An experienced lawyer near you is who you need when you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Detroit, MI. An attorney who specializes exclusively in this area of the law and who has a track record of winning successful trial verdicts and settlements can help you fight to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and money damages to pay for your medical bills and lost wages.
These types of motor vehicle crash cases tend to be more complicated than car crash cases. Your bus accident lawyer will investigate your Detroit, MI crash case right away, preserve evidence, identify at-fault parties, hire experts, file your case, and get you the maximum possible settlement.
These crashes result from a wide variety of factors, including aggressive or distracted driving, and often result in serious injuries or death. In addition to the driver, other potentially negligent parties include the bus company, the bus manufacturer, the government, and other third parties.
In a Detroit, MI bus accident case, a lawyer can help you recover first-party benefits from your own insurer, as well as third party benefits (including pain and suffering) from the at-fault parties. If you lost a loved one in a crash, you and your family can also file a wrongful death action.
Our attorneys specialize in these cases and we have recovered more million-dollar verdicts for our clients than any other law firm in Michigan. Visit our reviews page to see our more than 2,500 5-star reviews and read what our clients are saying. We are standing by to begin fighting for you and your family.
Crash statistics
In 2023, the most recent year for which information is publicly available, buses Motown were on average involved in more than 1 crash per day. The statistics also showed that preventable DDOT bus crashes jumped approximately 35% between 2022 and 2023.
What should I do after a crash?
If you are involved in a bus accident in Detroit, our lawyers recommend you should do the following:
- Call 911 and get medical attention – The first thing you should always do is ensure first responders are on the scene so you can get the medical attention you need right away
- Document the scene – If you are able, be sure to take photos and videos of the scene (or have someone else take them), including the vehicles involved
- File a police report and an incident report
- Consult with an experienced bus accident lawyer near you for your Detroit, MI crash case – Hiring an attorney who specializes in these types of crash cases can make all the difference in your settlement
Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident in Detroit, MI?
These types of crashes, like most large vehicle crashes, tend to be more complicated than your typical car crash case. Going it alone, or hiring an inexperienced lawyer for your bus accident in Detroit, MI is a risky proposition.
A lawyer who specializes in bus accidents will begin investigating your Detroit, MI case immediately and will fight to ensure you and your family get the maximum compensation possible.
An experienced attorney will:
- Preserve evidence and prevent the bus company from destroying evidence
- Identify all at-fault parties and insurance policies
- Communicate with the bus company, insurance adjusters, and other attorneys
- Hire top experts to prove your case
- Get you the maximum possible settlement
Common causes of these types of motor vehicle crashes
There are many possible causes for these types of motor vehicle crashes. The most common causes are:
- Aggressive driving – Speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to obey traffic signals are all forms of aggressive driving that can lead to a crash
- Distracted driving – Texting and talking on a mobile phone are the most common forms of distracted driving
- Impaired driving – Using drugs and alcohol are dangerous behaviors that can result in a crash
- Fatigued driving – Drowsy driving is a leading cause of crash
- Weather conditions – Failure to drive cautiously in rain, snow, ice, fog, etc. can lead to a crash
- Lack of training – Bus companies often fail to hire qualified drivers and/or fail to provide proper training
- Equipment malfunction – bus parts can malfunction due to poor maintenance practices
Who can a lawyer hold liable for my bus accident in Detroit, MI?
The bus driver is most often liable for a bus accident, but other potentially at-fault parties that a lawyer can hold liable in your Detroit, MI crash case include:
- The bus company/owner of the bus – Negligent hiring, training, and/or retention can make the bus company/owner a defendant in a crash case
- The bus manufacturer – If the bus malfunctioned or a part failed, the manufacturer may be held liable
- Government entities – If you were injured in an crash involving a public bus, the controlling government entity might be an at-fault party
- Other third-party contractors or drivers
What are the most common injuries from these types of crashes
The most common injuries resulting from these types of crashes are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Psychological injuries
- Wrongful death
How much is my crash case worth?
After a bus accident in Detroit, MI a lawyer can seek compensation in several ways:
- No-Fault claim – A No-Fault claim, also known as a personal protection insurance or “PIP” claim is one in which your own insurance company will compensate you for immediate costs related to your crash, such as medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services.
- Third-party lawsuit – A third-party lawsuit, which would be filed against an at-fault party or parties, allows you to seek damages for your pain and suffering, including psychological trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and so forth.
- Wrongful death action – If you lost a loved one in a crash, you can file a wrongful death action that will also include compensation for the loss of your loved one’s companionship and financial support, as well as funeral and burial costs.
How to find the right lawyer for my Detroit, MI bus accident case
Finding the right attorney is often a daunting task, with all the so-called TV attorneys vying for your business. But it doesn’t need to be complicated. Ask around or go to the attorney or law firm’s website and ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the attorney specialize in motor vehicle crash cases or just dabble in them? The best attorney is one who only handles auto cases.
- Does the attorney have a track record of success? The proof is in the pudding. If the attorney has multiple million-dollar verdicts, you know he or she has the reputation and the “know-how” to get you a large settlement.
- How many 5-star reviews does the attorney have? And what are former clients saying?
Once you’ve answered these questions, call and schedule an appointment. During your appointment, take note of the attorney’s “bedside manner.” Did they take the time to get to know you and answer your questions? Do you feel a strong rapport? If so, you probably have the best attorney for your case.