Were you hurt in a bus accident? At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we know that collisions of this kind can be devastating. Many times, they result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship.
As bleak as your current circumstances might seem, you are not alone. If you or someone you love has been involved in a bus accident, a Santa Rosa personal injury lawyer from our firm is here to help.
We have decades of combined experience, and in that time, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation. With us as your Santa Rosa bus accident lawyer, we’ll work to hold the at-fault parties accountable and aim to secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can have devastating consequences. In fact, they often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. While buses are generally considered a safe mode of transportation, accidents still occur for various reasons.
Understanding the common causes of bus accidents can help victims and their families determine liability and seek compensation for their losses. In many cases, negligence—whether on part of the bus driver, another motorist, or a third party—plays a major role in these crashes.
Several factors can contribute to bus accidents:
- Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, or operating a vehicle under the influence are all behaviors that can result in a collision. Drivers who are driving a car without enough sleep can also cause collisions due to their fatigue.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Worn-out brakes, faulty tires, or engine issues can lead to accidents because drivers won’t have adequate control over their vehicles.
- Reckless driving by other vehicles: Cars or trucks failing to give way to buses or cutting them off can cause a collision.
- Weather conditions: Rain or fog—both of which are common in Northern California—can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
- Defective bus parts: Manufacturer-related defects in brakes, steering wheels, or other critical components can result in a collision.
- Inadequate training: Bus operators who are poorly trained or lack experience may make critical errors on the road.
If you or someone you know sustained injuries in a bus crash, our Santa Rosa bus accident law firm is here to help. Reach out to us to learn how we can work toward the compensation you are entitled to and the results you deserve.
Liability in Santa Rosa Bus Accidents
Determining liability in a bus accident can be tricky, especially in cases that involve multiple parties. Your lawyer will carefully investigate the circumstances to identify the responsible party or parties.
Your attorney might find any of these parties responsible for the crash:
- Bus driver: If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they could be held liable.
- Bus company: Companies are often responsible for ensuring drivers are properly trained and vehicles are maintained, so failure to do so might result in their sharing liability for the collision.
- Vehicle manufacturer: If defective parts or mechanical failures contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Government entities: When public transit buses are involved, liability may extend to the city or county. Claims against government agencies have specific requirements and shorter deadlines.
- Third-party drivers: Other drivers who acted negligently might have caused the collision.
Damages Recoverable After a Bus Accident
Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation. A Santa Rosa bus accident attorney can help you calculate the full extent of your damages.
Here are the three types of damages you can recover:
Economic Damages
Truck accidents often coincide with financial burdens, making it essential to seek compensation for the expenses you’ve incurred. Economic damages cover tangible losses directly related to the accident:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Property damage, such as repairs to your vehicle
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses from a truck accident are financial—many victims suffer emotional and psychological hardships as well. Non-economic damages account for the pain and suffering caused by the accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the negligence behind a bus accident is so extreme that additional damages may be awarded as a form of punishment. Punitive damages are designed to hold the responsible party accountable and prevent similar reckless behavior in the future.
Reach Out to Our Santa Rosa Bus Accident Lawyer for Legal Advice
Bus accidents in Santa Rosa can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. From physical injuries to emotional and financial burdens, the aftermath of a bus accident is often overwhelming. However, you don’t have to face it alone.
With a bus accident attorney in Santa Rosa by your side, you can rest assured that a legal professional is advocating for your rights every step of the way. With Omega Law Group, you can trust us to work for the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Don’t wait to seek legal help—contact us today. We can tell you more about our attorneys and how we can help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.