San Diego Bus Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our San Diego Bus Accident Lawyers Offer Legal Guidance When The Unexpected Happens
Our San Diego bus accident lawyers are dedicated advocates for victims who suffer injuries in these devastating incidents. Every day, countless people depend on buses for transportation, whether for commuting, running errands, or traveling to school or work. Strict safety regulations are in place to prevent crashes and protect road users, yet bus accidents still occur.
Often, these accidents lead to severe injuries due to the lack of seatbelt use in many buses, particularly in public transit and older models. These crashes don’t just impact those on board; pedestrians, other motorists, and road users are also at risk when a bus accident happens.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a bus accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. At Arash Law, we offer legal guidance so you can pursue the compensation you may be eligible for. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Our San Diego Bus Accident Lawyers Help With Your Claim
We don’t just handle bus accident cases; we help you explore the avenues for compensation available to you. As a full-service personal injury law firm in California, we’ve handled various types of personal injury cases.
Here’s how our San Diego bus accident lawyers can help:
- Client-Focused Approach — We handle every case with a client-focused approach. We provide skilled legal guidance and support for our clients throughout California.
- Free Initial Consultations — Your initial consultation is on us. We evaluate your claim, walk you through your rights, and help you explore your legal options.
- No Win, No Fee Policy — Our success is tied to yours. That’s why you don’t pay attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you. Some case expenses may still apply regardless of the outcome, but this arrangement allows you to access legal representation without paying upfront costs. Our attorneys will explain the details of the fee arrangement before we begin representation.
We also offer comprehensive representation. From conducting a detailed investigation and gathering crucial evidence to handling negotiations, we manage the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your well-being.
We understand that you need more than just legal support. That’s why we offer complimentary transportation and can arrange meetings at your location if necessary. Additionally, we connect you with local medical professionals to treat and document your injuries. Whether you were a bus passenger, driver, or pedestrian involved in an accident, our San Diego bus accident lawyers are here to help.
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
What Our Bus Accident Lawyers Can Do For You
Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries that require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. In some cases, victims may face permanent disabilities that prevent them from working for months or even years. Unfortunately, some claims are deferred or even denied.
Here’s how our San Diego bus accident lawyers can help with your case:
- We examine the accident site, gather information from eyewitnesses, and review police records to build a comprehensive case.
- To establish fault, we collect and preserve essential evidence such as driver logs, bus maintenance records, and other relevant reports.
- Our lawyers can help identify parties that might be responsible. This way, we can seek damages from the right people or organizations and pursue accountability for their role in the accident.
- We prepare and file your legal documents, ensuring all deadlines are met, particularly when dealing with government bodies, which often have shorter deadlines for claims.
- Our attorneys collaborate with doctors, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists. Their expert opinions help clarify the details of the bus accident and the extent of your injuries.
- We manage all communications with insurance companies. Our goal is to pursue a settlement that may cover your documented losses.
- If negotiations fail or further legal action is necessary to seek just compensation, we are fully prepared to represent you in court. Our San Diego accident lawyers develop legal strategies in preparation for litigation.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can occur for various reasons, and understanding these causes is crucial in determining liability. Here are some of the most common factors that may play a role in a bus accident:
- Distracted Driving — Distractions like phone use or interactions with passengers can affect a driver’s focus on the road. Distracted drivers may miss critical signs, signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
- Impaired Driving — If a driver is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication, their ability to make sound decisions is compromised, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Reckless Driving — Speeding, tailgating, failing to signal lane changes, and running red lights can all lead to accidents. These reckless behaviors reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of collisions, especially in high-traffic areas like San Diego.
- Fatigued Driving — Fatigued driving is a serious risk, as tired drivers experience slower reaction times and impaired judgment. While fatigue can affect any driver, commercial drivers, such as bus operators, are particularly vulnerable.
- Inadequate Driver Training — Operating buses requires specialized skills. Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may struggle with braking distances, blind spots, and maneuvering tight turns.
- Poor Road Conditions — Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage, can increase the risk of accidents, particularly for large vehicles like buses. These factors can lead to loss of control and collisions.
- Substandard Bus Maintenance — Failing to perform key tasks like brake checks, tire inspections, or engine repairs can cause equipment problems. This neglect can threaten safety and raise the chances of an accident happening.
Our San Diego bus accident attorneys can investigate your case to determine liability. Contact us for a free case review.
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Potential Liable Parties In A Bus Accident
Determining the cause of the accident is key to identifying who should be liable. Liability may fall on the following:
- Bus Driver — Bus drivers must adhere to higher safety standards. If their negligence, such as distracted driving or failing to follow traffic laws, causes a crash, they can be held liable.
