St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyers
Missouri Law Firm Fighting for Bus Accident Victims
An accident involving a bus can change someone’s life forever. Buses are a common sight on St. Louis roads, providing public transportation, school transit, and private charter services. Unfortunately, these large and heavy vehicles can cause significant harm when operated carelessly or negligently.
Bus accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions, often causing severe injuries and substantial property damage. These cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims, involving multiple parties, government regulations, and high-stakes insurance negotiations.
If you were harmed in a bus collision that may have involved negligence, we urge you to get in touch with our team at Sedey Harper Westhoff immediately. It is crucial to act quickly so that we can conduct a thorough investigation while evidence and witnesses remain available. We can determine what caused the crash and identify all liable parties. From there, we can help you take legal action and seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys have achieved favorable results for injury victims in automobile collision cases. We understand how to effectively navigate the complexities of bus accident claims and are prepared to go to court to fight for your rights.
Schedule a consultation with our St. Louis bus accident lawyers by contacting us online or calling (314) 819-0963. You owe us no legal fees unless we help you recover compensation.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in St. Louis
Being involved in a bus accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Taking specific actions in the minutes, hours, and days after the crash is crucial not only for your well-being but also for protecting your legal rights.
In the immediate aftermath of a bus accident, you should:
- Call 9-1-1. Request medical assistance if necessary and report the accident. If possible, move out of harm’s way and wait for the police to arrive. The responding officer will create an official police report that may become a pivotal piece of evidence in your case. Ask for a copy of this report.
- Document the scene. Capture as much information as possible. Take photographs or videos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Look for nearby traffic or security cameras that may have filmed the incident.
- Exchange information. If possible, collect contact information from the bus driver, including their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance details. You should also obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the crash occur.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor for a full evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having a medical record linking your injuries to the accident is crucial for your claim.
- Consult with a personal injury lawyer. The sooner our St. Louis bus accident attorneys can start investigating the collision, the better. Our team can provide compassionate, solutions-oriented support and walk you through your rights and legal options.
Our St. Louis bus accident attorneys are not afraid to take on complex cases. Give us a call at (314) 819-0963 or contact us online today.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
When a bus accident occurs due to negligence, the party (or parties) responsible may be held liable for any resulting damages. Common causes of bus accidents include:
- Driver fatigue. Bus drivers often work long shifts, which can lead to exhaustion and impaired reaction times.
- Distracted driving. Bus drivers may become distracted by passengers, cell phones, or in-cab technologies, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medication can significantly impact a driver’s ability to operate a bus safely.
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance. Failing to properly maintain brakes, tires, and other critical components can lead to dangerous mechanical failures.
- Improperly trained drivers. Bus companies must ensure their drivers receive proper training on handling large vehicles in various traffic and weather conditions.
- Speeding and reckless driving. Buses require longer stopping distances, and speeding or reckless maneuvers can cause catastrophic collisions.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bus Accidents
Due to the size and weight of buses, injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Injuries
- Severe Burns and Lacerations
- Fatal Injuries
Victims may face long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes.
Determining Liability for a Bus Accident
Bus accident cases are complex due to the number of potential liable parties. Our attorneys at Sedey Harper Westhoff can accurately identify all responsible entities by gathering and evaluating evidence, including eyewitness accounts, accident scene data, and vehicle inspection reports.
Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties could be liable for a bus accident:
- The bus driver. If reckless behavior, such as speeding or distracted driving, caused the accident, the driver may be held liable.
- The bus company. Companies that employ bus drivers may be liable if they engaged in negligent hiring practices, failed to provide adequate training, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
- The bus manufacturer. If a mechanical defect in the bus contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible.
- Government entities. If a city-operated bus caused the accident, government agencies responsible for the transit system could be held accountable.
- Other negligent drivers. If another driver’s reckless behavior led to a collision with the bus, they may be held responsible for damages.
Recoverable Damages in a Missouri Bus Accident Lawsuit
A successful bus accident claim allows you to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Why Choose Sedey Harper Westhoff for Your Bus Accident Case?
Bus accident cases are often more complex than standard car accident claims due to the number of parties involved and the unique regulations governing buses. Our experienced St. Louis attorneys:
- Understand Bus Regulations. We are well-versed in Missouri traffic laws and federal regulations governing public and private bus transit.
- Investigate Thoroughly. Our team conducts comprehensive investigations to uncover negligence and liability.
- Handle Insurance Companies. We negotiate aggressively with insurers and bus companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Fight for Maximum Compensation. We work tirelessly to recover the full value of your bus accident claim.
Contact St. Louis Bus Accident Lawyers at Sedey Harper Westhoff
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t face the legal battle alone. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we are committed to standing up for victims and ensuring they receive fair compensation. Contact our St. Louis bus accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Give us a call at (314) 819-0963 or contact us online to speak with a bus accident lawyer near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri
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How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Age Discrimination Claim in Missouri?
Determining whether you have a valid age discrimination claim requires a careful examination of the circumstances and facts surrounding your situation. Remember, age discrimination in the workplace can be extremely subtle and challenging to prove, so if you aren’t entirely certain whether you have a claim, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced employment lawyer.
Here are key elements to consider:
- Evidence of discriminatory behavior. First, identify any direct or indirect evidence that suggests age-related bias. This includes ageist remarks from supervisors or coworkers, patterns of exclusion from projects or promotions, and any unjustified adverse employment actions that seem tied to your age. It's important to gather documentation like emails, notes from meetings, or witness statements that support your claim.
