Yorba Linda Bus Accident Lawyers
Utilizing a city transit bus or a school bus is a cost effective way to travel that is generally very safe. Unfortunately, there are instances in which a bus accident results in devastating injuries for the passengers on board.
Bus accidents are handled differently compared to many injury accidents and it is important that victims understand their legal rights and options. Anyone injured while riding a bus would be well advised to discuss the specifics of their case with an experienced Yorba Linda bus accident lawyer.
Call for immediate legal help at 949-203-3814.
What to Do after a Bus Accident
If you have been involved in a bus crash, make sure that you and your loved ones receive immediate medical attention. Even if you are not sure how injured you are, it is in your best interest to request a full medical evaluation. As soon as the bus accident occurs, the authorities should be notified. Make sure to get your name on the police report.
It is also important that you collect information from the crash site. Write down the name of the drivers involved. Write down exactly when and where the crash occurred. Where were you sitting? Did you witness what the bus driver was doing at the time? For example, was he or she talking on the cell phone or distracted by a fellow passenger? Writing down all of the details you can remember will help you recall important information during the claim process.
Liability for Bus Accidents
The circumstances of the crash often determine who can be held responsible for your damages and losses. Here are a few examples of bus accident causes and who could be the liable party:
- Bus Company: Bus companies are responsible for properly maintaining their vehicles. When an accident occurs as a result of poor vehicle maintenance, then, the bus company may be held responsible for the crash. When a bus driver with a poor driving record causes an accident, the bus company may also be held liable for negligent hiring.
- Negligent bus driver: There are many forms of driver negligence that a bus driver can commit. Bus drivers must not operate a bus while fatigued, distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Bus drivers can be held liable for the accidents they cause. In addition, the bus company can also be held liable for negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the driver, who is an employee.
- Other drivers: The bus operator is not always the at-fault motorist. Drivers of cars, trucks and other vehicles may be held accountable for the accidents they cause.
- School district: If the accident involved a school bus, the school district and school board may be liable parties as well. Did the district fail to properly review the bus operator's driving record? Was the school bus unsafe for use? Were the children vulnerable to injury because of the maintenance of the bus or the negligence of the driver? Did the school board fail to establish and enforce reasonable safety guidelines that could have prevented the crash?
Contacting a Bus Accident Lawyer
There are state and federal laws and regulations governing bus service providers. It is important to have a Yorba Linda bus accident lawyer who has experience holding common carriers accountable for injury accidents. Bus companies will have powerful lawyers who will attempt to shoot down your claim and to fight any allegations against their client. It is important to protect your rights by having a skilled bus accident attorney by your side.
The knowledgeable Yorba Linda bus accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase have a long and successful track record of pursuing compensation for bus accident victims and their families. Depending on the types of injuries you have suffered, you may have potential claims to cover damages including medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, physical therapy expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Yorba Linda, please call us for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.
