Need a Los Angeles bus accident attorney?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in California, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. With the help of a skilled Los Angeles bus accident attorney, you can seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you.
Conlogue Law LLP is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today to protect your rights and get the justice you deserve.
What is a bus accident?
A bus accident refers to any collision or incident involving buses that results in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities. It can encompass various types of buses, such as public transit buses, school buses, charter buses, and commercial buses.
Are bus accidents more dangerous than other vehicular accidents?
Unlike collisions between two ordinary cars, bus accidents are significantly more dangerous and can cause more severe injuries to the individuals involved. The distinct design, build, layout, weight, and passenger capacity of buses all contribute to an increased probability of harm. This is primarily due to the following factors:
- The number of passengers standing in the aisle
- The items carried in the passenger area
- The lack of safety belts or restraints
- The heightened risk of rollovers
- The necessity for longer distances to initiate and halt.
What are the different types of bus accidents?
Greyhound and tour bus accidents
Greyhound buses and similar tour buses are involved in some of the worst crashes. These buses usually carry lots of passengers and travel long distances, which can lead to very harmful results.
Unfortunately, many of these accidents happen because the drivers are tired or not paying attention. Drivers of Greyhound and tour buses often have to drive through the night to reach their destinations. This tiredness can quickly cause serious harm to many passengers and other people on the road.
School bus accidents
Young students are at higher risk during accidents because they don’t wear seat belts on the bus. Even a minor accident can cause serious harm or even death for these children who can’t use seat belts.
Additionally, injuries can happen not just on the bus, but also when students are getting on or off. If your child gets injured while riding a school bus, the school board or another government entity might be responsible for compensating your losses.
Public Transportation Bus Accidents
Los Angeles has different public bus groups, like the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro buses, the City of Los Angeles Transportation (LADOT) Dash buses, and the Flyaway bus service.
If you’re in a public transportation bus accident in Los Angeles, it’s important to act quickly because there’s a time limit for filing damage claims. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver involved in the accident, it’s in your best interest to contact a skilled bus accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in LA
If you get hurt in a bus accident, you or your lawyer need to determine the cause of the crash. If you were driving another vehicle, you’ll need to prove that the bus driver or company is responsible to receive compensation from an insurance company.
As a passenger, you usually don’t need to prove negligence to get coverage from the bus company’s insurance. However, knowing the cause of the accident can be helpful if you’re eligible for a third-party lawsuit, such as a claim against the bus manufacturer.
The main reasons for many bus accident cases in California are often:
- Human Error: Accidents involving buses colliding with other vehicles or stationary objects can occur when bus drivers get distracted or are not careful. This can happen when they text while driving, get distracted by something else, drive while extremely tired, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drive too fast, fail to follow traffic rules, or drive recklessly.
- Negligence of the Bus Company: Bus accidents can also be caused by other forms of carelessness, such as the bus company not properly maintaining the buses or not providing adequate training for the drivers. The company responsible for operating the bus or the organization in charge of public transportation has a duty to ensure that their buses and drivers are reasonably safe. If they fail to fulfill this responsibility, it is considered negligence.
- Condition of the Road: Unsafe road conditions can contribute to bus accidents by making it difficult to control the vehicle. This can include bumpy roads with potholes, hazardous construction areas, uneven road surfaces, malfunctioning traffic lights, missing guardrails where they should be present, and debris left behind from storms.
In the event of a bus accident in California, it’s important to determine who is responsible for the financial consequences. The person or group primarily at fault for the accident should be held accountable for compensating you for your losses. To find out what legal actions you can talk, reach out to our experienced Los Angeles bus injury lawyer today.
Types of Bus Accident Injuries
A bus accident can cause serious injuries that have a significant impact on people’s lives. Whether you’re inside the bus or outside, the absence of seat belts can increase the risk of severe harm.
Passengers without seat belts can be thrown around during a collision, leading to more severe injuries. Those outside the bus, such as drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians, are particularly vulnerable to the substantial size and weight of a typical bus, which can result in the most severe injuries.
At Conlogue Law LLP, our Los Angeles bus accident lawyer is here to help you seek compensation for injuries sustained in a bus crash, such as:
- Broken bone
- Burns
- Cuts or wounds
- Harm to muscles or ligaments
- Injury to soft tissues
- Injury to the spinal cord or loss of movement
- Internal harm
- Losing a body part
- Marks or changes in appearance
- Neck strain
- Serious head injury
5 Things to Do After a Bus Accident in California
If you’ve been in a bus accident, it’s crucial to take the right steps for your well-being, safety, and your accident claim. Here is some important advice on what to do after a bus accident:
#1: Report the accident.
