In Southern California, thousands of people rely on public transportation, including the area’s different buses and bus lines. While bus accidents are relatively rare, they can and do still occur—often with devastating results.
The Los Angeles bus accident attorneys at Saeedian Law Group can help you understand your legal rights, including your right to a fair recovery. The personal injury attorneys at Saeedian Law Group have a proven track record of recovering compensation for victims of bus accidents. Contact Saeedian Law Group to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
The personal injury attorneys at Saeedian Law Group represented accident victims who’ve been injured by a DASH bus, Metro/Metro Rapid bus, Big Blue Bus, Greyhound or Amtrak bus, Flyaway bus, or any other national, local, or municipal bus. Many different types of negligence can result in bus accidents. Unfortunately, most bus accidents are caused by negligence and could have been prevented. The bus driver or another third party may have been distracted and swerved into another lane, causing an accident. Other common causes of bus accidents include the following:
- Mechanical issues
- Speeding
- Intoxicated driving
- Texting while driving
- Eating while driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Hazardous road conditions
- Mechanical errors
- An inexperienced bus-driving
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident in Southern California?
Auto accidents involving commercial/municipal vehicles, such as truck accidents and bus accidents, tend to be more complex than typical car accidents. Commercial vehicles, including buses, are much larger than passenger vehicles. When they collide with smaller vehicles, there is a greater likelihood that victims’ injuries will be more severe. Additionally, when victims are injured in bus accidents, there may be several potentially liable parties. Depending on the specific circumstances involved, the following parties (or a combination thereof) may be at fault for the accident that caused your injuries:
- The bus driver/operator
- The company that owns, leases, or operates the bus
- An individual or entity responsible for bus maintenance
- The manufacturer or distributor of a defective bus part
- A third party, such as another driver
- A governmental/municipal entity
Gathering Evidence to Prove Liability
This list is not exhaustive; another party not mentioned here may also be fully or partially at fault for a bus accident. When you work with the attorneys at Saeedian Law Group, you can rest assured we have the resources and professional network to investigate your case thoroughly. As soon as you hire us, we will begin interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and determining which party or parties are at fault for your injuries. Once we’ve determined which parties are at fault for your injuries, we will develop a strategy to recover the full compensation you need and deserve.
Pursuing Compensation for Seriously Injured Bus Accident Victims
Another complicating factor in bus accident claims is the issue of catastrophic injury. Because buses are large, heavy vehicles, they often cause considerable damage when they collide with other vehicles and objects. Bus passengers often do not wear seatbelts or have airbag protection when accidents occur. Unsurprisingly, therefore, bus accidents often result in devastating, life-altering injuries. In legal terms, these are known as “catastrophic injuries” and typically include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries/paralysis, severe burns, broken bones, accidental amputation, internal organ damage, and more.
How Much Is My Bus Accident Claim Worth?
There are two main ways to recover compensation after being injured in a bus accident. You have a right to pursue an insurance claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. Additionally, you may have a right to pursue a civil liability claim against the at-fault driver. Your case’s value depends on several factors, including who was responsible for your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered. Generally, the more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the claim’s value. Through a personal injury lawsuit, victims can recover the following types of medical expenses:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
For many bus accident victims, medical expenses make up the majority of the compensation claim. Personal injury plaintiffs can pursue medical expenses for medical tests, treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapies. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group regularly work with medical and financial experts to carefully determine the full amount of your future medical expenses to pursue the full amount of damages you need and deserve. Victims can also pursue compensation for property damage, loss of income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Compensation?
There are strict time limits for pursuing compensation after a bus accident. The amount of time you have to file a claim depends on which party or parties are at fault for the accident. For example, if you are pursuing a claim against a public entity, you will generally need to file a notice of claim within six months from the accident date. If the public entity denies your claim, you will have two years from the accident date to file a claim in civil court. Examples of public bus lines include city and state-owned and operated bus lines and school buses.
If you’re pursuing a claim against a private entity, you must file a claim within two years from the accident date. Private bus companies include charter buses, Greyhound buses, casino bus lines, and tour buses. The bus company’s owner may drag out the settlement process until the time limit has run out. Speaking to an attorney can help you protect your potential compensation claim.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to Discuss Your Bus Accident Case
At Saeedian Law Group, we understand the unique challenges catastrophically injured individuals face on the road to recovery. Our bus accident attorney, Michael Saeedian, has the experience, knowledge, and legal skills to navigate the legal process on your behalf effectively. We can help you fight for the maximum compensation you are owed for your medical bills, lost income/wages, reduced or lost earning ability, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and other damages. Contact our team today.
Saeedian Law Group is a personal injury law firm based in Beverly Hills. We offer clients help with bus accidents throughout California, including those in San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, Irvine, Modesto, Rancho Cucamonga, Oxnard, and Newport Beach.
