Did you sustain severe injuries in a bus crash? If so, a Bakersfield bus accident lawyer from our team at the Omega Law Group can help you file a legal claim for compensation. With decades of combined experience, we offer skilled support to secure the funds you deserve.
A Bakersfield personal injury lawyer on our team will handle negotiations with insurance companies for a settlement or help you file a lawsuit if necessary. We strive to recover funds for your medical care, lost wages, property damage, pain, and emotional suffering.
How Do Lawyers Bring You Compensation for a Bus Crash?
Personal injury law firms generally use two primary approaches to resolve bus accident claims and secure compensation: negotiating with insurance companies and filing a lawsuit.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: In many cases, our team focuses first on opening negotiations with the insurance company. We work to secure a fair insurance settlement that covers all your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit: If negotiations do not result in an acceptable settlement, we may help you file a personal injury lawsuit. In court, we will advocate for you, present evidence supporting your claim to the judge and jury, and push for maximum compensation to cover all your losses.
By using these two approaches, we can tailor our strategy to your case to secure the best possible outcome.
Can You Get Legal Help After a Deadly Bus Collision?
Your family can work with a Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer for help after a fatal accident. Let our family take care of your family in this situation by answering your legal questions and compassionately guiding you through California’s legal system.
We want to help your family secure a sense of closure after the loss of a loved one while holding the negligent party responsible. You can rely on us to stand by you, supporting you each step of the way.
Have you been involved
in a bus accident?
Our bus accident lawyers in Bakersfield are here to help.
(310) 526-8383
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident in Bakersfield
Being involved in a bus accident can be overwhelming and stressful, but the steps you take immediately afterward can have a major impact on your claim. Following the right actions ensures you preserve evidence, protect your rights, and position yourself to recover financial compensation from the at-fault party.
Seek Medical Attention
Prioritize your health by seeking medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and ensure proper documentation for your personal injury claim.
Document the Accident Scene
If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, other drivers, and the bus operator.
File a Police Report
Contact the police as soon as possible to report the accident. They will document key details and assess the scene. This report is crucial for your claim, as it provides an official record of the crash, including statements from all parties involved, witness accounts, and observations about road conditions or other contributing factors.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies may contact you shortly after the crash. It’s important to avoid giving statements or signing any documents without legal counsel. They often try to minimize your compensation.
Contact a Bakersfield Bus Accident Attorney Promptly
Reaching out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible allows them to begin investigating your case, gathering evidence, and dealing with liable parties. Having legal representation early can increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
The Importance of Taking Immediate Action After a Bus Accident
The aftermath of a bus crash can be overwhelming, but taking swift action is crucial. Bus accident claims are legally complex and often time-sensitive. Whether the collision involves public transit or a school bus, early steps help protect your right to compensation.
A bus accident attorney can start gathering evidence and preserving your claim before critical deadlines pass. With Bakersfield’s unique local regulations, having an attorney familiar with the area ensures you get proper support and guidance.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?
Typically, you’ll have two years from the date of your bus accident until your deadline to sue someone. After this period, California’s statute of limitations will expire, and the court can dismiss your request for compensation.
Once we begin the legal process, you can expect to wait several months for resolution through an insurance claim. Filing a lawsuit may increase the time it takes to bring you compensation for your healthcare costs, lost wages, property repairs, and other losses.
What Compensation Can You Receive After a Bus Crash?
A bus crash can cause significant financial losses, but you may be entitled to compensation based on your situation. This may cover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other losses.
- Medical expenses: A bus crash can result in severe injuries like concussions, whiplash, broken bones, and spinal damage. You may receive compensation for current and future medical care, medications, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential: Recovery often means missing work. If a crash leaves you unable to perform your job or causes permanent disability, a personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for lost wages and reduced earning potential.
- Property damage: A bus crash can result in significant damage to your vehicle or other personal property. Whether your car is totaled or requires extensive repairs, you may be entitled to funds for the cost of fixing or replacing the damaged property.
- Non-economic losses: Injuries can have emotional consequences, such as pain, distress, or a diminished quality of life. You may be eligible for funds covering non-economic damages tied to emotional pain and suffering.
Hurt in a
bus accident?
(310) 526-8383
Determining Who Pays for Your Bus Accident Losses
Determining fault in a bus crash often involves examining multiple parties. The liable party may include the bus driver, bus company, another motorist, or even government entities. Your personal injury attorney will investigate to find the negligent party responsible.
We use techniques like visiting the crash scene, obtaining police reports, and interviewing witnesses. Additionally, working with bus accident experts or reconstructing the collision helps build a solid case for fair compensation.
Bus Rules, Regulations, and Driver Liability in Bakersfield
Buses are subject to strict federal, state, and local regulations to ensure passenger safety. When drivers or companies violate these rules, they can be held liable for resulting injuries or damages.
Driver Qualifications and Responsibilities
Bus drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), maintain a clean driving record, and receive regular training. If a driver fails to follow safety protocols or acts negligently, they could be found responsible for the crash.
Bus Maintenance and Safety Standards
Bus companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent mechanical failure and other safety hazards. This includes checking brakes, tires, and essential safety equipment to ensure passenger and road user safety. If they neglect these duties, they could be liable for any resulting accidents.
Adherence to Hours of Service Rules
Federal regulations limit how long a driver can operate without breaks to prevent driver fatigue. These rules are designed to ensure drivers are alert and able to operate the bus safely. At times, they ignore these limits, which can lead to dangerous conditions.
Why Select Our Team After a Bus Crash?
Our team at the Omega Law Group brings decades of combined experience to your bus accident claim. We use our legal knowledge and understanding of the court system to help with any legal hurdles you face.
We have a reputation for successfully handling bus accident claims, recently bringing a client $5 million. Our case results provide other examples of our work and the damages recovered for our clients.
We provide a risk-free initial consultation so you can immediately contact us from an accident scene, increasing the strength of your claim. We can help you avoid common mistakes, and we level the playing field when you deal with the insurance company.
Speak to a Bus Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield
You have the opportunity to seek compensation for all your losses with a Bakersfield bus accident lawyer from our team at the Omega Law Group. With a track record of millions recovered for our clients, we understand how to approach each claim to achieve the best possible outcome.
We begin the legal process right away and stay with you until your case is resolved. Let our experience work for you—reach out today to learn how we can support you through this challenging time and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
