Bus crashes can be traumatizing. If you’ve been involved in one, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
The physical and emotional toll of a bus collision can be devastating, not to mention the financial hardship. During such a difficult time, the prospect of filing a legal claim can be daunting.
Since 2016, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys have recovered millions for clients like you. If you’ve been injured in a bus crash that wasn’t your fault, a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer from our team can help you file a claim and pursue fair compensation.
Benefits of Hiring a Bus Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a bus crash can be overwhelming. A skilled bus accident lawyer can do the following:
- Provide guidance: An attorney can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- Gather evidence: A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: A lawyer can handle discussions with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will fight for your rights in court.
Most importantly, a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles can provide peace of mind so you can focus on your recovery.
How Soon Should I Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer?
The road to recovery begins with taking action. If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, it’s vital to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you do so, the better equipped they will be to protect your rights and gather crucial evidence before it becomes inaccessible.
It’s also advisable to hire a lawyer promptly to avoid costly mistakes when dealing with insurance companies.
Have you been involved
in a bus accident?
Our bus accident lawyers in Los Angeles are here to help.
(310) 526-8383
How Much Does a Bus Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Charge?
Most bus accident lawyers, including those at Omega Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case.
Your fee will be a predetermined percentage of your settlement or court award. You can discuss this percentage during your consultation with your attorney.
Why Choose Omega Law Group?
The lawyers at Omega Law Group have decades of combined experience. What’s more, we’re well-versed in laws governing bus crashes. If you’ve been injured in a bus collision, we can investigate, gather evidence, and, if necessary, present a compelling case in court.
We believe in the power of personalized attention. That’s why when a client reaches out to us, we evaluate their case and develop a tailored strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for them.
When you choose Omega Law Group, you’re not just hiring attorneys—you’re gaining a team of passionate advocates. We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Bus Accident Case?
Bus accident victims may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: These include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded.
A bus accident attorney in Los Angeles can calculate the damages you’re entitled to and pursue the maximum compensation on your behalf.
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(310) 526-8383
What Is the Average Payout for a Bus Accident Claim?
Since every case is different, there is no average settlement for a bus accident claim. Settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
The value of your payout will depend on factors like whether you suffered severe injuries, the extent of the property damage, and who was liable for the bus collision.
A Los Angeles bus accident lawyer can assess your case and provide a more precise estimate.
Bus Accident Insurance Claims Process
Filing an insurance claim after a bus crash involves these steps:
- Reporting the collision to the appropriate parties
- Collecting and submitting evidence, such as medical records and accident reports
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Pursuing litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached
A skilled lawyer can help counter lowball offers and fight for a fair settlement.
What Kind of Liability Insurance Do Buses Have?
Whether operated by private companies or public entities, buses are typically required to carry substantial liability insurance. The type and amount of liability coverage can vary depending on the type of bus and who owns it.
- Public transit buses: These buses often have government-mandated insurance policies with high liability limits to cover injuries and damages to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
- School buses: These buses are generally insured by school districts with coverage designed to protect students and other affected parties.
- Private charter and tour buses: These buses are insured through private companies, with coverage amounts varying based on state and federal requirements.
Who Can Be Liable for a Bus Accident in California?
Liability in bus crashes can involve multiple parties, including:
- Bus drivers: Bus drivers can be held liable if they engage in negligent behaviors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to obey traffic laws.
- Bus companies: Companies that operate buses may be liable for failing to properly maintain their vehicles, hiring unqualified drivers, or not providing adequate training for their employees.
- Manufacturers: If a defect in the bus or one of its components contributes to the accident, the bus manufacturer or the manufacturer of the defective part may be held responsible.
- Other drivers: Other motorists who drive recklessly or negligently can be held accountable for their actions.
- Government entities: Public transit buses are often operated by government entities, which can be held liable if poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain the bus contributed to the collision.
A Los Angeles bus crash attorney can gather evidence to prove that you were not at fault for the crash that caused your injuries.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Bus Accident Case?
To prove negligence in a bus crash case, you must establish the following elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- Breach of duty: The defendant violated that duty.
- Causation: The breach caused the collision and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered losses as a result.
Evidence such as eyewitness testimony, accident reports, and expert analysis can strengthen your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Bus Accident Cases in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the incident. However, if the claim involves a government entity, you must file a claim within six months.
A lawyer can make sure you file on time.
How Long Does a Bus Accident Case Take?
Every case is different. Some bus crash cases take years to conclude, while others are resolved in just a few months. Factors that can affect the duration of a case include its complexity, the willingness of the parties to settle, and court schedules.
An attorney can examine your case and estimate how long it could take to be resolved.
Can I File a Claim on Behalf of a Family Member Who Was Killed in a Bus Accident?
Yes, you can file a wrongful death claim if you’ve lost a loved one in a bus accident. Eligible claimants typically include the deceased person’s spouse, children, and parents.
Compensation in this kind of case may cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
What Types of Vehicles Are Considered Buses?
Buses come in various forms, including:
- Public transit buses
- School buses
- Charter buses
- Tour buses
- Shuttle buses
Each type generally involves different regulations and liability considerations.
Common Types of Bus Accidents
People file claims for many different types of bus crashes, including:
- Collisions with other vehicles
- Pedestrian or cyclist accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Single-vehicle accidents
If you’ve been injured in one of these scenarios, a lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Some of the most common causes of bus collisions include:
- Driver fatigue: Bus drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion and slower reaction times.
- Distracted driving: Activities such as using a phone, eating, or engaging with passengers can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces a driver’s ability to control the bus and avoid collisions.
- Mechanical failures: Poorly maintained buses can suffer from brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make roads slippery and visibility poor.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage can contribute to bus crashes.
- Inadequate training: Drivers who lack proper training may not know how to handle complex driving situations, such as sharp turns or emergency braking.
- Other motorists: Cars that cut off buses, fail to yield, or drive aggressively can create dangerous situations.
- Alcohol or drug impairment: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to make errors that lead to collisions.
- Overloading: Carrying too many passengers or excessive cargo can affect the bus’s stability and braking capacity, increasing the risk of rollovers or collisions.
- Pedestrians or cyclists: Misjudgments when navigating areas with high pedestrian or cyclist traffic can result in crashes.
A personal injury lawyer can gather evidence to prove a bus driver’s negligence.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Some of the most common bus accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Cuts and lacerations
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a bus crash that wasn’t your fault, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Bus Accident
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your rights and start building a strong legal case:
- Call 911: Report the collision to law enforcement. The police report will serve as crucial evidence for your case.
- Document the scene: Take clear photos of the accident scene, including the bus, other vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Obtain the driver’s name, employer information, and insurance details, as well as the bus’s license plate number. If other vehicles are involved, gather their insurance and contact information as well.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to visit a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Avoid admitting fault: Refrain from making statements that could be interpreted as admissions of fault. Stick to factual observations when speaking to law enforcement or insurance adjusters.
- Contact an attorney: Reach out to a qualified bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney Today
Bus accidents can make for difficult personal injury claims. Multiple parties can be involved, and insurance companies will work hard to deny your claim. If you aren’t prepared for the road ahead, you could be stuck with steep damages and no way to pay them.
But you don’t have to fight this battle alone. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident that wasn’t your fault, an experienced Los Angeles bus accident attorney from Omega Law Group can help you file a claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to seek justice. Schedule a free consultation today to begin building a winning case.