Call the police immediately and inform them about the accident. They will gather information and create an official report, which lawyers will use for your case. Make sure to mention that you were a passenger on the bus involved in the accident.
#2: Get medical help.
Ensure that you and your family members involved in the accident receive prompt medical care. Sometimes, the effects of the accident may not be felt immediately, but symptoms can appear later. It’s wise to seek medical help and get a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional after a bus accident.
#3: Gather witness information.
Collect details from witnesses, such as the bus driver’s name and badge number, the bus company’s name, and the bus’s license plate number. Take pictures of the location, injuries, and damages. Also, gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
#4: Take notes about the accident.
Write down important information about the accident, including the date, time of day, traffic and weather conditions, and any other relevant details. It’s best to record these details as soon as possible because your memory of the accident may fade over time.
#5: Consult a Los Angeles bus accident attorney.
Avoid speaking to bus company representatives or insurance companies. Instead, contact our experienced Los Angeles bus accidents attorney right away.
Bus accident cases involve legal complexities, and any mistakes could harm your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries. Additionally, there are time limits called statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to file your claim. Once this time runs out, legal action may not be possible.
FAQs on Bus Accident Injury Claims in Los Angeles
What do I need to do if my child is injured on a school bus?
When you send your child to school on the school bus, you trust that the bus driver will prioritize their safety. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Some bus drivers behave carelessly, like driving while distracted or recklessly, which can lead to accidents. If your child is involved in a school bus accident, here are the steps you should take:
- Stay calm and composed.
- If possible, go to the location of the accident.
- Seek immediate medical help for your child.
- Ensure your child receives a thorough examination by a doctor. Sometimes, signs of injuries may not appear right away and could show up later, even days, weeks, or months after the accident.
- Avoid signing any documents or making statements without legal guidance.
- Be cautious about who you speak to and what you say.
- Reach out to a local accident attorney as soon as you can.
Who can I sue for my bus accident injuries?
Bus accidents can be different from other types of vehicle accidents because they often involve multiple parties. Our Los Angeles bus accidents lawyer can help determine who is responsible and ensure they are held accountable. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, the parties that may be at fault include:
- Government entities at the state or local level. The city, county, or state organization could be held responsible if their workers were negligent while driving government-owned buses.
- School districts and school boards. They may be held accountable for their bus drivers’ actions if they fail to implement or enforce safety measures that could have prevented an accident.
- Private bus companies. If a company does not prioritize safety measures, adequately train their drivers, or hire qualified personnel, they may be responsible for accidents caused by their negligence.
- Bus maintenance companies. Companies responsible for bus maintenance could be held accountable if their negligence contributes to an accident.
- Bus or parts manufacturers. If a defective part caused the accident, the manufacturer of that part may be held responsible for the injuries.
- Bus drivers. Many bus accidents occur due to the negligence of the bus driver, such as driving while distracted, under the influence, or fatigued. In such cases, the bus driver themselves may be held responsible.
- Drivers of other vehicles and their employers. If the actions of another driver cause a bus accident, they may be held responsible.
- Tour operators or cruise lines. If a bus is part of a tour package organized by a tour operator or cruise line, they may be responsible in the event of an accident.
Until when can I file a bus injury claim?
In California, there’s a law called the statute of limitations (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1) that sets a two-year deadline for filing a regular car accident case. This law gives a strict time frame for filing a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to seek compensation or hold anyone accountable for a bus accident.
However, if your accident involves public transportation or a public school bus, you might have even less time to file. California has specific rules for claims against the government, according to the Tort Claims Act.
This act states that for bodily injury, damage to personal property, or death, you need to submit a claim against the government within six months of the accident. That’s why it’s very important to get in touch with our skilled bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles as quickly as possible.
How do I prove negligence in a bus accident injury claim?
Proving negligence for your bus accident injuries is similar to proving negligence in any personal injury case. To establish negligence, you generally need to show these four elements:
- Duty of care: Demonstrate that the other party had a responsibility to operate the bus safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: Provide evidence that the other party failed to fulfill their duty of care. This could include actions like speeding, reckless driving, distraction, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: Establish a direct link between the breach of duty and your injuries. Show that the negligent actions directly caused the harm you suffered.
- Damages: Prove the extent of your injuries and losses from the accident. This may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What evidence do I need to prove my injury claim?
To support your claim of negligence, you can gather and present various types of evidence, including:
- Photographs and videos: Gather visual evidence of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and relevant road conditions.
