Bus collisions may not be as prevalent as other types of road accidents in Los Angeles, but they can still be just as destructive, or even more so. You might suffer from injuries that could cost you thousands of dollars in medical treatments. There is also the possibility that you might get permanent disabilities, or worse, a loved one died from the crash. Additionally, your finances could take a significant hit that would take years to recover from.
If you or a family member have been victims of bus accidents, you might want to consider filing a claim to get compensation from the parties responsible for the crash. Ben Crump Law, PLLC, is here to provide legal assistance if you need it. The team has a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer who can work with you on your case. For inquiries on the firm’s legal services, you may call 800-959-1444.
Buses Have Liability Insurance
All private and commercial vehicles in Los Angeles and the rest of California must have liability insurance coverage, according to the California Department of Transportation (DOT). It helps cover the damages that victims suffer from the accident. For buses and commercial passenger carriers in general, their required minimum insurance depends on their passenger capacity, which is as follows:
- $750,000 for seven-seaters and less
- $1,500,000 for eight to 15-seater vehicles
- $5,000,000 for 16-seaters and higher
If the bus accident has multiple victims, the bus company’s insurance will cover for them, provided that it does not exceed their limit. For instance, should the bus have $5,000,000 coverage and 100 victims, the court may order the company to give $50,000 to each claimant.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Los Angeles, call 800-921-7227
Consider Having a Bus Accident Lawyer Help You
You can file a bus accident claim by yourself if you want. However, a bus company’s insurer will typically work towards downplaying their client’s fault in the accident so that it will also reduce the amount that you can get. You might struggle with negotiating on your own, especially if you lack sufficient proof. Having a lawyer can help turn things in your favor.
They Can Search for Evidence
Both federal and state laws give bus owners and operators the responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, and therefore safe to drive. Drivers must also undergo training and can only drive for a certain number of hours. These types of rules help reduce the risk of road accidents.
An attorney can investigate on their own to determine the other party’s liability. They have already studied California’s bus-related laws and can check if there were any violations such as reckless driving or DUIs. Proof of such negligent and illegal behavior will help reinforce your claim and give you a better chance at compensation.
Aside from finding proof of the defendant’s fault, an accident lawyer can also assist in gathering all the records you have of the damage you suffered from the accident. They may ask for medical reports, medication receipts, and repair bills—everything that will help them compute just how much the liable party owes you.
Represent You Before Insurers or at Court
Using all the evidence available to support your claim better, a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer will negotiate with the other party and their insurance company for a better outcome for you. If necessary, the attorney can also help you bring your case to court if negotiations with the insurer fail.
Call us anytime to get in touch with the office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC. The team can assign you with a lawyer who handles bus accident claims.
Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-921-7227
Recoverable Economic & Non-Economic Bus Accident Damages
Bus accident suits are often a combination of personal injury and property damage claims. As such, claimants can get compensation for damages such as medical and medication expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the court views the at-fault driver’s actions as excessively negligent or outright malicious, they can award punitive damages as an additional penalty.
However, if the accident causes someone’s death, the surviving loved ones can also receive wrongful death damages, including loss of consortium and funeral and burial costs.
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Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims
We mentioned earlier that bus accident cases could include personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and property damage claims, but for the court to accept your suit, you need to comply with the statute of limitations or submission deadlines. Personal injury and wrongful death claims in California both have a two-year time limit while property damage claims have three years, according to the California Courts. If a local government agency operates the bus, you will only have six months.
The countdown starts on the day of the accident. The timer may get suspended for some exceptions, such as if the defendant is currently not in the state. It will only resume counting when they return. You can consult with a lawyer on determining your filing deadline. They will also help you finish making your claim within the given time frame.
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Our Team is at Your Service
Because of their size, buses can potentially cause deadlier accidents than many other vehicular collisions. There is a chance that you might never fully recover from a bus accident—physically, psychologically, and financially. Know that Ben Crump Law, PLLC, will always stand ready to fight for your rights. Our Los Angeles bus accident lawyer can assist in developing your case and representing you at court to collect reparations.
Lead by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the team handles an extensive range of civil cases, including workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and auto accidents. We work with clients from all across the United States. For inquiries, you can contact our office at 800-959-1444.
Call or text 800-921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
