Hiring an experienced bus accident lawyer for injuries you sustained in a bus accident in Detroit is always worth it when you consider that: (1) a skilled lawyer will help you get no-fault benefits from your own insurer and then file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties for your pain and suffering; and (2) there’s no risk because you never pay a dime unless you win.
Bus accident cases often involve multiple insurance companies, complex local, state, and federal laws, and the potential for a governmental immunity claim if a public bus is involved, which also implicates a 60-day notice requirement that must be met to preserve your right to sue. In addition, you are subject to other mandatory deadlines such as filing your application for no-fault benefits and your lawsuit for pain and suffering.
All of this makes bus accident cases a heavy lift for inexperienced lawyers who are routinely taken advantage of by big insurance companies and their adjusters and defense attorneys, who bully them into low-ball settlements. An experienced attorney who specializes in bus crashes, has a track record of success, and is known for taking cases to trial when a full and fair offer is not made, will have the “know how” and the credibility necessary to demand and receive maximum compensation for your case.
Keep in mind that there is no risk to hiring an experienced bus accident attorney. A reputable Detroit bus accident lawyer will take your case on a contingency basis, meaning that if you don’t win, you don’t pay. Your consultation is always free, and you will never be asked to pay any up-front or out-of-pocket costs. So, consult with and hire the best bus accident lawyer you can find.
How can a bus accident lawyer help me with my case?
An experienced bus accident lawyer will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the crash
- Gather and preserve important evidence
- Assess liability
- Verify insurance coverages
- Calculate your damages
- Help you get no-fault benefits to cover your medical costs and lost wages
- File your lawsuit for pain and suffering and any excess economic loss
- Negotiate a settlement for the full value of your damages
How much does a bus accident lawyer cost?
An experienced bus accident lawyer won’t cost you anything until you win your case. There is never any charge to consult with a reputable lawyer, who will answer any questions you have about your case for free. If you decide to hire the attorney, he or she will never ask you to pay any costs up front or out of pocket. If you win, the standard fee is one-third (1/3) of your recovery, which your lawyer will simply deduct from the settlement check before paying you the remaining funds.
What type of lawyer handles bus accident cases?
Bus accidents are usually handled by personal injury lawyers. But keep in mind that not all personal injury lawyers are created equal when it comes to handling this type of case. Many of them will claim to have handled a bus crash case, although most never have. The insurance companies, adjusters, and defense lawyers know when they’re facing an attorney who is out of his or her element, and they use this to their advantage when settling a case. You can’t afford to be taken advantage of, so be careful when choosing a lawyer. You need an experienced bus accident attorney who has specialized experience and knowledge in this specific area of law and who has a track record of winning million-dollar settlements and verdicts for his or clients.
How long does a bus accident settlement take?
Bus accidents can be complicated, but with a skilled attorney most of them take between several months and two years to settle. How long your case might take depends on:
- The extent of your injuries
- Whether you suffered a “serious impairment of body function”
- Your prognosis
- Your medical needs and expenses
- Your ability to return to work
- The defendant(s) (and whether a public bus is involved)
- The defendant(s)’ insurance coverage limits
- The insurance company, insurance adjuster, and defense attorney
- The length of the discovery process
- Case evaluation and mediation
- Whether your case must go to trial
- The experience, specialization, track record, and reputation of your attorney
How do I choose a lawyer for my bus accident case?
There are five particular attributes you need in a lawyer for your Detroit bus accident case, including:
- Experience – How many bus accident cases has the lawyer handled? Has he or she handled cases involving public buses?
- Specialization – Does the lawyer specialize exclusively in bus accidents? You want an attorney who focuses his or her entire practice in this area of law.
- Track record – How many million-dollar settlements and verdicts has the lawyer won?
- Reputation – Is the lawyer known for taking cases to trial when the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer?
- Reviews – How many 5-star reviews does the lawyer have? What do former clients say about him or her? Does the lawyer return calls?
It’s always worth it to hire an attorney who possesses all of these important attributes. Don’t settle for less. Hire the best attorney you can find.
Named a “Leader in the Law” and “Lawyer of the Year” by Michigan’s largest legal newspaper for his record-breaking auto accident verdicts, settlements and advocacy work in preventing wrecks, Steven Gursten heads Michigan Auto Law—a firm dedicated to serious motor vehicle accident injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits.
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