Buses can be seen taking students to school, transporting adults to their jobs, or transporting other groups of people. As useful as they are as a means of transportation, these enormous vehicles also represent a serious threat to other motorists.

If you have been hurt in a bus crash, our dedicated personal injury attorneys are ready to help. Instead of putting your recovery at risk by handling your case on your own, let a Willmar bus accident lawyer help you seek justice.

Who Can File a Bus Accident Injury Claim?

Several different people may have the right to file an injury claim after a bus accident. An attorney could help any of the following types of Willmar bus wreck victims pursue the financial compensation they deserve.

Bus Passengers

Passengers are among the most common victims in bus wrecks. Unlike many vehicles, buses often do not have seatbelts, which means riders can be thrown forward during a collision. Injuries can also occur when objects stored overhead fall and hit passengers.

Other Motorists

The occupants of other vehicles may also suffer serious injuries in a bus crash. Because buses are large and heavy, collisions with smaller vehicles can cause significant damage. In a major collision, the occupants of multiple vehicles could ultimately be hurt.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians face the greatest risk when it comes to being hit by a bus, as they have no form of protection to absorb the impact of the enormous vehicle. Bus accidents sometimes occur in intersections, near crosswalks, or in crowded downtown areas where people walk close to traffic.

Whether you were a passenger, another motorist, or a pedestrian, a lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury can help you file a claim after a bus crash.

Common Injuries in a Bus Crash

Bus accidents can lead to the kind of injuries that permanently alter the course of your life. This is true regardless of whether you were struck by a bus or were a passenger within it. Some of the injuries commonly associated with these incidents include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Broken bones
  • Cuts and bruising

These injuries can impact your quality of life and even make it impossible to work. If you are living with any of these conditions after a Willmar bus collision, speaking with an attorney could be the first step towards justice. Let our team evaluate your medical records and help you pursue your claim.

Deadline To File Suit

State law places time limits on injury lawsuits after a bus accident, and failing to act can put your claim for compensation in jeopardy. In most cases, an injured person has six years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under Minnesota Statutes § 541.05.

However, the deadline may be shorter under certain circumstances, such as when a government agency operates the bus involved in a crash. There is a notably shorter notice period in these cases. It is vital to speak to an attorney immediately if you were hurt in a Willmar wreck involving a government-operated bus.

If you file your lawsuit after the deadline passes, the judge may have no choice but to dismiss your case with prejudice. This not only ends the lawsuit but also permanently bars you from ever recovering compensation for your injuries.

Contact an Attorney About a Bus Crash in Willmar Today

If you are navigating the aftermath of a bus crash, you do not have to face these challenges on your own. The right attorney could help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.

Our attorneys are based in Mankato, but we represent injury victims throughout the surrounding area. To learn how we can help, reach out today for a private consultation with a Willmar bus accident lawyer.