- Comparative treatment. Evaluate whether younger employees are treated more favorably in similar situations. Examples include being consistently chosen for promotions, receiving better performance evaluations without substantial justification, or facing different standards for misconduct. These comparisons can help highlight potential discrimination.
- Adverse employment actions. Identify any specific actions that have negatively impacted your employment. This includes firing, demotion, salary cuts, or undesirable job reassignments directly linked to your age. Conversely, consider if you have faced less overt actions, such as being geographically relocated or deliberately given menial tasks, that reflect a pattern of discriminatory behavior.
- Employer's justification. Consider the reasons provided by your employer for the actions in question. If their explanations seem pretextual or inconsistent, this could serve as evidence of discriminatory intent. Look for contradictions in rationale or disparities in how policies are applied to younger versus older employees.
- Consistency with state law. The Missouri Human Rights Act specifically protects employees aged 40 and older and less than 70 years of age from discrimination. If you do not meet this age criteria, you likely do not have a case at the state level.
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What Is the Process for Filing an Age Discrimination Lawsuit in Missouri?
You cannot immediately file an age discrimination lawsuit against your employer, even if you have substantial evidence demonstrating egregious misconduct. Initially, you must file a complaint with the MCHR or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (Note that our firm generally prefers to handle age discrimination claims at the state level.) This is a mandatory step before any lawsuit can be pursued, as it initiates an investigation into your claim. The charge must be filed with the MCHR within 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to preserve the validity of your case.
Once the charge is filed with the MCHR, they will review the complaint and may offer mediation as a means of resolving the issue. Mediation can allow both parties to negotiate a settlement without undergoing lengthy legal proceedings. If mediation is unsuccessful or not pursued, the agency will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and assessing whether there has been a violation of anti-discrimination laws.
Once 180 days have passed from the date you filed your complaint, you can ask for a “right to sue” letter. The MCHR will stop its investigation if you request this letter and will take no further action on your behalf.
If you don’t request this letter, they’ll complete their investigation and determine whether they have evidence that supports probable age discrimination. If they do think there’s probable cause, they will work to settle your case with your employer. If these negotiations are unsuccessful, they will proceed to a hearing, where a hearing examiner will make a final decision. If the MCHR doesn’t think they have enough evidence to pursue their own case, they will issue a letter saying so, and you’ll have a right to appeal.
Filing your own lawsuit involves drafting and submitting a formal complaint that outlines the discriminatory acts, the applicable laws, and the relief sought. Our St. Louis age discrimination lawyers can assist you with this process and aggressively fight for you in and out of the courtroom.
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How Long Does a Missouri Age Discrimination Lawsuit Usually Take?
The duration of a Missouri age discrimination lawsuit can vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and the workload of the court system.
Again, you cannot sue until you have received a “right to sue” letter from the MCHR or EEOC. You can request this letter from the MCHR after waiting 180 days from the date you submitted your initial complaint.
Moving forward with a lawsuit may involve prolonged pre-trial proceedings, including discovery, where both parties gather evidence. The discovery phase itself can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the scope of the evidence and any challenges that arise. Additionally, seeking resolution through mediation or settlement discussions can either shorten or lengthen the timeline based on the outcomes. If your case proceeds to trial, additional delays may occur due to scheduling and other procedural requirements.
We understand that the lengthy process of pursuing an age discrimination lawsuit can be incredibly frustrating. Our attorneys can keep you informed throughout each stage of the legal process and are prepared to work efficiently to get you justice.
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What Are the Potential Outcomes of a Missouri Age Discrimination Lawsuit?
An age discrimination lawsuit can result in one of several outcomes. One possibility is a settlement, which can occur at any stage of the litigation process. In a settlement, the parties agree on a resolution without proceeding to trial, often involving compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, or other agreed-upon remedies. Settlements provide a quicker resolution and reduce the uncertainty and costs associated with a trial. However, not all employers are willing to settle, and some may make woefully inadequate offers.
If the lawsuit proceeds to trial, the court may rule in your favor, resulting in a judgment. This can lead to various forms of legal relief, including compensation for lost earnings and benefits, reinstatement to a previous job position, changes in workplace policies, or punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct by your employer. Your employer will also likely be responsible for covering your attorney’s fees and other court costs if you win your case.
If the court sides with your employer, they may dismiss your case. Should this occur, you will not receive any compensation or relief unless you successfully appeal the decision.
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Can I Represent Myself in a Breach of Contract Lawsuit?
While you can represent yourself in a breach of contract lawsuit, doing so comes with significant risks and challenges. The complexities of contract law require a nuanced understanding of legal principles, procedures, and the intricacies involved in presenting a case effectively in court. Without professional legal training, you may struggle to accurately interpret contract language, gather relevant evidence, or comply with procedural requirements, potentially undermining your case.
Your employer will likely be represented by experienced legal professionals, placing you at a disadvantage in legal arguments and negotiations. Missteps in any part of the process can have detrimental consequences, including the possibility of an unfavorable verdict. An experienced employment law attorney who handles breach of contract cases can help you avoid common mistakes, build a strong claim, and effectively combat your employer’s arguments.
- We investigate and evaluate your injury and the harm you have suffered.
- We negotiate a quick, fair settlement with the insurance company where possible.
- We work with your medical providers to develop a strong case of negligence.
- We take your case to court to get you the best result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
Saint Louis, MO 63139 Map & Directions