- Third-Party Driver — Other motorists can cause bus accidents through negligent or reckless behavior, such as speeding or failing to yield. In such cases, they may be responsible for damages.
- Bus Company — The bus operator must ensure its fleet is safely operated and properly maintained. If it fails in driver training or routine maintenance, it may be legally responsible for an accident.
- Manufacturer — A defective part can cause serious accidents. In these cases, the victim can pursue a product liability claim against the company that designed or produced the faulty components.
- Bus Repair Service Provider — The maintenance company or individuals responsible for the bus’s upkeep may be liable if insufficient repairs or maintenance contributed to the collision.
- Government Entities — Poor road conditions, such as potholes or unclear signage, may make the local government liable for maintenance failures. If a public transit bus is involved, the agency operating the fleet could be responsible for inadequate driver training, safety regulation enforcement, or bus maintenance.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists — Careless pedestrian or cyclist actions like jaywalking and ignoring traffic signals can contribute to bus accidents. If their negligence plays a role in a collision, they may share liability.
- Motorcyclists — Reckless motorcyclists weaving through traffic can also contribute to bus crashes. If their actions lead to an accident, they may be held responsible.
Many victims look for free accident lawyer advice after a bus accident to understand their options and what steps to take next. Our San Diego bus accident attorneys can review the available evidence and explain who may be responsible for your damages. You may call us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your situation.
How Our Lawyers Establish Liability In Bus Accidents
To establish grounds for a bus accident claim, you must demonstrate that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This means showing they failed to act with due care, causing harm to another. Our San Diego bus accident attorneys will help establish the four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The at-fault party had a duty to exercise due care to prevent harm to you. This duty applies to all drivers on the road. However, commercial drivers, such as bus drivers, are expected to meet a higher standard because they bear significant responsibility for maintaining the safety of their passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
- Breach of Duty — The at-fault party violated their duty of care by acting recklessly or negligently. In a bus accident, common breaches include:
- A bus driver speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence.
- A bus company failing to conduct proper background checks or neglecting to provide adequate driver training.
- Improper vehicle maintenance leading to mechanical failures that cause an accident.
- Other motorists engaging in reckless driving, such as cutting off a bus, failing to yield, or driving aggressively.
- Causation — As a result of this breach, the at-fault party directly caused or significantly contributed to the accident and the injuries you sustained. Evidence to prove causation includes:
- Surveillance or dashcam footage.
- Eyewitness testimonies.
- Police reports.
- Accident reconstruction reports.
- Damages — You sustained losses due to the bus accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
If you are not sure whether you have a valid bus accident claim, fill out our “Do I Have A Case” form. We’ll assess your situation and walk you through your legal options.
Compensation Available For Bus Accident Victims
Our San Diego bus accident lawyers can assist you in seeking financial recovery for the losses you incurred due to the incident. A personal injury claim refers to these losses as “damages.”
Here are some of the damages you may be able to pursue:
- Current and Future Medical Expenses — You can seek compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management to support your recovery.
- Lost Wages — You can seek payment for wages lost due to your injuries, whether from missed time at work or ongoing absences. Even temporary injuries, such as fractures or concussions, can impact your ability to work for weeks, leading to financial strain.
- Loss of Earning Capacity — Severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage, can lead to permanent disability or impair your ability to work in the future. You can pursue compensation for lost future earnings and diminished earning capacity. Our San Diego personal injury attorneys can calculate these for you.
- Property Damage — If a bus accident damaged your vehicle or personal belongings, you may seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and Suffering — Chronic pain from conditions like herniated discs or traumatic brain injuries can affect your quality of life. Though difficult to quantify, compensation may be available for both the physical and emotional pain resulting from the accident.
What To Do After A Bus Accident
If you happen to be in a bus accident, immediately check yourself for injuries. If you can, call 911 and ask for emergency assistance. You must inform the operator about the nature of the accident so that they can send appropriate personnel. In case of bus accidents with multiple injured victims, additional medical assistance may be necessary.
These are general recommendations only, not legal advice, but they may help you protect your rights and support a potential claim:
- Document the Scene — If you’re able, capture photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and the surrounding area.
- Coordinate With Authorities — When the police arrive, cooperate fully and answer their questions honestly. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating. The police report will play a key role in your case.
