Greyhound buses are meant to provide convenience and peace of mind, allowing passengers to relax while someone else handles the driving. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and when they do, the results can be life-altering.
Injuries, medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Facing a major corporation like Greyhound after an accident may feel intimidating, but a Kansas City Greyhound bus accident lawyer is here to help.
With over four decades of combined experience and more than $1 billion recovered for our clients, our Kansas City bus accident lawyers have what it takes to fight for you. Because at Foster Wallace, it’s more than a motto; it’s our promise: Your Injury. Our Fight.
Why Bus Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than You Think
Accidents involving large bus companies like Greyhound present unique challenges. Unlike typical car accident claims, these cases often involve:
Dealing With a Big Corporation
Greyhound is a large, well-established company with extensive legal and financial resources. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters whose primary goal is not to fairly compensate injury victims but to protect their own bottom line.
You need legal representation from an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and interests.
Handling Complex Regulations
Bus companies are subject to federal and state regulations, including charter bus service regulations, which are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and more.
Proving that Greyhound violated these regulations can be critical to your case, but it requires thorough knowledge of the law and access to key evidence.
Gathering Evidence
After an accident, evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage from the bus can quickly become difficult to access. Without prompt action, some of this evidence may even be lost or destroyed.
Our Kansas City Greyhound bus accident attorneys can begin investigating immediately and send a letter of spoliation to show Greyhound that you mean business.
Proving Liability
Determining fault in a bus accident can be complicated. Liability may rest with the bus driver, Greyhound as a company, or even a third party like another driver or a maintenance provider. A detailed investigation is essential to identify who is responsible.
Who Is Liable in a Greyhound Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a Greyhound bus accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Identifying these parties is a major step in building a strong case. Here’s a breakdown of who could be held accountable:
The Bus Driver
Bus drivers must operate their vehicles safely and follow federal regulations that limit driving hours to prevent fatigue. A driver may be liable if the accident was caused by distracted driving, speeding, intoxication, or falling asleep at the wheel.
Greyhound as a Company
Greyhound has a duty to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, and maintain its buses. The company may be liable for engaging in negligent hiring and inadequate training, pressuring drivers to exceed legal work limits, or failing to conduct proper bus maintenance.
Maintenance Providers
If Greyhound outsources bus repairs, a maintenance company could be held liable if mechanical failures, like faulty brakes or worn tires, contributed to the accident. Negligent inspections or rushed repairs may also play a role.
Bus or Parts Manufacturers
Defective parts, such as brakes, tires, or safety equipment, may point to liability under product liability law. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and reliable.
Other Drivers
If another driver’s reckless behavior, like running a red light or driving under the influence, caused the accident, they may be held accountable.
Government Entities
Road hazards, such as poor maintenance or missing signs, could make a city or state agency partially liable. Claims against government entities, however, come with additional legal challenges.
Liability is often shared among multiple parties, making these cases complex. At Foster Wallace, we’ll investigate thoroughly to hold the right parties accountable and help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Let us guide you through the process so you can focus on recovery.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How Can a Kansas City Greyhound Bus Accident Lawyer Help?
When you’re up against a corporation, you need an advocate who knows how to take on big companies and win. We’ll handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Here’s how we can help:
1. Conducting a Thorough Investigation
We’ll gather crucial evidence, such as:
- Driver logs to check for violations of federal hours-of-service rules
- Maintenance records to see if the bus was properly maintained
- Witness statements and surveillance footage to piece together what happened
2. Proving Negligence
Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, causing harm to others. We’ll work to prove that Greyhound or another party acted negligently. For example, we can seek evidence that shows the company allowed an overworked driver behind the wheel or failed to repair a known mechanical issue.
3. Calculating Your Damages
We’ll ensure you’re compensated for all your losses, including:
- Medical bills (both current and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
4. Negotiating with Greyhound’s Insurers
Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements. Our team has the experience to negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring you get fair compensation.
5. Taking Your Case to Court if Necessary
If Greyhound refuses to offer a fair settlement, our experienced Greyhound bus accident lawyers in Kansas City are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a Greyhound bus accident in Kansas City or the surrounding area, don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner we start building your case, the stronger it will be.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you find the justice and compensation you need to move forward. When you choose Foster Wallace, you’re choosing a team that’s committed to fighting for your rights—because your injury is our fight.
