Bus Accidents in California
Bus Accidents Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Every day, millions of Americans rely on buses for transportation. Buses offer the convenience of traveling without using your own vehicle. This can be a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. While there are many benefits to using public transportation, there are also risks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that about 300 bus accidents that end in death happen in the U.S. every year.
Have you or a loved one been involved in a bus accident in California? If so, you need the help of an experienced Los Angeles bus accident attorney.
At Abogado Maximo, we have years of experience handling bus accident cases in California, and we know what it takes to get our clients the compensation they deserve . We will do everything we can to look into your case and build a strong case for you.
Don’t try to go up against the bus company alone—let us fight for you. Contact us at (213) 510-7533 to schedule a free consultation to file a bus accident claim today!
Why do I need a Bus Accidents Attorney in California?
If you have been involved in a bus accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a bus accident lawyer. The answer is that it depends on the circumstances of your case.
If you are seriously injured or if there is significant property damage, then it is likely that you will need legal representation. An experienced Los Angeles bus accident attorney can help you find your way through the complicated legal system and protect your rights.
At Abogado Maximo, we have a team of experienced bus accident attorneys who are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What are Bus Accidents?
A bus accident is a type of traffic collision that occurs when a bus collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. Bus accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical problems, poor road conditions, and weather. Depending on how bad the crash is, bus accidents can cause damage to property, injuries, and even wrongful death.
Bus Accident Injuries
When it comes to travel safety, taking the bus is typically a safe option. Buses will, however, sometimes suffer accidents that may result in severe injuries and long-term ramifications.
The following are some injuries that may have been sustained if you were a passenger or driver in a bus accident:
- Broken Bones. When enough force is applied, passengers or pedestrians are likely to suffer significant bone fractures. Broken bones can cause a lot of problems, like not being able to work for a long time or having to pay a lot of money for medical care.
Lacerations/Cuts. Due to slashed bodies caused by shattered glass or other contact with sharp things in the aftermath of a severe bus accident, victims’ bodies can be covered in deep cuts or lacerations that will undoubtedly require significant medical attention. These wounds might also result in some form of long-lasting scarring. - Whiplash Injury. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly moved or accelerated, usually in a rear-end collision. The most frequently reported personal injury among bus accident passengers is whiplash. When a bus comes to a complete halt unexpectedly, it may cause neck swelling and bruising as a result of the sudden impact of the collision.
- Spinal Cord Injury. In bus accidents, medical experts are taught to look for spinal cord injuries before evaluating the victim for other possible injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can cause long-term problems like limited mobility or paralysis.
- Head Injury. Passengers may bang their heads against the seat in front of them or another blunt object after a vehicle accident. This can cause a lot of harm, like a traumatic brain injury or a loss of cognitive function.
What are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in California?
The first step in filing a claim for injuries from a bus accident is to find out what happened and who is to blame for any costs.
The most frequent causes of bus accidents are:
- Bus drivers are weary from too many hours of work
- The driver’s failure to follow the rules of the road, such as failing to stop at a red light, running a red light, or failing to yield right-of-way
- Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, rapid lane changing, failing to signal, and so on
- Distracted driving
- When you’re driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), the blood in your body is unable to carry enough oxygen, resulting in a state called drowsiness
- Improper examination and maintenance, resulting in mechanical failures
What should I do if I’ve been in a bus accident?
If you’ve been in a bus accident, you need to act fast to safeguard your legal rights and interests. Here are seven things to do if you’re a bus accident victim in Los Angeles, California:
Wait for the cops to arrive
It’s recommended that you wait for the cops to arrive before getting off an accident site if you’ve been knocked down by a bus or a fellow bus passenger. If you believe you have no injuries, it is nevertheless important to wait until any injuries can be documented. A bus accident could result in severe bodily harm or death to a bus accident victim or bus passenger.
It’s especially essential to preserve the accident scene in case the driver leaves the scene of the incident.
Fill out an accident report as soon as possible, based on your account of the event
The first thing to do is contact the police and have an accident report filled out. Make a note of what occurred in your statement so that there is a record of it.
Furthermore, even if you don’t believe they are serious, go to a medical professional and report any injuries. Third, if the police do not include your statement in the report, you may later alter it.
If you don’t know who to blame, getting compensated fairly for medical expenses or any property damage caused by the bus accident is critical.
Obtain any potential witnesses’ contact information
If you’ve been in a bus accident in California, it’s crucial to get the phone numbers of any potential witnesses immediately. This will guarantee that all essential information is recorded in the police report.
