Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. knows that dealing with the aftermath of a bus accident is complex and overwhelming. Our bus accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies and hold every liable party accountable, so you get the compensation you’re owed.
Why You Need a Bus Accident Lawyer in Michigan
Michigan’s got a no-fault insurance program that can be really confusing. You might think your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers everything, but it doesn’t always work that way with commercial bus accidents.
A bus accident attorney knows which insurance policies apply, and we investigate who caused your crash, be it the bus company, the driver, or another party. Bus companies invest in aggressive legal teams immediately after accidents, so you need a lawyer who’ll fight just as hard for your rights.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Understanding what caused your accident to happen helps build your case. Here’s what we see most often in Michigan bus crashes:
Driver Negligence
Bus drivers work long hours under tight schedules, and if they get fatigued, they’re more likely to make mistakes. Plus, some drivers speed to stay on schedule, and some get distracted by passengers or their phones. Not to mention driving under the influence. Any of those situations can cause a driver to run a red light or change lanes without looking.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Bus companies have to keep up with proper maintenance on their fleets, so things like worn brakes, bad tires, or faulty steering systems cause accidents that should have been prevented. A good bus accident lawyer knows how to review maintenance records to see if companies cut corners.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Driving conditions can get really bad in Michigan, especially in winter, and things like ice, snow, and potholes contribute to crashes; plus, poor lighting or confusing signs near bus stops add to the risk. That means road authorities can share liability.
Types of Bus Accident Claims We Handle
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. represents clients injured in all types of crashes in Michigan.
Public Transit Accidents
The public transit systems in our state drive around thousands of people a day, and when you’re injured on a city bus, there are special rules that apply. Our bus accident lawyer near me team knows how to deal with these complex regulations.
School Bus Accidents
School bus crashes can cause kids to suffer physical and emotional trauma that lasts for years. We hold these entities accountable when they fail to protect our kids.
Charter or Private Bus Accidents
You can also get injured from an accident involving a tour bus, a church shuttle, or a private charter bus, and a lot of these companies operate across state lines. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. deals with the complicated jurisdictional issues.
Why Choose Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. as Your Bus Accident Attorney
Here’s why families trust us with their bus accident cases over other Michigan firms.
Local Expertise in Michigan Laws
We’ve practiced in Michigan for decades, and our vehicle accident attorneys understand the state and federal regulations that bus operators are under. That local knowledge helps us build stronger cases.
Proven Track Record of Settlements and Verdicts
Our results speak for themselves: We’ve recovered compensation for Michigan accident victims, and insurance companies know we’ll take them to court if they don’t offer you fair compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Michigan bus accident cases often involve substantial damages. Your settlement’s got to cover current medical expenses and future medical needs, too. You’ve also got to factor in your lost wages so far, plus any wages that’ll be lost in the future because of your injuries.
Pain and suffering compensation recognizes your physical and emotional trauma as well, and Michigan law allows recovery for these non-economic damages under certain circumstances. You can also claim property damage if any personal belongings were damaged.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
Get medical attention right away, no matter if you feel just fine. A doctor can check for any injuries you might not notice yet, plus you create a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Also, be sure you report the accident to the bus company and the police.
If you can, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any visible damage, and contact a bus accident lawyer before talking to insurance adjusters. Also, don’t post anything about your accident on social media.
Get Help from Our Michigan Bus Accident Lawyers
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. has helped Michigan families recover after devastating crashes. Contact us today for a free consultation and have our experienced bus accident attorneys review your case and explain your legal options.
We work on contingency, which means that you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket unless we win your case. Call us anytime at 1-866-MICH-LAW to schedule your free case evaluation.
FAQs
What should I do after being injured in a bus accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, no matter what, and report the accident to the bus company and the police. Document everything with photos and get witness information. Talk with Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. before you speak with insurance adjusters.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Michigan?
In the state of Michigan, the statute of limitations is usually 3 years from the day the accident occurred, which means that you need to file your personal injury lawsuit within this timeframe. But claims against government entities have shorter notice periods, usually within six months, so don’t wait to get an attorney.
