St. Charles Bus Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a bus accident, recovering compensation for your damages can be essential. Whether you were in another vehicle involved in the crash, a pedestrian on the street, or a passenger aboard the bus, you have the right to claim compensation for your injuries. An experienced bus accident lawyer in St. Charles can help you file a claim.

At the Morelli Law Firm, we have a long history of helping injury victims recover the money they need. We can help identify who is liable for your damages and pursue compensation through a lawsuit or personal injury claim. Reach out to us today to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our St. Charles personal injury lawyers.

Damages a St. Charles Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You Pursue After a Crash

All accident victims have the right to pursue compensation after a bus crash. The available damages you can recover will vary depending on the details of your case. However, in most bus accident cases, the amount a victim can recover is significant. 

The damages suffered by pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles are often severe due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Meanwhile, bus passengers frequently experience catastrophic injuries due to the lack of seatbelts and the high frequency of rollovers in these types of collisions.

Identifying all the damages you are eligible to claim is essential for recovering the full value of your losses. In addition to a wide range of compensatory damages, your case may also qualify you to recover punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Every loss caused by your accident that directly impacts your financial situation belongs in the category of economic damages. Economic damages not only cover the money you were compelled to spend because of your injuries but also any income you were unable to earn as a result of the accident.

Among the economic damages most frequently claimed after a bus accident are:

• Lost wages
• Lessened ability to earn income
• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

All other losses caused by your accident fall into the broad category of non-economic damages. While these damages don’t have a financial impact, they can actually have a far more profound effect on your life. Most non-economic damages are deeply personal and involve irreplaceable losses.

Because of the significant impact of these damages, the money awarded for these losses is often substantial. Among the non-economic damages most frequently claimed after a bus accident are:

• Mental anguish
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Diminished quality of life

Punitive Damages

Unlike the compensatory damages reviewed above, punitive damages are not meant to replace the losses of an accident victim. Instead, these damages are used as a form of punishment for the liable party. 

Punitive damages are rarely awarded in bus accident cases. A judge will only assess these damages if the liable party was grossly negligent or if they acted with the purpose of causing harm.

Settling Out of Court Vs. Going to Trial

Most bus accident cases end up settling out of court. An out-of-court settlement is typically going to be in the best interest of all parties involved for a variety of reasons, including that neither party is subject to the unpredictability of a jury trial.

Furthermore, the accident victim can recover compensation far more quickly than by going to court, while the defendant won’t be subject to any unwanted press coverage that may accompany a trial.

While the majority of cases end up settling, it is still critical that you prepare your case for trial. There is always the possibility that you will be unable to come to terms on a settlement deal, and going to court will be necessary for recovering compensation. Additionally, being prepared to take your case to trial will give you leverage in settlement negotiations.

Be Mindful of All Filing Deadlines When Pursuing Compensation

When filing a bus accident lawsuit in Missouri, injury victims typically have five years to take legal action under the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. While this may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly, and if you miss the deadline, you will likely be out of options for recovering damages.

However, you should still contact an experienced bus accident attorney serving St. Charles even if you think your filing window has closed. The details of your case may grant you an exception, allowing you to pursue compensation beyond the usual five-year window.

Alternatively, you could find yourself in a position where you only have a matter of months to take action rather than five years. This circumstance is particularly common when filing a claim against a city bus, as there are strict limitations on pursuing legal action against government organizations. Speak with an experienced attorney to ensure you don’t miss your deadline.

Get Help From an Experienced St. Charles Bus Accident Lawyer Today

The best way to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve after a bus accident is by securing the services of an experienced bus accident lawyer in St. Charles. At the Morelli Law Firm, we have a long history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, both through settlements and court-ordered payouts.

Contact us today by giving us a call, using our chat tool, or filling out our online contact form and schedule your free no-obligation case review with a member of our legal team.