Santa Ana Bus Accident Attorney
The Santa Ana Bus Accident Lawyers of Bisnar Chase have over 40 years experience and have retained a 96% success rate for injury victims. Our clients know that we will go to bat for them and are not merely attorneys who "settle cases". We are trial lawyers and have taken thousands of cases in front of a jury.
Bus accidents are not as common as other types of motor vehicle or car accidents. But, they can be absolutely devastating when they do occur.
In addition, buses are increasingly becoming an option for commuters who wish to save time and money. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash, an experienced Santa Ana bus accident case attorney can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Call 949-203-3814 for a free consultation.
Santa Ana Bus Accident Statistics
Every year, buses carrying millions of passengers that include tourists and children are involved in catastrophic crashes. In heavily populated areas of Orange County such as Santa Ana, more and more commuters use rapid transit and public transportation. Commuters and college students are favoring transit buses. Below are the number of crashes, injuries and deaths that occur from bus incidents.
- According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, California, New York and Florida had the greatest number of bus accidents from 2004 to 2008.
- The total fatalities nationwide for 2008 showed an increase of 3.4 percent from the 2007 number of 354.
- In 2008, 366 people were killed in bus accidents. Of those, six were bus drivers and 86 were passengers on the bus. Other vehicle drivers and passengers represented 48.9 percent of 179 of the fatalities.
- Non-motorists represented 94 or 25.7 percent of the fatalities.
- During the five-year period covered by this study, a majority of bus collisions, about 32 percent, involved urban transit buses.
- School buses were involved in 30.8 percent of bus crashes during the period.
- Charter buses accounted for 12.3 percent of the bus accidents.
Bus Operators' Duty of Care
Public transportation has increasingly become an option for commuters who wish to save time and money. However, the unfortunate fact is that as more people have started to take buses, the number of injuries and deaths resulting from bus accidents are also on the rise.
It is the legal responsibility of all bus operators to transport their passengers safely. This is known as the bus operator's "duty of care"; Bus companies have the highest "duty of care"; to their passengers - more than what they have toward other motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians.
If a bus accident occurred because of the company or the driver's negligence, then the bus operator can be held liable for the injuries and damages that occur as a result of such negligence. This also applies to school buses.
Minors who were severely injured in a Santa Ana bus accident can have a better chance of earning compensation if:
- at the time of injury students were owed the duty of care
- the injury could have been prevented
- the driver or school was violated the standards of safety
Bus Accident Causes in Santa Ana
It is best to seek legal representation from a expert Santa Ana bus accident lawyer to earn the winnings you need for damages. Knowing what caused the crash can help you better understand what you deserve in terms of compensation as well. There are a number of reasons why bus accidents may occur.
The common causes include:
Bus driver negligence: When a bus driver is impaired, distracted or fatigued, it can be extremely dangerous not only for passengers but others on the roadway as well. Bus companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and conducting random testing for alcohol and drug use. Bus drivers are also required under federal law to maintain a log of the hours they work to ensure that they get adequate rest. Drowsy driving was a factor in some of the most devastating bus accidents in United States history.
Poor bus maintenance: Aging buses and lack of proper vehicle maintenance can cause serious problems. Brake failure, tire blowouts and transmission failure can result in major injury bus accidents. It is the responsibility of the bus company to properly service and maintain its fleet.
Defective products: If a defective bus product causes an accident, the manufacturer of the product can be held liable. Victims may be able to file a products liability claim seeking compensation.
Dangerous roadways: Steep hills, tight curves and large potholes can also pose significant hazards for buses. When a poorly designed or maintained roadway causes a bus accident, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable for injuries and damages caused. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.
The knowledgeable Santa Ana Bus Accident Lawyers at Bisnar Chase have a long and successful track record of fighting for the rights of bus accident victims and their families.
Our legal experts have gained over $500 million dollars in earnings for victims who have experienced great pain and suffering after a bus crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Santa Ana, please contact the law firm of Bisnar Chase to find out how we can help.
Call 949-203-3814 for a No-Hassle, No-Obligation
Earn a Free Consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
