Sioux Falls Bus Accident Attorney

Understanding Bus Accidents in Sioux Falls

Bus accidents can cause serious injuries. In Sioux Falls, buses are common on city streets and school routes, and collisions can be severe because buses are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles in a car accident.

Sioux Falls Area Metro moves thousands of riders each week. During peak hours, bus traffic increases near intersections like 41st Street and Cliff Avenue, which can raise crash risk during commute times. School districts also run large fleets on set routes every school day.

If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident in Sioux Falls, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. Contact Beardsley, Jensen & Lee today for a free consultation and get clear guidance on your next steps and the compensation you may be entitled to.

Why Choose Beardsley, Jensen & Lee for Your Bus Accident Needs?

At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, we bring years of experience to personal injury claims, including those involving bus accidents. We remain committed to providing clients with individualized attention and a team-based approach for every case. Our firm sets itself apart by focusing on your circumstances and building strategies that align with your goals. We walk you through every available legal option and offer clear direction when you need it most.

Our Sioux Falls bus accident lawyers deliver a high standard of care and representation. Choosing our firm gives you the benefit of wide-ranging perspectives and legal insight, ensuring that we examine all angles of your situation. We understand local laws and the Sioux Falls community, allowing us to offer guidance that fits your needs..

Common Causes & Consequences of Bus Accidents in Sioux Falls

Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Understanding these causes helps prevent future incidents and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. 

Common causes include:

• Driver Error: Fatigue, distraction, or inexperience may lead to severe mistakes and collisions.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Lack of upkeep leads to mechanical failures on the road.
• Weather Conditions: Icy roads and low visibility during Sioux Falls winters worsen driving challenges.
• Traffic Violations: Speeding, failing to yield, and disregarding traffic laws often result in accidents.

Bus operators in Sioux Falls must adjust for rapidly changing weather, including freezing rain, snow, and black ice, which all increase stopping distances and make routes unpredictable. Transit agencies and private companies must follow regulations requiring routine safety checks, but oversight sometimes lapses. When a bus driver or company skips maintenance, the risk of breakdowns and accidents rises—especially during harsh South Dakota winters.

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident in Sioux Falls

If you are involved in a bus accident, taking the right steps safeguards your health and your rights. 

Here’s what you should do:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health comes first, so get checked for injuries, even if you feel unharmed at first.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Exchange Information: Collect the contact details of the bus driver, other involved parties, and witnesses.
• Report the Incident: File a report with local authorities to officially document the event.
• Consult a Bus Accident Attorney in Sioux Falls: Contact Beardsley, Jensen & Lee for advice tailored to your case.

Public transit and school buses in Sioux Falls often operate beyond city borders. Depending on where the accident happens, you may need to report it to different government agencies or follow unique procedures. For incidents involving city-run buses, claims typically go through Sioux Falls Area Metro or the local school district. Keeping accurate records and meeting all deadlines is crucial when potential government liability may apply.

Understanding Claims Against Public Transit & School Buses

Accidents involving Sioux Falls Area Metro or school buses bring unique challenges because government agencies often operate these vehicles. Claims involving public transit or school buses usually fall under different legal rules than private carriers. In South Dakota, pursuing compensation from government-run transit services means observing stricter notice requirements and shorter deadlines. Missing these requirements can reduce your options.

Many public buses operate under local authority, and certain legal protections may apply to city or county agencies. Our extensive experience with these particular processes helps clients avoid delays and errors, regardless of whether the injuries are minor or significant.

Local weather, dense school bus traffic during the school year, and changes in city service schedules all shape when and how these claims move forward. Drawing on over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys guide you through the process step by step, providing support and clarity for Sioux Falls transit accident situations.

How South Dakota Law Impacts Bus Accident Cases

South Dakota law affects several parts of any bus accident claim, including time limits for filing and questions about who is liable. The state follows a comparative negligence system, which can reduce compensation if more than one party contributed to the accident. Insurance companies or opposing parties may try to shift blame, which can affect the value of your case.

South Dakota law sets a standard three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, but cases involving government agencies often have much shorter deadlines and strict notice requirements. Taking action quickly is vital. In addition, city-specific procedures like those set by Sioux Falls Area Metro can affect how you file and track your claim. Our attorneys understand these various rules and advise clients based on the facts of each case and applicable laws.

Contact us today at (605) 777-7466 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward recovery. Let us stand by you and champion your rights.