A car accident is a jarring and terrible experience. A collision involving a bus can be so much worse due to the size of the vehicle and the lack of safety features found in passenger cars. You or your loved one may have been seriously injured even in a minor bus accident in Anaheim.
Drivers, transportation companies, and even the government may be responsible for paying your medical bills and more because of your bus accident injuries. An Anaheim bus accident lawyer can review your incident and see if you can seek reimbursement for your financial losses.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you seek lawsuit awards for health care expenses and other losses that relate to the bus accident. Contact our team by calling (800) 921-7227.
Liability in Bus Accidents
In an accident, we typically look at one or both of the drivers to find out who is responsible for the crash. However, bus accidents are a little more complicated since the bus driver’s company may be legally liable for damages.
Additionally, another driver or a road hazard may be the cause of the collision. Filing a lawsuit requires showing evidence of the accused party being at fault for the losses. Consider the following examples.
The Bus Driver
A bus driver is still a little intoxicated from a party the night before. Even though he thinks he is okay to drive, he ends up taking a turn too sharply and hits a pedestrian standing on the intersection corner.
The responding police officers detect a scent of alcohol on the driver’s breath and demand he submit to a breathalyzer, which shows he still has alcohol in his system. The test report would be crucial when pursuing a lawsuit.
However, in many cases when the bus driver is responsible for the crash, their employer is financially liable. Businesses are responsible for hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training. If the driver had past driving under the influence charges, this could illustrate negligent hiring practices by the company.
The Bus Company
A tour bus is taking tourists to the next stop when one of the wheels falls off, which causes the vehicle to suddenly stop and passengers lurch forward. The passengers who were standing or in seats with nothing in front of them fall forward. Upon inspection, the driver or law enforcement finds that the vehicle is in poor repair.
The police report, a mechanics evaluation, and photos of the vehicle’s damage could show:
- How the touring company did not take proper care of their vehicles and put the passengers in danger
- That a part had a factory defect that caused the accident despite the company’s ongoing maintenance
Transportation companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles in good shape with regular and repair services. However, a manufacturer defect can interfere with even the best business practices. An Anaheim bus accident lawyer and their team can investigate the accident and gather evidence against the at-fault party. Call our team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC for more information.
Another Driver
A city bus driver is driving her route and following all of the rules of the road. Another driver is looking down at his phone to send a text and crashes into the back of the bus. When the police arrive, the car driver says that the bus’s brake lights did not illuminate.
Witnesses on the street who saw the crash happen may be able to testify to the driving being distracted. Likewise, closed-circuit security cameras on the bus and from nearby businesses might show the driver using his phone.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Anaheim, call 800-921-7227
Bus Accident Lawsuits
You have two years to start the lawsuit process for a personal injury claim against the responsible party, according to California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1. In almost all cases, you will be dealing with the insurance company of the liable party.
Bus drivers and companies have auto insurance, but the business should also have additional insurance for lawsuits. Since transportation companies are legally responsible for their vehicles and drivers, they purchase insurance policies to protect them.
If the responsible party is a regular driver, they should have at least the state’s minimum insurance coverage. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) says you must have the following types and amounts of auto coverage:
- Vehicle liability insurance policy with $15,000 for death or injury of one person, $30,000 for death or injury of more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage
- A $35,000 cash deposit with the DMV
- A $35,000 surety bond from a licensed California company
- A DMV-issued self-insurance certificate
In cases when the expenses of your losses are higher than the limits of the insurance policy, you may need to pursue a personal claim. Your losses might include some or all of the following:
- Medical expenses – Copies of your health care bills can quantify how much you have spent financially because of the accident. Medical records and any appointments for future services can also show upcoming expenses that you should include in your calculations.
- Missed wages – If your injuries kept you from work, you could request reimbursement for your lost earnings. Likewise, you can ask for future lost income if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
- Pain and suffering – The injuries from a bus accident can cause physical and mental anguish. If the accident caused permanent disability or disfigurement, you could ask for an additional amount for the trauma caused.
Anaheim Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-921-7227
Benefits of Having a Legal Team
Let us work on your claim while you focus on your recovery. Managing the consequences of an accident that is not your fault can be tedious when on the mend. Your Anaheim bus accident lawyer and team can fight on your behalf for the compensation you need.
At Ben Crump, PLLC, we work on a contingency basis. You will not have any upfront fees since our payment is part of your lawsuit award. Give us a call at (800) 921-7227 with any questions you have about bus accident lawsuits.
Call or text 800-921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form