Bus Accidents
There are many things about a bus accident in California that are similar to any motor vehicle accident, but there is a lot that is different as well. An accident involving any type of vehicle can cause life-changing injuries, however, bus accidents are a bit more complex than a lot of other types of motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 66,000 bus crashes across the country in 2017. Approximately 15,000 involved injuries and more than 50,000 reported property damage only.
In a regular car accident, deciding who is responsible for the accident and any injuries sustained is normally pretty straightforward. It usually lies with the drivers of the vehicles. However, with a bus accident, liability can extend to the company that employs the driver and depend on how well they implement and enforce safety measures. To be properly compensated for bus accident injuries or property damage, and to find important answers as to why a bus accident happened in the first place, it is necessary to dig a bit deeper. Having a good California bus accident attorney on your side can help you navigate through the aftermath of the accident that will help you gain a better sense of closure and justice, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
If You Were Involved in A Bus Accident
If you or your loved ones are in a bus accident, you need to get a clear insight to your own injuries. Whether you are a passenger, the driver of the bus, a pedestrian or cyclist in the wrong place, or are involved in some other way, there’s a good chance you are injured somehow. In some cases, you may be affected by adrenaline, and not fully realize how much you have been hurt. It is important to make note of as much detail about the accident and even take pictures if possible, but you will need to seek medical attention as soon as you can. Getting medical attention promptly will help assure that there is a clear connection between the accident and those injuries, even if you don’t feel burdened by pain immediately. It is also important to consult with an attorney to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, as well as which parties are responsible.
Most buses on the road are considered common carriers, which means they transport goods or people from place to place and are compensated for it. This can include tour buses, commercial buses, and school buses. They also include larger vehicles, like cruise ships, or small ones such as taxis. When looking at liability, the concept of reasonable care is key. Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care in order to avoid liability in an accident. In many cases, multiple parties may be held responsible for an accident, with each being charged with their portion of negligence.
Tour bus accidents often have many parties sharing responsibility, including:
- Tour Company – Tour companies employ bus drivers and are responsible for taking care to make sure that their drivers have a good, safe driving record. A history of safety violations may increase a company’s financial responsibility to an accident victim.
- Bus Company – A bus company is the owner of the vehicle and is responsible for the mechanical upkeep of the vehicle. Even the safest drivers may have difficulties staying safe if the mechanics are neglected.
- Bus Destinations – Bus destinations such as depots, diners, gas stations, and other similar places are public areas that encourage bus traffic. These places need to assure that they are safe as well. When they fail to take precautions, like proper lighting or preventing slipperiness, they can open themselves up to possible liability for a bus accident.
Finding the right lawyer after a bus accident can be difficult but here in our firm we are here to help you find a California attorney that is right for your legal situation.
