Glendora Bus Accident Lawyer
Have You Been Hurt In A Bus Accident?
Buses are a common site across 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 loved ones. Whatever the reason, California residents are boarding buses in large numbers each year and that is a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years.
The majority of these individuals travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many sustain injuries every year in California bus accidents. Commonly these injuries are very severe, partially because passengers do not use seat belts while riding on most buses. With many bus companies servicing Glendora and California as a whole, it may not be surprising that these bus crashes account for many injuries every year and unfortunately some might result in death. If you sustain an injury, be sure to consult with a Glendora bus accident attorney ASAP.
What Are Some Of The Common Reasons For Bus Accidents?
Bus drivers encounter many of the same challenges as any motorist, in addition to a few other unique issues. Some common causes of bus accidents involve:
- Driver distraction-- Motorists who pay more attention to their phones or other electronic devices are much more prone to crashes. Because of the number of passengers 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 often means they work long hours without taking sufficient breaks. The loud atmosphere of a bus can also wear on a driver.
- Speeding-- To make their scheduled stops, drivers may disregard speed limits or road conditions due to inclement weather.
- Vehicle maintenance-- An improperly maintained bus can crash because of a failing component.
- Inadequate training-- Too often, drivers lack proper training on the safest practices for operating a bus. The absence of training or inadequate training can cause a driver error that can result in an accident.
What Injuries Are Prevalent In Bus Crashes?
Just like any type of accident on Glendora roads, the injuries from a bus crash can partially depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the collision.
The most prevalent injuries consist of:
- 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 Crash Victim?
As a bus accident victim, the law may provide you several civil cases to pursue. The cases available will rely on the circumstances of a particular crash and who is at fault in the crash.
At Fault Third Parties
If another driver causes a collision with a bus while you are a passenger on that bus, you might have a claim against the other motorist for your injuries. If the other motorist does not have enough insurance coverage available for all of the injuries suffered in the collision or if the other motorist has no insurance available at all, you might also have a right to bring an uninsured or underinsured case 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 accident is due to a negligent bus driver and you were either a bus passenger or in another vehicle, you may 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 crash is caused by some defect in the bus itself and not through actions of any drivers, you may 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 might 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. Typically the more vehicles involved in the collision, the more complicated the claim( s). This is a reason that when picking a bus crash lawyer in Glendora, 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 rattled and in a state of shock after being involved in a bus crash. However there are a few important things that you should do before leaving the scene.
- Call 911
- Obtain witness information
- Seek medical care
- Consult with a bus crash attorney
How Much Can I Recoup Financially After A Bus Accident?
The amount of money you may collect after a bus accident will depend a lot on the seriousness of your injuries. In general, you may recover the costs of your:
- medical bills
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
- loss of companionship
- lost earning ability
- damages caused by long-term disability or disfigurement
Families who have lost a loved one in a Glendora bus accident can also collect for any care their loved one received prior to dying as well as compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and various other damages. Speak with an expert Glendora bus accident lawyer to learn all of your options.
Have You Been Injured In A Glendora Bus Accident?
The Glendora bus accident lawyers at First Law Group will work to help you receive the financial recovery that you are entitled to. Bus crash damages may consist of: medical expenses, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, loss of income, and more. We additionally 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 Glendora, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com