Were you injured in a bus accident in Columbia, Missouri? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at (573) 702-3285 for a free consultation with an experienced Columbia bus accident lawyer.
Bus accidents can lead to devastating injuries, especially when they collide with smaller cars, pedestrians, or cyclists. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical and emotional challenges. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Bus Accident in Columbia, MO
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, our team brings over 100 years of combined experience and has recovered more than $100 million for accident victims across Missouri. Bus accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple liable parties such as drivers, transit companies, or government entities.
Our Columbia personal injury attorneys provide the knowledge and resources needed to build a strong case and fight for full compensation.
We will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the crash, including witness interviews and accident reconstruction
- Review driver training records, maintenance logs, and safety inspections
- Identify all responsible parties
- Work with medical experts to assess the full extent of your injuries and future care needs
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary to secure justice
We have earned national recognition, including honors from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating for professional excellence. If you’ve been injured in Columbia, Missouri, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation.
How Common Are Columbia Bus Accidents?
Hundreds of bus-related crashes occur across the state each year, many leading to injuries. Because buses are large, commercial vehicles, the stakes can be higher—due to more passengers, greater impact force, and complex insurance coverage.
In Columbia, where city buses, school buses, and private charter vehicles share busy streets, distracted or negligent driving can quickly turn dangerous.
What Causes Most Columbia Bus Accidents?
Most bus accidents in Columbia can be traced to negligence, mechanical failure, or unsafe operating conditions.
Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue or inattention
- Speeding or failing to yield at intersections
- Poor bus maintenance, such as worn brakes or tires
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use
- Dangerous road conditions or poor weather
- Other negligent drivers causing multi-vehicle crashes
Because buses are much heavier and slower to maneuver than cars, even a small mistake can lead to a catastrophic collision. Columbia’s mix of narrow urban streets, rural highways, and university traffic adds an additional layer of risk for both passengers and other motorists.
Common Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents in Columbia
The force of a bus crash can cause severe, life-altering injuries.
Victims may experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries, which may lead to paralysis
- Broken bones and internal injuries from the impact
- Severe lacerations or crush injuries, particularly in rollovers or side-impact collisions
- Child injuries, especially in school bus accidents, where safety restraints are limited
- Wrongful death, when the crash results in a fatality
At Schultz & Myers, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents can upend lives. Our mission is to help victims recover financially and emotionally by holding negligent parties accountable and restoring peace of mind.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Bus Accident Victims?
Victims of bus accidents in Columbia may be eligible for compensation that covers the full scope of their losses.
Economic damages include financial losses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible harms like pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases where the responsible party acted with gross negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Every case is different, and our attorneys will carefully evaluate your unique situation to determine the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer?
At Schultz & Myers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is taken as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details. With our experience and results-driven approach, you can rest assured your case is in capable hands.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bus Accident in Missouri?
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Missouri, you typically have five years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, if the bus was owned or operated by a government entity, you may have a much shorter window to provide notice.
Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. A Columbia bus accident attorney can help determine the specific deadlines that apply to your case and guide you through the process.
Contact Our Columbia Bus Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Columbia, Missouri, you deserve justice. With 100+ years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for accident victims, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for you. Call today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Columbia bus accident lawyer and take the first step toward recovery.
