Pomona Bus Accident Lawyer
Have You Been Hurt In A Bus Crash?
Buses are a common site throughout California. Hundreds of thousands of passengers use buses annually to travel from place to place. Some buses offer local transit around a city and service commercial districts, while others use buses as their way 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 every year and that is a pattern that is expected to continue in the coming decades.
Most of these residents travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many sustain injuries every year in California bus accidents. Commonly these injuries are very significant, in part because passengers do not wear seat belts while riding on most buses. With a number of bus companies servicing Pomona and California in its entirety, it might not be shocking that these bus crashes account for many injuries annually and unfortunately some may result in death. If you suffer an injury, make sure to speak with a Pomona bus accident attorney ASAP.
What Are Some Of The Common Reasons For Bus Crashes?
Bus drivers experience many of the same challenges as any driver, plus a few other unique issues. Some common reasons for bus accidents include:
- Driver distraction-- Drivers who pay more attention to their phones or various other electronic devices are more prone to accidents. 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 often means they work long hours without taking adequate breaks. The loud environment of a bus can also wear on a driver.
- Speeding-- To make their scheduled stops, drivers might ignore speed limits or road conditions due to inclement weather.
- Vehicle maintenance-- A poorly maintained bus can crash because of a failing component.
- Insufficient training-- Too often, drivers do not have appropriate training on the safest practices for operating a bus. The lack of training or inadequate training can lead to a driver mistake that can result in a crash.
What Injuries Are Prevalent In Bus Crashes?
As with any type of accident on Pomona roads, the injuries from a bus crash might in part depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the crash.
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 crash victim, the law may provide you one or more civil cases to pursue. The cases available will rely on the circumstances of a specific crash and who is at fault in the accident.
At Fault Third Parties
If another motorist causes a collision with a bus while you are a passenger on that bus, you may have a claim against the other driver for your injuries. If the other motorist does not have enough insurance coverage available for all of the injuries suffered in the accident or if the other driver has no insurance available at all, you might also have a right to bring an uninsured or underinsured claim against your own insurance company or the bus company itself, if there is UM coverage available.
At Fault Bus Driver
Alternatively, if the crash is because of a negligent bus driver and you were either a bus occupant or in another vehicle, you may have a claim against the bus driver and the bus company. This holds 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 by actions of any drivers, you may have a claim against the:
- manufacturer of the bus
- seller of the bus
- owner/operator of the bus
- anyone who performed negligent maintenance while servicing the bus
Any bus driver that is hurt in a collision may also have a claim for worker's compensation for their injuries.
The possibility of so many claims makes a bus accident case complicated and complex. Often the more vehicles involved in the accident, the more complicated the claim( s). This is a reason that when choosing a bus accident attorney in Pomona, you want to select one with experience prosecuting personal injury cases.
What Do I Do After I'm Involved In A Bus Accident?
You may be rattled and in a state of shock after being involved in a bus crash. But there are a few important things that you need to do before leaving the scene.
- Call 911
- Obtain witness information
- Seek medical care
- Contact a bus accident attorney
How Much Can I Recover Financially After A Bus Crash?
The amount of money you may collect after a bus crash will depend a lot on the severity of your injuries. In general, you might recoup 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 that have lost a loved one in a Pomona bus crash can also collect for any care their loved one sustained before dying as well as compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages. Talk to an expert Pomona bus accident lawyer to learn all of your options.
Have You Been Hurt In A Pomona Bus Accident?
The Pomona bus accident attorneys at First Law Group will strive to help you obtain 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 also seek to recuperate 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 Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
