Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney
Bus travel is often a convenient and safe way to get from one place to another, but accidents do occur. In the City of Los Angeles, hundreds of bus accident victims end up in hospital beds and trauma centers yearly. Nobody expects to be involved in a bus crash, but those injured need assistance with their claims when they do happen, and the negligent parties must be held accountable.
When faced with a life-altering injury or death due to negligence of a city or private bus company, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney such as our team at Peck Law Corporation. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who understand the complexities of LA bus accident cases and can provide advice on seeking maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Victims should also know that they may be eligible for additional forms of recovery. A free consultation with a Los Angeles bus accident attorney can answer your questions and ensure you know your rights after a bus accident. Get in touch today.
Bus Accident Common Types
Bus accidents are a serious issue that can be complicated when looking for financial compensation. As such, it is crucial to understand the different types of bus accidents and which party may be responsible for causing or contributing to the crash. Our team of experienced bus accident lawyers at Peck Law Corporation work hard to ensure fair financial compensation is received for victims of all types of bus accidents.
When evaluating any kind of bus accident case, there are a few factors that must be considered prior to examining who is responsible and how much they may owe in damages. Firstly, we will look into the type of bus involved in the accident. If it was a public bus run by public transit authority, then liability rests on the municipality managing that particular transit system. On the other hand, if the vehicle was privately owned (such as a school or city tour), then the responsibility is likely with either an individual party or organization. Additionally, we will consider any potential obstacles that may have caused or contributed to the crash before deciding on who should be held accountable for paying damages related to these kinds of incidents.
Bus Accident Common Injuries
Bus accidents can be devastating and lead to long-term physical and mental consequences. Common injuries from bus accidents can include head (brain), neck, spine, and back injuries, broken bones, whiplash, soft tissue damage, and amputations. In addition to physical harm, victims may suffer emotional pain, financial loss due to medical bills, or a disability causing difficulty in returning to work.
A common carrier in California, such as a bus company, must exercise "utmost care and diligence" for their passengers' safe carriage. They are responsible for providing everything necessary for this purpose, including safely transporting the passenger to their destination, providing a safe space for entering and exiting the bus, protecting the passenger from harm (including other passengers), maintaining the safety of all active vehicles, and properly screening and training employees. Those injured as a result of negligence on the part of a common carrier may be able to assert their legal rights by filing an accident claim against any liable parties. This can help them receive compensation for medical bills or other expenses associated with their injury. An experienced attorney can help ensure that those injured in a bus accident secure any compensation available to them following an accident.
Bus Accidents in California Common Causes
In California, where traffic is extra congested, and roads are often winding and narrow, knowing what may have caused the crash can be crucial in holding negligent parties responsible for their actions. It's important to know that some of the leading causes of bus accidents occur due to driver negligence or lack of focus behind the wheel.
The most common causes of bus crashes include driver fatigue from working too many hours or too little rest when operating larger vehicles, errors made by the driver such as running red lights and failing to yield right-of-way, aggressive driving maneuvers such as speeding, lane changing without signaling, and other reckless behavior. Additionally, distracted driving is a growing problem on California's highways; this includes anything from texting while driving to taking phone calls during operation. All these factors combined create an atmosphere that can lead to severe injuries for anyone involved in a bus accident. To ensure your safety on public transportation buses, it is important to take part in prevention steps such as wearing seatbelts at all times and being alert of any aggressive drivers around you on the road.
Who Can Sue After a Bus Accident?
After a bus crash, it can be difficult to identify who should be held liable for the damages. One thing is for certain, though: if you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, seeking legal counsel is the best way to get the justice and compensation you deserve. The parties responsible for a bus crash may be any of the following:
The bus company that employed the driver.
Any other motorist involved in the accident.
Even the driver themselves.
In proving negligence in these cases, courts may look to see if the bus company was adhering to their duty of care by hiring responsible drivers and using properly maintained vehicles. If it can be determined that this accountability was not met, then those affected could pursue litigation against either or both parties: the bus company and/or its driver. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have experience constructing persuasive cases on behalf of their clients and understanding which liability falls upon whom in every unique case. At Peck Law Corporation, we understand what needs to go into filing a lawsuit after sustaining an injury from a bus crash— and our lawyers seek maximum financial reimbursement while representing your best interests in court procurement proceedings.
Liability Insurance Applies
Bus operators in California must have liability insurance to protect their passengers, as mandated by state law. This coverage helps pay for medical bills and other damages that victims of an accident suffer when a bus is at fault. Depending on the size of the bus, different minimum amounts of insurance are required to be in place. A small seven-seater only needs a $750,000 policy, while larger sixteen-seaters need to carry a $5,000,000 policy. It is also important for operators to make sure that their policies meet the legal requirements for driving within city or county limits, as it may vary from one locality to another.
Overall, having liability insurance for buses is important and necessary to help pay for any financial obligations resulting from an accident where the bus operator is responsible. It not only protects the victims but also gives both private and commercial bus drivers peace of mind that they will not be liable financially should an incident occur. An adequate level of liability insurance helps ensure that all parties can focus on resolving the situation instead of worrying about how damages will be paid for once it's all said and done.
Bus Accident Stats
The statistics regarding bus accidents in the United States are quite alarming. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were a total of 232 fatal bus accidents in 2019. This is a decrease from the 238 fatal bus accidents recorded in 2018. When broken down, it can be seen that intercity buses accounted for 12%, school buses 39%, and transit buses 34% of all fatal bus accidents. These figures mean that 15 intercity buses were involved in deadly traffic accidents while 35 people perished aboard the buses alone, with a total death count of 258 across all crashes related to buses in 2019.
Improving Safety Standards
The high death tolls associated with bus crashes indicate that more needs to be done to improve safety standards for drivers and passengers alike. Simply reducing the number of fatalities is not enough; steps need to be taken so as to ensure these numbers continue on a downward trajectory from here on out as well. Upgrading traffic infrastructure, requiring stricter training for drivers, improving vehicle maintenance practices, and introducing useful safety features into motor vehicles are all actions that could potentially reduce the rate of fatalities due to bus-related incidents across the United States.
Peck Law Corporation, a Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney
Bus accidents can be devastating and have life-long repercussions, which is why it is essential to seek out the aid of a knowledgeable Los Angeles bus accident attorney in such cases. At Peck Law Corporation, we understand the complex nature of these legal proceedings and have made it our mission to provide clients with a committed approach toward gaining the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
For each client, our professional team carefully reviews every aspect of your case surrounding negligent behavior by the bus owner and operator. Our attorneys strive to build an accurate story that properly paints a picture for understanding who was responsible for the damage done. Afterward, we will work diligently to hold them accountable and secure financial restitution for those involved who were wrongfully harmed.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
We are here to represent our clients' voices where they cannot themselves, standing up for them in any court proceedings or eventualities. Our relentless effort is focused on obtaining the best possible outcome based on the facts of each case.
At our firm, we want our clients to feel confident that their interests are always held as top priority when working with us. Our attorneys provide swift and sympathetic service yet remain in control of a case through every step of the process. We use a variety of resources to build an effective and persuasive argument for our client's cause before beginning negotiations, possibly leading to a lawsuit if needed - though not necessarily at all times.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and rights – as your trusted legal representatives; it is our pleasure and privilege to help you pursue justice without worry over your financial security.
