Duluth’s Trusted Bus Accident Lawyers

What Causes Duluth Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents in Duluth can be caused by a wide range of factors. However, the most common cause involves some form of negligence from the bus driver.

Driver Negligence

Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of bus accidents. This can include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Making unsafe lane changes

Duluth’s steep hills and narrow streets make it especially challenging for bus drivers to navigate safely, increasing the likelihood of driver-related accidents.

Impaired Driving

Bus drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are always a threat due to their slower reaction times and impaired judgment. This can also be caused by prescription medications and even over-the-counter medicines. Commercial drivers are held to strict standards, but impaired driving accidents do still occur. When they do, they can result in severe consequences for everyone involved.

Driver Fatigue

Bus drivers may experience intense fatigue while driving, especially on charter buses or when covering a long route. This fatigue can impair their reaction times and decision-making abilities. In fact, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

Poor Weather Conditions

Duluth experiences severe winter weather, with heavy snowfall and icy roads being common from late fall to early spring. These conditions can lead to skidding, reduced visibility, and difficulty braking, which contribute to many bus accidents in the region. When drivers fail to take the proper precautions, they can be held liable for an accident, even if poor weather was a factor.

Mechanical Failures

Buses are large, complex vehicles that require regular maintenance to operate safely. Mechanical issues, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine problems, can cause accidents if buses are not properly inspected or maintained. In these cases, you may be entitled to compensation through a product liability claim.

Rules for Bus Drivers and Companies in Duluth

Bus accidents in Duluth are subject to a complex web of federal, state, and local laws that govern safety and liability. This legal framework primarily focuses on common carrier laws, which place a high duty of care on bus companies and drivers.

Common Carrier Laws

As common carriers, bus companies in Duluth must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and others on the road. This heightened standard means that bus drivers and companies can be held liable for accidents caused by:

• Driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving
• Improper vehicle maintenance, leading to mechanical failures like brake malfunctions
• Violation of traffic laws, such as failing to yield or driving recklessly in Duluth's challenging weather conditions​

Failure to meet these standards could result in the bus company being held liable for injuries and damages caused in an accident.

Insurance Requirements

Bus companies in Duluth are required to carry insurance coverage that exceeds what is mandated for regular drivers. These higher insurance requirements ensure that sufficient compensation is available for victims in the event of an accident. However, negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often try to minimize payouts.

Determining Liability in a Duluth Bus Accident

Liability in a bus accident is often complicated, with multiple parties potentially responsible. These could include:

• The bus driver, if the accident was caused by driver error or negligence.
• The bus company, particularly if the bus was poorly maintained or the driver was not sufficiently trained
• Third parties, such as other motorists or pedestrians involved in the accident​

In cases where faulty equipment is identified as the cause, the vehicle manufacturer might also bear some responsibility.

Comparative Fault in Duluth

Minnesota follows a comparative fault system, which means that if you share some responsibility for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if a court finds you 30% responsible for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 30%. However, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%, you can still recover damages​.

Duluth Bus Accident Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a bus accident is typically six years from the date of the crash. However, if the bus involved is operated by a government entity like the Duluth Transit Authority, this timeframe may become shorter. Either way, the sooner you start working with a Duluth bus accident lawyer, the better your chances of receiving fair compensation.

The Most Common Bus Accident Injuries

Because of the size and weight of buses, a bus accident can easily lead to serious and even life-changing injuries. Here are some of the most common types of injury.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

One of the most severe consequences of a bus accident is traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries occur when the head strikes a hard surface, such as a window or seat, or when the brain is jostled violently within the skull due to the force of the collision.

Symptoms of TBI can range from mild concussions to more severe injuries like contusions or diffuse axonal injuries, which can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and difficulty performing everyday tasks​. In severe cases, TBI victims may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are another significant concern in bus accidents, especially in high-impact collisions. These injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The severity of the paralysis depends on where along the spine the injury occurs. Victims of spinal cord injuries may face permanent disability, and the treatment often includes surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The sheer force of a bus accident can cause broken bones and fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can occur when passengers are thrown against hard surfaces or are trapped in the wreckage. Depending on the severity of the break, recovery can require weeks or months of treatment, and surgery may be necessary to repair more complicated fractures. Fractures are not only painful but can also lead to long-term mobility issues.

Internal Injuries

Bus accidents often result in internal injuries, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. These injuries occur when the body is subjected to extreme pressure or a sharp impact, causing damage to internal organs such as the:

• Liver
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Lungs

Because internal injuries often have delayed symptoms, victims may not immediately realize the severity of their condition. This makes it crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bus accident, even if you feel fine.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in bus accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions or sudden stops. Whiplash occurs when the neck is forcibly whipped back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments in the neck. Although often considered a minor injury, whiplash can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion if not treated properly.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Bruising

Cuts and lacerations are common in bus accidents, especially when windows shatter or debris flies through the air. These injuries may be superficial, but deep cuts can lead to significant blood loss, infection, or permanent scarring. Similarly, bruising often occurs when passengers are thrown against seats, windows, or other hard surfaces during the impact. While bruising is typically not life-threatening, it can be painful and may indicate underlying internal injuries​.

Psychological Injuries

In addition to physical injuries, bus accident victims may experience psychological trauma. This can include conditions such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia

Victims may develop a fear of driving or traveling in buses, affecting their ability to return to their daily routines. Psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones, impacting a victim's quality of life and requiring long-term therapy or treatment​. Because of this, Minnesota law allows injury victims to seek compensation for emotional distress as a valid form of pain and suffering.

Financial Strain

Victims of bus accidents often face significant financial strain. The costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care can add up fast, especially for serious injuries like a TBI. Additionally, many victims are unable to return to work while they recover, leading to lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

Insurance challenges often exacerbate this financial strain, as insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, leaving victims struggling to cover their expenses. This makes it critical for bus accident victims to work with experienced attorneys who can advocate for full compensation to cover medical costs, lost income, and other financial damages​.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with Help from SiebenCarey

Take the first step toward justice and recovery by contacting SiebenCarey’s Duluth office for a free case evaluation! Our attorneys are here to:

• Listen to your story
• Answer your questions
• Provide a clear path forward

We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the maximum compensation you deserve under Minnesota law.

Our legal team is available 24/7 to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let SiebenCarey help you get the compensation you need!