Bus Accident Attorney in California

Table of Contents

  1. Common Causes of Bus Accidents
  2. Common Injuries Sustained in a Bus Accident
  3. Benefits of Hiring a Bus Accident Attorney
  4. What to Do If You Are in a Bus Accident
  5. Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Being a victim of a bus accident in L.A. can be a very traumatic experience. Physical and psychological injury can further impair your ability to act in your best interest. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles as a priority, soon after receiving medical care.

Get in Touch

Our experienced and compassionate lawyers at RightsMatters offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal rights regarding your personal injury claim from insurance companies. Our client testimonials prove our expertise and success:

"Excellent service, Bob is always available to answer all my concerns, he called me to see how I am doing. I will recommend this law firm to all my family and friends. I had a good settlement of my case. Five stars for RightsMatters."

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2017,” from 2007 to 2017, intercity buses accounted for 13 percent, school buses for 40 percent, and transit buses for 35 percent of all buses involved in fatal crashes. Some common causes include:

  • Distracted driving, bus driver error, or speeding
  • Negligent driving, poor driver training, or fatigue
  • Bus defects and congested infrastructure
  • Poor weather conditions

Furthermore, in the preliminary report released by FMCSA, California ranked in the top 3 deadliest states for fatal bus and large truck accidents in 2019. These statistics are concerning considering FMCSA’s 2020 summary on bus and large truck crashes in California:

  • 418 fatal crashes
  • 3725 injuries
  • 7596 towaway crashes

Common Injuries Sustained in a Bus Accident

Injuries sustained because of bus accidents may require lifelong medical care for which the responsible party is liable. Common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Brain injury

Benefits of Hiring a Bus Accident Attorney

Objectivity when dealing with the justice system is key to successfully fighting for your rights as a bus accident victim. Hiring an attorney ensures objective and professional representation at all times. Other benefits include:

  • Negotiations for adequate compensation
  • A faster claims process
  • Advocacy on your behalf while you recover

Why Choose RightsMatters for Bus Accident Claims

Los Angeles is a densely populated area where many people rely on bus transportation. Charter buses, Greyhound buses, school buses, and tour buses are frequent travelers on busy highways, and some have been involved in the most horrific fatal crashes seen on the roads of California.

RightsMatters is dedicated to providing you with the legal support you deserve, including:

  • Free case review
  • Specialization in bus accident claims
  • 24/7 concierge services with direct access to an attorney
  • Determining who is responsible for the bus accident
  • Ensuring sufficient compensation is claimed on your behalf
  • Helping you earn rightful compensation for medical expenses, time off work, repair costs, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and psychological trauma

Our compassionate and professional team of bus accident lawyers protects you and your loved ones from being manipulated or intimidated by big corporations, such as insurance firms and bus companies.

What to Do If You Are in a Bus Accident in California

When injured in a bus accident in L.A., the consequences could be severe, if not fatal. The first thing to do is call 911 for medical assistance and report the accident to the relevant law enforcement officials.

Once this has been done, and the necessary medical care has been given, contact an accident attorney to assist with medical bills and serious injury claims from insurance companies or whoever may be liable for such claims.

Contact RightsMatters

Call RightsMatters as soon as possible to ensure you receive the necessary assistance from an attorney experienced in bus accident cases. Our law firm offers a free case review upon initial consultation, and we encourage our clients to contact their RightsMatters lawyer directly, any time of day, as part of our 24/7 concierge service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does comparative negligence mean? Comparative negligence means that if your own negligence contributed to the accident, your claim value will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you claim $10,000 in damages and are found to be 20% at fault, your claim will be reduced by 20%, resulting in an $8,000 recovery.

What is the best path to take when fighting for my rights in court? Your attorney's skills and experience are of paramount importance. You could choose one of three options to defend your position:

  1. The road surface was unsafe, and you claim against the county, city, or state.
  2. There was a manufacturing defect, and you claim against the vehicle manufacturer.
  3. Negligence on the part of the bus driver or company.

Who can be held liable for a bus accident in California? In the bustling city of Los Angeles, determining liability in a bus accident can be complex, involving multiple parties. The bus driver can be directly liable if found negligent, such as driving under the influence, violating traffic laws, or distracted driving. The bus company or transit authority may also be liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for their employees' actions within the scope of employment.

What damages can I recover in a bus accident case in California? Victims may recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • In some cases, punitive damages for particularly reckless conduct

Is there a time limit for filing a personal injury claim after a bus accident in California? In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the claim is against a government entity, the timeline is shortened to six months from the date of the incident.

Do I need to prove negligence to recover compensation in a bus accident case in California? Yes, proving negligence is fundamental for recovering compensation. This involves demonstrating that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, directly caused the injury, and resulted in tangible damages.

What evidence is important in a bus accident case in California? Critical evidence includes:

  • Photos and videos of the accident scene
  • Witness statements
  • Bus driver’s records
  • Medical records
  • Expert testimony
  • Maintenance records of the bus
  • Evidence of hazardous road conditions

How long does it take to resolve a bus accident case in California? The timeline varies based on factors such as case complexity, extent of injuries, and liability clarity. Simple cases may resolve in months, while complex ones can take years. Engaging an experienced attorney can help expedite the process without compromising the outcome.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the bus accident in California? Yes, under California’s comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation proportional to your degree of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of the total damages.

Should I accept a settlement offer from the bus company’s insurance company in California? It is critical to consult an attorney before accepting any settlement offer to ensure it adequately reflects your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

How can a personal injury attorney help me with my bus accident case in California? A personal injury attorney provides comprehensive support, including:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation
  • Gathering and preserving evidence
  • Ensuring procedural compliance
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Representing you in court if necessary

Hiring an experienced attorney increases your chances of a favorable outcome, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case.