School Bus Collision Attorneys in Wichita

Our bus wreck lawyers get maximum results for those hurt in Wichita

People take the bus every day in Wichita and throughout Kansas. Buses are a regular way to travel for work, pleasure, shopping, or even to go to a casino or special event.   Bus wrecks are the result of negligence and the wreck often leaves people seriously injured.

If a negligent car driver, bus driver or bus company, school district or school bus company, or even the City negligently caused the wreck that left you hurt, PISTOTNIK LAW will help. Our firm has been fighting for the injured in the Wichita area since 1987. Our bus wreck injury lawyers know how to help you recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

Any wreck can change people’s lives quickly. Suddenly, they are left with serious injuries requiring medical treatment, they may be out of work, and they need help taking the appropriate steps to pursue a claim.  Medical expenses and lost wages can add up quickly. Injury victims’ lives change physically, emotionally and financially.

Why Are Bus Wreck Cases Difficult?

Bus wrecks can be difficult because these cases are different than normal auto accidents. There are multiple people involved including the bus driver, the bus passengers, the bus company, the City, if a public bus, and drivers of other vehicles. Each party may have a different insurance company and their own lawyer. If a city is involved, the law requires a written claim for damages and the claims are not handled by insurance, instead they are directly handled by the city.  The negligent party may deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened.  Cities often don’t respond to claims.

Buses are large vehicles. The forces involved can be much greater than a normal auto accident due to the weight of the bus and occupants.  An auto accident involving a bus can cause serious injuries. These include broken bones and injuries to the head, neck or back. More severe injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and internal injuries. You may need surgery, hospitalization, medication, and physical therapy. Recovery may take months or even longer. Some people are left with a permanent disability.

Who Pays for My Damages After a Bus Wreck?

If you were injured in a bus wreck, the negligent party’s insurer will be responsible for paying for your damages. If a City bus, the City will be responsible. But don’t expect much help from the insurance companies or from the City. They will fight against bus wreck claims because they know there is a lot of money at stake.  If a City bus, they won’t do anything at all.

Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may question the seriousness of your injuries or make a lowball settlement offer that doesn’t come close to covering all the damages you suffered. If you accept a lowball settlement offer, you won’t be able to seek additional compensation.

That’s why you need a lawyer who will protect your interests. Our lawyers know how insurance companies operate. We know how claims against cities are handled. We have the knowledge, experience and resources needed to build strong cases that insurance companies, or the City, must take seriously. Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Wreck Claim in Kansas?

If the bus wreck doesn’t involve a government entity, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. But the sooner you act, the easier it will be for our Wichita injury attorneys to gather evidence and witness statements.

For wrecks involving buses owned and operated by government entities, you must file a written claim prior to filing suit. After filing a written claim, you must wait 120 days before filing suit.  This formally notifies the government entity of the incident and your intention to seek compensation. An attorney at Pistotnik law can help you through the process and ensure that your claim is filed properly and timely.  One mistake in this formal procedure can result in you losing your case.

What Is My Injury From a Bus Wreck Worth?

There is no average settlement for a bus wreck injury. It can be valued anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over a million dollars. It depends on the severity of your injuries, the damages you accrue, and the pain and suffering you endure.

An experienced Kansas bus wreck injury attorney will thoroughly evaluate your damages and determine how much money you’re eligible for. This includes adding up your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Plus, an attorney will help you calculate how much money you’re owed for noneconomic losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, inconvenience, loss of time, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Our Wichita Bus Wreck Injury Attorneys Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation

To help you build a strong claim, we start by investigating your bus wreck to get the facts and identify the negligent parties. Our legal team gathers evidence and carefully reviews accident reports, safety records, medical records, and other documentation. We interview witnesses and, if needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.

Our lawyers know how to prove negligence. A bus or car driver may have been speeding, driving recklessly, texting or falling asleep at the wheel. A bus company may have failed to properly repair or maintain the bus. The driver of the bus may not have been properly qualified, trained, or supervised.

Our lawyers know how to help you get the best recovery, both physically and financially, with advice on appropriate treatment for your injuries.

For over 37 years, we’ve earned a reputation as a law firm that fights for the rights of our clients. In many cases, we can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, or City, that gets you fully compensated. If the insurance company or City won’t negotiate, we are ready to fight for you in court.

If you were injured in a Wichita bus wreck, call us to learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced bus wreck injury lawyer.