Fontana Bus Accident Lawyer
Have You Been Injured In A Bus Crash?
Buses are a common site throughout California. Hundreds of thousands of passengers use buses annually to get from place to place. Some buses offer local transit around a city and service commercial districts, while others use buses as their means to commute to and from work. Still others decide to ride on a bus as they travel out of state to see family or friends. Whatever the reason, California citizens are boarding buses in large numbers each year and that is a pattern that is expected to continue in the coming years.
Most of these individuals travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many suffer injuries each year in California bus accidents. Commonly these injuries are very significant, partially because commuters do not wear seat belts while riding on most buses. With a number of bus companies servicing Fontana and California in its entirety, it might not be surprising that these bus accidents account for many injuries each year and unfortunately some might result in death. If you sustain an injury, be sure to consult with a Fontana bus accident attorney ASAP.
What Are Some Of The Common Causes Of Bus Crashes?
Bus drivers face many of the same challenges as any driver, in addition to some other unique problems. Some common causes of bus accidents involve:
- Driver distraction-- Motorists who pay more attention to their phones or various other electronic devices are more prone to crashes. Due to the number of occupants on buses, bus drivers also are more susceptible to passenger distractions than someone operating a car.
- Driver fatigue-- Much like a truck driver, bus drivers have a schedule to meet. This commonly means they work long hours without taking adequate breaks. The loud atmosphere of a bus can also wear on a driver.
- Speeding-- To make their scheduled stops, drivers may ignore speed limits or road conditions because of inclement weather.
- Vehicle maintenance-- An improperly maintained bus can crash due to a failing component.
- Inadequate training-- Too often, drivers lack appropriate training on the safest practices for operating a bus. The absence of training or inadequate training can lead to a driver error that can result in a crash.
What Injuries Are Common In Bus Accidents?
As with any type of accident on Fontana streets, the injuries from a bus accident may partially depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the collision.
The most common injuries include:
- Fractures (broken bones) that require surgical repair
- Head and brain injuries
- Back & neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Scars and lacerations
- Wrongful Death
What Legal Rights Are Available To A Bus Accident Victim?
As a bus accident victim, the law might provide you one or more civil cases to pursue. The claims available will rely on the circumstances of a particular accident and who is at fault in the crash.
At Fault Third Parties
If another driver causes an accident with a bus while you are an occupant on that bus, you might have a claim against the other motorist for your injuries. If the other driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage available for all of the injuries suffered in the crash or if the other motorist has no insurance available at all, you might also have a right to bring an uninsured or underinsured claim against your own insurance provider or the bus company itself, if there is UM coverage available.
At Fault Bus Driver
On the other hand, if the collision is due to a negligent bus driver and you were either a bus occupant or in another vehicle, you might have a claim against the bus driver and the bus company. This is true even if the bus owner is a municipality, like a city bus used for public transportation.
Safety Defects On A Bus
Finally, if the accident is caused by some defect in the bus itself and not through actions of any drivers, you might have a claim against the:
- manufacturer of the bus
- seller of the bus
- owner/operator of the bus
- anybody who performed negligent maintenance while servicing the bus
Any bus driver that is injured in a crash may also have a claim for worker's compensation for their injuries.
The possibility of so many claims makes a bus crash case complicated and complex. Usually the more vehicles involved in the crash, the more complicated the case( s). This is a reason that when choosing a bus accident lawyer in Fontana, you want to pick one with experience prosecuting personal injury claims.
What Do I Do After I'm Involved In A Bus Crash?
You may be shaken and in a state of shock after being involved in a bus crash. However there are a few important things that you need to do before leaving the scene.
- Call 911
- Obtain witness information
- Seek medical care
- Call a bus crash lawyer
How Much Can I Recoup Financially After A Bus Crash?
The amount of money you may receive following a bus crash will depend a great deal on the seriousness of your injuries. Generally, you might recover the costs of your:
- medical bills
- lost income
- pain and suffering
- loss of companionship
- lost earning ability
- damages caused by irreversible disability or disfigurement
Families who have lost a loved one in a Fontana bus accident can also collect for any treatment their loved one sustained before passing away as well as compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and other damages. Speak with an expert Fontana bus crash lawyer to learn all of your options.
Have You Been Injured In A Fontana Bus Accident?
The Fontana bus accident attorneys at First Law Group will strive to help you receive the financial recovery that you deserve. Bus accident damages may consist of: medical costs, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, loss of income, and more. We also seek to recover present and future expenses when representing a crash victim.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Fontana, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
