Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney

Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney: Get the Compensation You Deserve

Bus Accidents in the United States: A Growing Concern

Did you know that nearly 70,000 bus accidents happen every year in the United States? That’s over 180 bus accidents daily! These statistics highlight the growing concern for the safety of bus passengers and pedestrians. Bus accidents can have devastating consequences, especially considering the large number of occupants and the heavy impact during collisions. This can lead to severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, which can alter a victim’s life forever.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a bus accident, seeking guidance from an experienced bus accident attorney in Los Angeles is essential. Whether the accident involved a school bus, commercial bus, or public transportation vehicle, a skilled lawyer can help navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Negligence: This can involve distracted driving, fatigue, or even DUI.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, engine issues, or tire blowouts can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Weather-related hazards or poorly maintained roads increase the risk of accidents.
• Improper Maintenance: Buses require regular maintenance. Any negligence in this area can lead to severe incidents.

Understanding these factors is crucial in building a strong case. A knowledgeable attorney can investigate the root cause of the accident and help establish liability.

Who is Liable in a Bus Accident?

Determining liability in bus accidents is complex. Depending on the circumstances, liability can fall on multiple parties, including:

1. The Bus Driver: If driver error or negligence is the cause.
2. The Bus Company: For failing to maintain vehicles or hire qualified drivers.
3. Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect is involved.
4. Government Entities: If the bus is a public transportation vehicle.

A seasoned Los Angeles bus accident lawyer can analyze your case to identify who should be held accountable.

How an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You

Navigating a bus accident claim without legal support can be overwhelming. An experienced attorney can:

• Conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence.
• Identify liable parties and prove negligence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies for fair settlements.
• Represent you in court if necessary.

With a strong legal advocate by your side, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer fights for the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Bus Accident: Key Steps to Follow

If you are involved in a bus accident, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, always get a professional evaluation.
2. Report the Accident: Contact the police and ensure an official report is filed.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos and gather contact information from witnesses.
4. Avoid Discussing the Accident: Do not admit fault or make statements without consulting your attorney.
5. Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer: The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of securing compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents

Q: Can I sue if I was a passenger on a public bus that was in an accident?

A: Yes, if you were injured as a passenger on a public bus, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. However, cases involving public transportation can be more complicated due to government involvement. Consulting with an attorney experienced in handling bus accident claims is crucial to understand your options.

Q: How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in California?

A: In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved, you must file a claim within six months. Don’t wait—speak to an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.

Common Bus Accident Causes in Los Angeles

Bus accidents in Los Angeles are unfortunately not uncommon, often resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities. Understanding the primary causes behind these incidents can help prevent them and keep passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers safe. Below, we outline the most frequent causes of bus accidents in Los Angeles and how each factor plays a role.

What Are the Main Causes of Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents are typically caused by a range of factors, including driver errors and external conditions. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Driver Negligence
   • Driver Fatigue: Many bus drivers are required to work long hours, often without adequate rest. This can result in dangerous levels of fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making skills. According to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), driver fatigue is a factor in up to 13% of all large vehicle crashes.
   • Negligent or Careless Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone, can easily lead to serious accidents.
   • Inexperience Operating Large Vehicles: Driving a bus requires a unique set of skills. Inexperienced drivers may struggle with handling such a large vehicle, especially in high-traffic areas like downtown Los Angeles.
   • Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding or sudden lane changes, can increase the likelihood of a collision.
   • Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: DUI-related accidents often result in devastating consequences. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that a significant portion of bus accidents involve some form of substance impairment.

Can Bus Companies Be Held Responsible?

Yes, bus companies can also be held accountable for accidents, especially when their own practices contribute to unsafe conditions. Key areas of responsibility include:

Forcing Drivers to Work Long Shifts: Many companies pressure drivers to complete long shifts without adequate rest, increasing the risk of fatigue-related accidents. causing a bus accident, the local government may be able to be held liable for negligence in their road maintenance duties.

Negligence by Bus Companies

Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Buses require regular maintenance to ensure safety on the road. Failing to check brakes, tires, or engines can lead to mechanical failure.

Mechanical Failures: Defective parts or poorly maintained equipment are common causes of accidents. A 2022 report by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) indicated that mechanical issues were a leading factor in 15% of bus accidents statewide.

California Bus Accident Claims: Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options

Bus accidents in California can have devastating consequences, often impacting numerous passengers at once and involving multiple responsible parties. If you or a loved one have been affected by a bus crash, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek appropriate legal help. Victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical costs, lost wages, loss of future income capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?

In bus accident cases, multiple parties can be held responsible depending on the cause of the crash. The driver, bus company, maintenance providers, or even the manufacturer of defective parts could all be liable. Identifying the responsible parties can be complex, which is why working with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to navigate the legal landscape and build a strong case.

A successful claim can recover various types of damages, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Covering hospital bills, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages and Income Capacity: Compensating for time off work and future loss of earnings.
• Emotional and Physical Suffering: For pain, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal property lost or damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on relationships and loss of companionship.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious negligence or reckless behavior.

Why Are Bus Accident Claims Complicated?

Bus accidents are unique due to the high number of passengers and the potential involvement of several responsible entities. Public transportation accidents, like those involving metro buses, often result in multiple claims against government entities or private bus operators. This complexity can make it difficult for victims to secure the compensation they deserve without legal representation.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?

Being involved in a bus accident can be a distressing experience, and knowing the right steps to take is crucial for your safety and legal protection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the necessary actions to take following a bus accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The very first thing you should do after a bus accident is to call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. First responders, including paramedics and law enforcement, will arrive to provide medical assistance and document the accident scene. This documentation will serve as an official record of the incident, which may be critical if you decide to pursue a legal claim later on.

Q: Why is seeking medical attention so important after a bus accident?

A: Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or injury, some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, might not manifest until hours or even days later. By getting a medical evaluation right away, you ensure that all potential injuries are documented, which strengthens your claim if you pursue compensation.

2. Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

If you are able to move safely, try to document the crash scene. Use your phone to take pictures of:

• The overall scene, including the position of the vehicles involved.
• Any visible damages to the bus or other vehicles.
• Injuries to yourself or others.
• Road conditions, traffic signs, and any nearby landmarks.

In addition, make sure to collect contact information from any witnesses as well as the drivers and passengers involved. This evidence can play a key role when establishing fault and seeking compensation.

No Fee Unless We Win

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not have to pay any fees upfront unless we win compensation for you. We understand that after a bus accident, many victims have thousands of dollars in medical bills. That is why we will focus on the legal process, while you focus on healing from your injuries.

What Could I Recover in A Bus Accident?

There are several types of damages a plaintiff may recover in a bus accident claim. It also depends on the party asserting their rights, for example, the damages may change depending on whether you are an injured victim or a family member of the deceased victim. Damages include, but are not limited to:

• Past lost wages
• Future wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Medical bills
• Wrongful death
• Loss of consortium

Speak with an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney Today

A reputable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you sort out which costs you may be entitled to recover and help you throughout the process of filing a claim. Hiring an accident lawyer can also make a huge impact on the size of the settlement.

The California personal injury attorneys of Heidari Law Group have dealt with many cases involving bus crashes. If you need the help of an experienced law firm, let us build the support for your accident claim. Give us a call at 1-833-225-5454 for a free consultation.

What to do right after a car accident (PDF)

If you were recently involved in a car (auto) accident, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Heidari Law Group. Our team is ready to help.