Bus Accidents And Personal Injury Laws In California
Although buses are considered among the safest vehicles on the road, this does not mean they are without risk of accidents. And when a bus accident does occur, it may be highly dangerous to everyone on board. As a result, passengers and drivers are regularly wounded.
Accidents involving buses often occur in Newport Beach and throughout California.
What Is So Dangerous About Bus Crashes?
The simple answer is: they're huge.
Bus accidents are a rare occurrence, but when they do happen, they may be devastating. The fatal character of these events can be attributed to a variety of factors.
To begin with, consider the sheer size of a normal bus. School buses, municipal buses, charter buses, tour buses, and other similar vehicles are large when compared to regular passenger cars. They're also rather heavy, unfortunately. They also have a history of causing major damage to other vehicles as well as serious injuries to its occupants.
Furthermore, they're often top-heavy. They're designed this way to give tourists more space and comfort. However, that design choice also increases the chances of buses colliding and rolling over. If you are in another vehicle that is involved in a rollover collision with a bus, you may get serious injuries.
What Should You Do After A Bus Crash?
Being involved in an accident has unfavorable consequences.
When you're injured, you'll have to pay medical costs and rehab expenditures to get back on your feet. Not to mention that some injuries may force you to miss work for a period of time, resulting in a loss of income and other emotional implications.
Because so many buses are owned and operated by government entities like counties and cities, obtaining damages for bus accident injuries can be difficult, needing the help of a Newport Beach Bus Accident Lawyer.
For one thing, the window for filing a case against a government agency is extremely limited. If you do not act quickly, you may lose your chance to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
Government agencies, on the other hand, have access to tremendous resources. Taking them on without the help of knowledgeable legal counsel is a recipe for disaster.
After a bus accident, the first important thing is to make sure you are safe. Seek medical advice as soon as you're able to. After you've stabilized and are no longer in danger, hire an experienced Newport Beach Personal Injury Lawyer.
It's best to get started on your case as soon as possible. Whether the bus was owned by the government, a school, or a private company, insurance companies are likely to pressure you into accepting a low-ball offer.
What a Good Newport Beach Personal Injury Attorney in California Can Do For You
The majority of personal injury claims do not get to trial. It is usually settled between the victim and the at-fault party, as well as their insurance providers and lawyers.
However, keep in mind that insurance companies are, first and foremost, businesses. As a result, it's in their best interests to give you the smallest possible settlement, even if that means pressuring you or downplaying the severity of your injuries. You won't be subject to these techniques if you hire a Newport Beach Personal Injury Lawyer.
Who Do You Hold Liable For Bus Collisions?
The passenger is not at fault, even in the worst-case scenarios. Under California law, buses are classed as "common carriers," and as such, they owe a duty of care to the people they transport.
This means that the bus operator is liable for any personal harm or property damage caused by the bus driver's negligence or poor maintenance.
Individuals or groups responsible for the accident may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. In a personal injury case, the liable parties are referred to as "defendants" by the injured party.
Remember: Bus drivers aren't the only possible defendants in the case. It could be bus owners, managers, franchise operators, bus manufacturers, etc.
Many defendants may share blame for the accident in some situations. If the plaintiff is partially to blame for the accident, they will be compensated under California's "comparative culpability" statute. Damages, on the other hand, are restricted by the plaintiff's share of fault.
The plaintiff in most bus accident personal injury claims will seek damages by proving that the defendant's carelessness was the cause of the accident.
That said, consult your prescreened Newport Beach Personal Injury Lawyer to help you figure out and organize your claim.
When Do You Have To File A Personal Injury Claim?
The statute of limitations in most personal injury cases is two years. As a result, the statute of limitations refers to the period by which a plaintiff must file a lawsuit.
If a case is not filed within the statute of limitations, the plaintiff will be unable to recover damages.
Find A California Personal Injury Attorney in Newport Beach
Don't worry about lawyer fees!
Gency.org can help clients find a fitting Contingency Lawyer for Personal Injury Cases in California.
No win, no fees!
Start by completing our submission form for a free case review.