You Deserve Compensation for Your MN Bus Accident Injury

While Americans are known for preferring to drive their own vehicles on the roads, bus transportation is still alive and well across the United States, including right here in Minnesota. For the most part, this is a very good thing. After all, public transportation is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and reliable.

Yet just as with any other form of transportation, bus accidents do happen – and when they do, the injuries sustained can be incredibly severe, leading to costly medical bills and loss of income. That is why, if you are involved in a bus accident, it is vital that you work with experienced legal professionals to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

This is where Olson, Poole & Envall comes in. For years, our attorneys have been working with Minnesotans just like you to help them financially recover after a serious injury due to another’s negligence. They know how these types of cases work and what it takes to make a claim succeed, and they will give you the best chance at winning your case as well.

Minnesota Injury Attorneys Who Understand All of the Ways Bus Accidents Happen

In the Twin Cities and beyond, buses take up a lot of space on the roadways. They are large and very heavy vehicles, which can make it challenging for bus drivers to maneuver through the streets. 

Because those inside the bus are not restrained, an accident can lead to a variety of injuries, from soft tissue injuries to life-threatening head injuries. Additionally, not all injuries may be apparent right after an accident, which makes getting checked out by a medical professional in the wake of an accident even more important.

There are several common causes of bus accidents in Minnesota. In some cases, an accident occurs because a bus collides with another car or an object. These types of accidents cause a sudden deceleration inside the bus, throwing passengers around and leading to injuries.

Another common cause of a bus accident is distracted driving, either by the driver of the bus or the driver of another vehicle. Yet other accidents take place entirely inside the bus, such as a passenger perpetrating a criminal act like battery upon another passenger.

Other causes of bus accidents include:

  • Aggressive driving
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Drowsy driving
  • Poor conditions on the roadways
  • Defective vehicle parts
  • Drunk driving

It is also important to note that while bus accidents do not occur as frequently as car accidents, when a bus is involved, it has a higher chance of rollover due to its higher center of gravity.

Olson, Poole & Envall Knows How Minnesota Bus Accidents Cases Work

The experienced lawyers at Olson, Poole & Envall know that bus accident cases can become quite complex. Bus accidents often involve more parties than car accidents. In a car accident, you have you, the other driver, and your respective car insurance companies. A bus accident, on the other hand, involves the driver of the bus and the municipality or company that owns the bus. 

Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large vehicles have standards under which they must operate. If there is an accident involving a large vehicle like a bus, then the reason for it must be determined. If the bus did not meet the government’s standards, then having an attorney who understands these specific laws and regulations is vital to the success of your case.

Lawyers Who Know How to Recover Damages After a Minnesota Bus Accident

There are several factors that can influence your options when it comes to recovering damages in the wake of a bus accident in our state. The first factor is what role you played in the accident. Were you the driver of the bus? A passenger on the bus? Or were you a passenger in another vehicle?

You Were a Bus Passenger

If you were a passenger on the bus, you can file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim against those responsible for the accident. In most scenarios, it will be up to you and your attorney to prove liability by establishing that a party was negligent in a way that led directly to your injuries. 

If your injuries were the result of being attacked by another passenger, you may be able to sue both the other passenger and the bus driver. Your attorney can help you figure out what your options are.

You Were the Bus Driver

If you were driving the bus at the time of the accident and were injured, then you may have workers’ compensation available to you. This insurance is carried by employers to help pay medical bills and lost wages when you’re injured on the job. 

You may also be able to sue the other driver for damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

You Were an Occupant in Another Vehicle

If you sustained injuries because you were in another car involved in the accident, then you also have options. 

In scenarios where the bus caused the accident, you can file a claim against the insurance company of the bus driver or you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the company. Companies are responsible for the actions taken by their employees while working, so you may have a solid case there.

Damages That Can Be Recovered in Minnesota Bus Accident Cases

No matter what role you played in a bus accident, the damages you can recover under Minnesota law include:

Economic Damages

These are the damages involved in your case that include money. For example, medical bills, property damage, and lost wages are all considered economic damages that can be recovered after a bus accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These are non-monetary losses experienced as a result of the bus accident. Non-economic damages include damages such as loss of consortium or pain and suffering.

Punitive Damages

In cases where it can be shown that there was a deliberate disregard for the safety and rights of other people or that the person responsible for the accident acted indifferently to the safety of others, you may also be able to recover punitive damages.

These are damages meant as a form of punishment for the defendant in hopes that they will never take the action that led to the accident again.

Olson, Poole & Envall – Experienced Minnesota Bus Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

At Olson, Poole & Envall, we understand that accidents happen, but we also know real people are hurt in bus accidents and need our help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out what your options are regarding your Minnesota bus accident.

When it comes to injuries from bus accidents, you should not delay in contacting attorneys about your case. In Minnesota, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. After that date, you will have no chance of recovering damages.

Do not delay. Get in touch with our office as soon as possible to start fighting to get your life back on track.