in large damage awards because there are often multiple parties and insurance policies that may be held liable.

How Long Does It Take to File a Claim Against a Bus Company?

Every case is different, but filing a claim against a bus company can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. If your case goes to litigation, it will take longer to resolve. When a government bus is involved, you might only have a few months to provide notice of your claim, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Pain and Suffering in a Bus Accident?

Whether or not it is worth filing a claim for pain and suffering depends on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries. You can file a claim for pain and suffering in Michigan if your injuries qualify as a serious impairment of body function. Pain and suffering damages are designed to compensate you for the physical pain you experienced because of the accident and your resulting emotional distress.

What Happens if a Bus Driver Gets in an Accident?

When a bus driver gets into an accident, he or she can typically expect an investigation to take place. Part of the investigation will focus on who was at fault. Authorities will also want to know whether any laws were broken or safety regulations violated. The bus driver’s employer or bus company may also be liable. If other passengers or drivers are injured in the accident, there could be multiple parties and insurers involved.

Contact Wigod & Falzon Today

If you were injured in a bus accident in Royal Oak, a lawyer at Wigod & Falzon can help you in the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Royal Oak, MI Accident Resources

• Understanding Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury so you don’t miss your deadline.

• Michigan’s No-Fault Law: How It Impacts Your Claim