- Eyewitness Statements: Obtain statements from witnesses who saw the accident and can testify to the actions of the other party.
- Police Report: Obtain a copy of the official police report, which may contain valuable information about the cause of the accident and any issued citations.
- Medical Records: Present medical reports, treatment records, and a doctor’s testimony that establish a link between your injuries and the accident.
- Expert Opinions: Consult accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals for an unbiased assessment of the accident and your injuries.
- Surveillance Footage: If available, obtain any surveillance footage from nearby cameras that may have captured the accident.
- Driver Records: Investigate the bus driver’s history for any previous traffic violations or instances of negligent driving.
Are bus accidents in California covered under liability insurance?
Buses are a type of transportation service called common carriers, which means they are hired to transport passengers. Bus companies are responsible for covering the costs of accidents involving their buses and drivers through proper insurance.
In California, bus companies must have a certain level of liability insurance to handle accidents that cause harm to passengers and others. The insurance coverage for buses varies depending on the type of bus and its intended use.
There are two main types of liability insurance: one for injuries and another for property damage.
Since buses carry passengers, bus companies need medical coverage to pay for hospital expenses for passengers without health insurance. Optional coverage types like collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist insurance can also be useful for bus companies in the event of an accident.
If a regular vehicle driver or a third party is found responsible for a bus accident, their car insurance for liability may cover the incident instead of the bus company’s insurance. Typically, both insurance companies work together to cover the losses of injured passengers.
One or more insurance policies will cover your injuries if you were a passenger on the bus or a victim of a bus accident. Our Los Angeles California personal injury attorney can review your situation and identify all available insurance coverage options for you.
What kind of damages can I recover in my bus accident injury claim?
Bus accident victims have the right to receive compensation, legally known as damages, for their losses. Damages cover the costs and suffering experienced as a result of the accident.
Some common types of compensation in bus accident cases include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses
- Medications and necessary medical supplies
- Physical therapy sessions
- In-home care assistance
- Lost income due to injury
- Potential future income loss
- Direct expenses like medical insurance copays
- Repairing or replacing damaged property, such as vehicles
- Training or education for new employment
- Other costs or missed opportunities due to the bus accident
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship with loved ones
- Loss of emotional or financial support
- Mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Other mental health issues
- Personal losses resulting from the bus accident
In certain situations, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions are deemed to be extreme.
Can I file a claim on behalf of a family member killed in a bus accident?
After a loved one dies in a bus accident, certain family members may be eligible to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Eligible family members may include:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children of the deceased
- Grandchildren of the deceased
- Any other person entitled to the belongings of the deceased according to California’s laws on inheritance in the absence of a will
Losing someone you care about is incredibly difficult. If a loved one passes away in a bus accident, it is advisable to seek assistance from our experienced Los Angeles bus accident lawyer, who can provide support during this challenging time. Our legal team at Conlogue Law LLP will work diligently to assist you in seeking compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost earnings and income
- Loss of support from family members
Why do I need a bus accident attorney in California?
Choose our trusted Los Angeles bus accident attorney from Conlogue Law LLP, and we’ll handle everything while you focus on recovering. We can help you find nearby doctors and investigate your bus accident for any negligence. Our services include:
- Investigating the bus accident
- Gathering evidence to determine fault
- Identifying responsible parties
- Completing and submitting claim forms
- Consulting skilled experts and advisors
- Negotiating with insurance for a fair settlement
- Informing you of your rights and protecting them
- Representing you in court if necessary.
After a bus accident, your health, happiness, and well-being are our top priorities. While you rest, recover, and spend time with loved ones, we will work hard to secure fair compensation. You can have peace of mind knowing that we are here to support you after a significant bus accident in California.
Get an experienced Los Angeles bus accidents attorney on your side.
At Conlogue Law LLP, we understand the devastating impact that bus accidents can have on your life. We are committed to providing you with compassionate and dedicated legal guidance throughout the entire process. Our skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney will leave no stone unturned as we gather compelling evidence and establish negligence on your behalf.
With our in-depth knowledge of the intricate laws surrounding bus accidents in California, we have what it takes to hold the responsible parties accountable. When you choose Conlogue Law LLP, you are choosing an exceptional team that will tirelessly fight for the compensation you deserve. We will advocate for your rights, seeking fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our client-centered approach ensures that you receive the individual attention and care you need during this challenging time. Let us stand by your side, advocating for your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice and closure you seek. Our team can also assist you with vehicular accidents, pedestrian accidents, longshore claims, and maritime accidents.
Trust Conlogue Law LLP to be your steadfast legal advocate for personal injury cases in California.