Can I sue a public transportation authority?
Yes, but governmental immunity rules make claims against public transit systems complicated. An experienced bus accident lawyer near you knows how to deal with those restrictions and pursue compensation within legal parameters.
What compensation is available for bus accident victims?
You might recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. When serious injuries exceed no-fault coverage, you can fight for additional compensation from at-fault parties.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer in Michigan?
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. works on contingency, so no upfront fees, plus we offer free case evaluations. We only get paid when we win your case.
Do I need a lawyer if insurance is already offering a settlement?
Yes. Insurance companies make lowball offers, hoping you’ll take the money and run, but our bus accident lawyers review settlement offers to make sure they cover all current and future damages.
A young couple from Monroe, Michigan, was awarded a $15.8 million verdict as the result of their baby son, Jason, being inflicted with Cerebral Palsy as the result of an error during the final stages of a labor.
Result: $15.8 Million
$1 Million
Medical Malpractice/Wrongful Death
Oakland County, Michigan
What Happened:
While in the hospital a mother of three was not properly treated for a closed-head injury causing her untimely death.
Result: $1 Million
$1.4 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Brain Injury
Livonia, Michigan
What Happened:
A Livonia pedestrian recovered $1.4 million when he was struck by a commercial van resulting in a traumatic brain injury in Redford, Michigan.
Result: $1.4 Million
$9 Million
Medical Malpractice / Misdiagnosis
Wayne County, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
Patient suffered cardiac arrest and brain damage when a hospital failed to recognize internal bleeding and treatment was delayed for more than 14 hours.
Result: $9 Million
$3.3 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Tuscola County, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A Tuscola County jury awarded $3.3 million to a severely brain injured motorist as the result of a defective Michigan highway.
Result: $3.3 Million
$1.25 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Construction Site Injury
Flint, Michigan
WHAT HAPPENED:
A seventeen-year-old construction worker suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall in Flint, Michigan, and was awarded $1.25 million.
Result: $1.25 Million
$1.9 Million
Medical Malpractice
Wayne County, Michigan
What Happened:
Middle-aged woman suffered severe disfiguring facial burns from a simple surgical procedure.
Result: $1.9 Million
$3.8 Million
Medical Malpractice / Birth Trauma
Southern Michigan
What Happened:
Child developed cerebral palsy with developmental delays due to lack of oxygen and brain injury during labor and delivery.
A Westland construction worker recovered $1.5 million after sustaining a traumatic brain injury while on a construction site in Detroit, Michigan.
Result: $1.5 Million
$1.3 Million
Accidents & Injuries/Truck Accident
Marlette, Michigan
What Happened:
A Marlette, Michigan, family reached a $1.3 million settlement in the traffic death of their 5-year-old son when they were struck by a semi truck.
Result: $1.3 Million
$225,000
Medical Malpractice/Cancer Misdiagnosis
Redford, Michigan
What Happened:
The misdiagnosis of breast cancer resulted in a Redford, Michigan, woman recovering $225,000.
Result: $225,000
$125,000
Workers Compensation
Detroit, Michigan
What Happened:
A construction worker redeemed his worker’s compensation case for $125,000 in Detroit, Michigan.
Result: $125,000
$400,000
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Monroe, Michigan
What Happened:
A paraplegic woman from Monroe, Michigan, recovered Michigan no-fault benefits including the purchase of a new home and attendant care in excess of $400,000.
Result: $125,000
$2.2 Million
Medical Malpractice/Birth Injury
Brighton, Michigan; Detroit, Michigan
What Happened:
A Brighton family recovered $1.3 million and a Detroit family recovered $900,000 as the result of birth injuries and medical malpractice to their children.
Result: $2.2
$80,000
Accidents & Injuries/Auto Accident
Bay City, Michigan
What Happened:
A Bay City grandmother was awarded $80,000 following an auto accident resulting in a broken leg.
Result: $80,000
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