- Collect Contact Information — Gather contact information, including insurance details and policy numbers, from all drivers involved in the incident. Get the bus company or driver’s employer’s name, phone number, and address, along with witness contact information.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention — Even if emergency personnel evaluate you at the scene, it’s important to visit the hospital for a thorough examination. Timely medical attention will help prevent complications, and your medical records will be vital for your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company — Reporting the accident to your insurance provider can help you get access to your benefits in case there are delays with your claim.
- Consult San Diego Bus Accident Lawyers — The attorneys at our San Diego injury law firm can gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and guide you through the legal process. Our lawyers can help you pursue a settlement that considers the extent of your losses.
Settlement in motor vehicle collision at less than 10 mph – case dropped by prominent local law firm; client suffered spinal and shoulder injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Deadline For Filing A Bus Accident Case In California
Injured victims are subject to a specific time frame, known as the “statute of limitations,” within which they must file a lawsuit. In California, this time limit is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing your right to take legal action. However, various circumstances may change this time frame.
For instance, if the victim discovers their injuries at a later date, then the basis of the deadline would be the date of discovery. If the victim is a minor, then the statute of limitations will start once they turn 18. However, their parents or legal guardians may file a case on their behalf even if they are not 18 yet.
Personal injury law and the statute of limitations are tricky. You might overlook important details when you file your case on your own. Get in touch with our experienced San Diego bus accident attorneys to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Bus Accident Statistics
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict safety regulations for buses, just as it does for the trucking industry. These regulations are crucial because buses are large, heavy vehicles that transport passengers, increasing the potential for severe accidents. However, even with numerous safety regulations in place, bus accidents still happen.
According to a report from the FMCSA, between 2010 and 2021, approximately 11% of fatal bus-related crashes in the U.S. involved intercity buses. In comparison, transit buses accounted for 36% of these incidents, while school buses were involved in 37% of the crashes. The agency also emphasized that from 2020 to 2021, the number of buses involved in fatal collisions increased from 164 to 204.
While the data only focuses on fatalities, it is important to realize that injuries in these incidents are also fairly common. Even low-speed impacts can cause injuries. If you are in this type of incident, our San Diego bus accident lawyers can assist you with seeking the compensation that may be available in your case.
Questions People Frequently Ask Our San Diego Bus Accident Lawyers (FAQs)
Our San Diego bus accident lawyers understand that victims may be confused about the legal process of filing a claim or a lawsuit. Below, we address common questions that may arise after a bus accident. If you have any specific inquiries about your case, you can reach us directly at (888) 488-1391.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A San Diego Bus Accident Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a San Diego bus accident lawyer depends on the law firm’s fee structure. Some attorneys work on an hourly rate, while others may charge a flat fee or use a contingency arrangement. Several factors may also affect the overall cost, including:
- The complexity of the case.
- The amount of evidence that needs to be reviewed.
- Whether expert witnesses are required.
- The time involved in negotiations.
- Whether the case proceeds to litigation.
- The law firm’s experience and billing policies.
Most bus accident lawyers, including our San Diego attorneys, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are collected only if compensation is recovered in your case. This gives injured victims access to legal representation without paying upfront fees.
Some case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome, and these can be discussed during your initial consultation so you know what to expect.
What Is My San Diego Bus Accident Case Worth?
The value of a bus accident claim depends on several factors, and determining an exact amount requires a detailed evaluation of your case. Our San Diego bus accident attorneys can assess the key factors that impact your claim, including:
- The nature and extent of your injuries.
- The potential for long-term or permanent disability.
- The total cost of your medical treatment and lost wages.
- Ongoing or future medical care requirements.
- The impact your injuries have had on your quality of life.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For My Bus Accident Claim?
While it is possible to file a bus accident claim without legal representation, hiring experienced personal injury lawyers can help facilitate a smoother claims process. Our skilled San Diego bus accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. We can gather important evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and work to pursue a favorable outcome. We can also determine which damages you may seek and file the necessary claims for you.
Contact Our San Diego Bus Accident Lawyers
Bus accidents may lead to catastrophic injuries. Our San Diego bus accident lawyers can assist you in seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our team here at Arash Law handles personal injury cases for clients throughout California. We can represent you if you are a victim of a bus accident, whether you are a bus driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorist, or any other road user involved.
Our car accident lawyers also handle a wide range of related injury cases, including but not limited to Lyft or Uber accidents, truck crashes, pedestrian incidents, motorcycle collisions, hit-and-runs, DUI crashes, and bike accidents. Our lawyers also handle wildfires, slip-and-falls, construction accidents, dog bite claims, and wrongful deaths.
We extend our legal services to all of California, including Del Mar, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Santee, Poway, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, and Bonita.