If you can’t get this information on your own, you may request assistance from a bystander. Anyone who saw what happened should also be found and their contact information should be written down.
It is critical to interview witnesses as soon as possible. Even if the victim has passed away, their testimony may be important in a wrongful death claim brought by the victim’s family and may assist a bus accident lawyer in developing a strong case.
Make a list of everything that occurs
After an accident, it’s critical to act swiftly and thoroughly in order to maximize your chances of receiving a successful personal injury claim or bus accident case. First, make a note of everything you may recall about the event, including when and where it happened, the route and weather conditions, and any other pertinent information.
Then, contact a bus accident lawyer in California to assist you with the claims procedure and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. You’ll have a far greater chance of obtaining compensation from your bus accident claim for your injuries, damage to property, and other losses if you retain legal counsel from the start. Don’t put it off any longer—contact a personal injury attorney right now.
Keep a medical journal for your injuries
You’ll need proof of your injuries if you don’t tell a doctor about them right away. This is because, if an bus crash isn’t reported and you are hurt, you won’t have any evidence of your injuries.
If you want to take legal action or file a personal injury claim against the insurance company, documentation is crucial. It’s also a good idea to preserve photographs of your injuries and assess how they impact your daily life on a regular basis.
You’ll improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve if you follow these procedures.
Collect all of the evidence and save it
If you’ve been hurt in a bus crash, you should act quickly to preserve all evidence so that your case may be built as effectively as possible. This information will be very important in helping you prove your claims and get the money you deserve.
The first step is to leave your vehicle as it was when you discovered the bus crash. This entails avoiding washing or shifting any articles at the scene.
You should also take pictures of any damaged equipment. It’s critical that you send this information only to your personal injury lawyer – not to anybody else.
Seek legal assistance from a personal injury accident lawyer immediately
If you’ve been hit by a bus, you should contact an experienced California bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you if you need to talk to your insurance company or go to court on your own.
It’s critical to contact a personal injury lawyer before you call the insurance company. Anything you say may be used against you by the insurance company. However, a letter from an attorney to the insurance company can often solve certain problems.
Don’t wait any longer. Bus accidents are hard and delicate situations that need the help of an experienced bus accident lawyer.
California’s At-fault Law
If you’ve been injured by a bus driver and are wondering if you can sue under California’s at-fault law, the answer is yes. Under California’s at-fault law, you can file a lawsuit if you were hurt by a bus driver and it was a big or terrible injury.
With medical costs increasing and insurance companies frequently hesitant to pay claims, it’s critical to understand your rights and choices if you’re involved in a bus accident. Call a bus accident lawyer immediately to learn more about your legal alternatives.
If you’ve been hurt in California by a bus driver, you may be able to pursue non-economic damages. If the bus driver cannot be identified if it was hit and run accident, you can file a claim under your own insurance policy or personal injury protection.
However, you’ll need the assistance of a bus accident lawyer to navigate the legal system or personal injury law. The attorney will investigate the collision and gather evidence in order to build your case. You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries if you win.
Who is responsible for bus accidents in California?
After identifying the at-fault party, your Los Angeles bus accident lawyer will examine the cause of the collision and the parties involved. Your Los Angeles bus accident attorney will need to make a list of all possible at-fault parties before narrowing it down based on responsibilities of care and proof of negligence. After a bus accident in LA, one or
- The government. The government will be responsible for most intercity bus accidents, including those on the LA Metro.
- A private bus company. The private firm that owns the tour bus, party bus, intercity buses, or charter bus could be held responsible if your accident happens on one.
- A school. If an accident happens on a public school bus, the government is responsible, but if it happens on a private school bus, the school itself is responsible.
- A third-party driver. If a third-party driver crashes into your bus, his or her insurance company might be held responsible for any damages.
- A vehicle manufacturer. If a faulty bus component caused your accident, the manufacturer of the item may be held responsible.
The majority of Los Angeles bus accident claims name the city as the defendant liable for causing them. The City of Los Angeles will generally assume responsibility for incidents involving its municipal buses, bus drivers, and other personnel. If you’re unsure who to blame for your accident, get advice from our lawyers.
Call our Experienced Los Angeles Bus Accidents Attorney Now!
If you have been involved in a bus accident in California, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The experienced bus accident attorneys at Abogado Maximo are here to help.
We understand the unique challenges that come with bus accidents, and we have the knowledge and resources to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free consultation. We will fight for you every step of the way.
