Marion Bus Accident Lawyer

After sustaining injuries in a bus accident, recovering compensation from the liable party can be essential for getting your life back on track. Bus accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to a variety of factors. If you were injured in a bus accident, an experienced Marion bus accident attorney can help you pursue the money you need.

At the Morelli Law Firm, we have a long history of providing injury victims with the legal representation they need to recover fair compensation. Our team of Marion personal injury lawyers is ready and waiting to help. Contact us today through our website or by giving us a call to schedule your free case evaluation.

Use Caution When Speaking to an Insurer Following an Accident

There are many steps that need to be taken after an accident. One of the things you will need to do will be to deal with the liable party’s insurer to get the money to which you are entitled. When interacting with an insurer, it is essential that you understand that they are not on your side. Insurers are focused on profits, not people.

These companies will do whatever they can to devalue or deny your claim to maximize their profits. The best way to protect yourself against the tricks they commonly employ is by declining to speak to them until you have secured the services of an experienced attorney. 

With a lawyer by your side, you will prevent the insurer from contacting you directly. By forcing them to go through your attorney, you will neutralize any tactics they would otherwise use against you. This will help level the playing field and give you the best chance of recovering the money you deserve.

Be Mindful of the Filing Deadline When Pursuing Damages Through a Bus Accident Lawsuit

If you are planning to pursue a bus accident lawsuit against the liable party, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the applicable personal injury statute of limitations. In Illinois, this statute gives injury victims two years to take legal action against the at-fault party. Missing this deadline will likely result in the loss of your ability to pursue damages.

However, it is essential that you speak with an experienced attorney about your case, even if you believe your window for claiming compensation has already closed. Details of your case may create an exception that allows you to file beyond the usual deadline. Your lawyer will be able to identify if an exception applies and help you pursue damages if possible.

Just as an exception can extend your filing deadline, the details of your case can also reduce the amount of time you have to file. This is a common occurrence in bus accident cases, as many buses are government-owned. When filing a claim against the government, you will likely only have a matter of months to take legal action rather than the usual five years.

Damages a Marion Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover

After a bus accident that results in severe injuries, there are a variety of damages you will likely qualify to claim. The compensation you can recover following a bus accident will vary depending on several factors. Figuring out the exact damages you are eligible to pursue can be incredibly challenging on your own.

Fortunately, an experienced attorney will know exactly what to look for when assessing your losses. Your lawyer will help you determine the exact damages that apply to your case and give you the best chance of recovering the full amount you are entitled to collect.

Beyond the compensatory damages commonly available in bus accident cases, you may also be eligible to pursue punitive damages in some cases.

Economic Damages

Every financial loss you suffer as a result of your accident falls into the category of economic damages. These damages cover any negative financial consequence of an accident, including both money you spent and income you were blocked from earning. The most frequently recovered economic damages following bus accidents include:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Lessened earning ability

Non-Economic Damages

Every other loss resulting from your accident can be categorized as a type of non-economic damage. These damages tend to be far more personal in nature than the financial losses of economic damages. Because the losses in this category are often profound, the money awarded is often significant.

The most frequently recovered non-economic damages following bus accidents include:

• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Lowered quality of life
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are only available in a small number of bus accident cases. These damages are much different from the compensatory damages already reviewed. Rather than serving as a form of compensation for losses incurred by the victim, punitive damages are supposed to punish the liable party for the role they played.

A judge will only award punitive damages if your case involves intentional harm or gross negligence.

Reach Out to an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney Serving Marion Today

The best way to improve your chances of getting the money you need after an accident is by securing the services of an experienced attorney. When you work with the team at the Morelli Law Firm, you can rest easy with the knowledge that your case is in good hands. We have a long track record of winning big for our clients.

Contact us by completing our online contact form, using our chat tool, or giving us a call and schedule your free case evaluation with a member of our legal team today.