If you or a loved one have been involved in a bus accident in California and have sustained injuries as a result, turn to the experienced personal injury professionals at MI ABOGADO®. We can help you hold all parties at fault accountable for their actions and will fight tirelessly to seek justice and maximize your settlement. You deserve to see results for your losses.
For many California residents, riding a bus is a daily part of life. Given California’s notoriously bad traffic, the expenses of parking and maintaining a personal vehicle, and the environmental impact of driving a car each day, many Californians have turned to the California bus system as a convenient and cost-effective way to get around. We trust our children to get to and from school daily on school buses, and many people turn to companies such as Greyhound, Flixbus, BoltBus, Megabus, and more for longer journeys, especially because they tend to be more cost-effective than driving alone, taking a train, and flying. Beyond that, there are many buses on California roads every day, including tour buses, chartered buses, casino buses, and party buses.
Bus accidents are rare, but when they do happen, the impact can be devastating. Litigating bus accident cases can be an incredibly complex process, so it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side, helping you navigate the process. Bus accident victims often face extensive losses, and their journey for recovery can be an uphill battle, with many parties involved, including government entities, school districts, and private companies, on top of already unforgiving insurance policies. However, an experienced personal injury attorney can build a strong case and help you seek justice for your losses.
Common Injuries Resulting from Bus Accidents in California
While few and far between, bus accidents, when they do happen, can have a devastating impact on those involved. They can change the lives of everyone involved in an instant. This is due to the size and weight of the bus itself, its tendency to roll over following collisions, and the fact that most buses don’t offer restraints to passengers. As such, the injuries resulting can be grave, with lifelong complications, and sometimes even result in fatalities.
The injuries that most commonly occur after bus accidents include:
- Lacerations and cuts
- Broken bones
- Whiplash injuries
- Internal injuries
- Tissue damage
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, sometimes resulting in paralysis
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs or extremities
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disabilities and impairments
California Buses Are Held to Higher Standards
Buses, as commercial vehicles, are subject to many regulations set forth by California law and by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Because they are “common carriers,” as they transport passengers for hire, buses are held to higher standards of care than other drivers. While an average driver must use “reasonable care” when driving on California roads, bus drivers must use “the utmost care and diligence,” with a “reasonable degree of skill”.
Bus companies are responsible for providing licensing and training requirements to all bus drivers, restrictions on hours worked to prevent fatigue, strict limits on blood alcohol levels, and random drug testing. They must also regularly inspect and properly maintain their buses.
The Importance of Legal Advocacy in Holding Bus Operators Accountable
Under California law, those “common carriers” must safely transport passengers, have a safe place to enter and exit the bus, protect the passengers from harm, maintain vehicle safety standards, and must screen and properly train all employees. Per the California Department of Transportation (DOT), all buses must also have a certain amount of liability insurance which increases depending on the number of passengers they can transport.
Unfortunately, even with these higher standards in place, many bus operators fail to meet these requirements, putting their passengers, and everyone else on the road, at risk. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you hold bus drivers and bus companies accountable for failing to meet these standards and fight for you to seek just compensation for your losses.
Statute of Limitations for California Bus Accident Claims
In the aftermath of a tragedy such as involvement in a bus accident, filing a legal claim may be one of the last things on your mind. However, there is a statute of limitations for bus accident claims in the state of California, so it’s imperative you act fast, as there is a ticking clock that began the day the accident took place.
Personal injury and wrongful death claims both must be filed within 2 years of the accident, and property damage claims must be filed within 3 years. However, if the bus involved in the accident was operated by a local government agency, you only have six months to file a claim before the statute of limitations prevents legal action.
How Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm MI ABOGADO® Can Help You with Your Bus Accident Claim
The experienced personal injury team at MI ABOGADO® has significant experience handling personal injury claims, with over a quarter of a million clients served and a 96% success rate. We understand that after a bus accident, litigation and handling legal affairs is probably the last thing on your mind. You and your loved ones already have a lot on your plate. Recovering and taking care of a loved one following a devastating injury is the first priority and a full-time job.
That’s why, at MI ABOGADO®, it is our mission to take care of everything else. When you’re a client of MI ABOGADO®, you can expect responsive, timely, and relentless advocacy, without a single detail or deadline slipping through the cracks. Let us take the pressure off your shoulders, so you can dedicate your valuable time and energy to what really matters: your health, your family, and getting your life back on track. While you focus on yourself, we’ll fight relentlessly to get you the maximum settlement possible.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Our team understands that no amount of money can undo the hardship you’ve endured following a devastating bus accident. However, you deserve to see results for your losses, and holding those at fault accountable can help keep the whole community safer. By pursuing a case publicly, you can help hold bus operators to those vital safety standards.
Lead Attorney Javaheri and the team at MI ABOGADO® know that after a devastating bus accident, paying for legal fees would be an unreasonable burden. With extensive medical bills and lost wages, we promise not to take a single penny out of your pocket upfront. We don’t get paid for our services unless we collect for you, it’s as simple as that. We offer free, confidential, and no-obligation consultations, as well as free second opinions. Contact us now, and let us get started fighting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of a bus accident?
Bus accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
- Driver error or negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence can lead to bus accidents.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Inadequate maintenance can result in malfunctioning brakes, steering systems, or other crucial components.
- Faulty equipment: Manufacturing defects or design flaws in the bus or its parts can contribute to accidents.
- Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, debris, or hazardous weather conditions can increase the risk of bus accidents.
- Other drivers: Accidents can also be caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road.
What should I do after a bus accident?
Following a bus accident, take the following steps:
- Ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a secure location, if possible.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance for any injuries.
- Document the scene by taking photographs and gathering contact information from witnesses, other passengers, and the bus driver.
- Seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor.
- Contact a bus accident attorney to discuss your legal options and potential compensation.
Who can I sue for a bus accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to sue multiple parties, including:
- The bus driver
- The bus company or transit agency
- Other drivers involved in the accident
- Bus or component manufacturers (in case of faulty equipment)
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance or traffic control
How can a Los Angeles bus accident attorney help me?
A Los Angeles bus accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance in your case by:
- Evaluating your claim and determining the potential value of your case
- Identifying the responsible parties and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
- Representing you in court, if necessary, to advocate for the compensation you deserve
At MI ABOGADO®, our experienced team is ready to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
