Sherman Oaks Bus Crash Lawyer

Have You Been Hurt in a Bus Crash?

Buses are a common site throughout California. Hundreds of thousands of commuters use buses annually to get from place to place. Some buses provide 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 family or friends. Whatever the reason, California citizens are boarding buses in large numbers every year and that is a pattern that is expected to continue in the coming decades.

The majority of these individuals travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many sustain injuries each year in California bus crashes. Commonly these injuries are very serious, partially because passengers do not wear seat belts while riding on most buses. With a number of bus companies servicing Sherman Oaks and California in its entirety, it may not be surprising that these bus accidents account for many injuries every year and unfortunately some may result in death. If you suffer an injury, make sure to talk to a Sherman Oaks bus crash lawyer ASAP.

What are some of the common causes of bus accidents?

Bus drivers face many of the same challenges as any motorist, plus some other unique problems. Some common reasons for bus accidents involve:

• Driver distraction-- Motorists that pay more attention to their phones or various other electronic devices are much more prone to crashes. Because of the amount of passengers on buses, bus drivers also are more prone to passenger distractions than someone operating a car.
• Driver fatigue-- Much like a truck driver, bus drivers have a schedule to meet. This frequently means they work long hours without taking sufficient breaks. The loud environment of a bus can also wear on a driver.
• Speeding-- To make their scheduled stops, drivers may disregard speed limits or road conditions because of inclement weather.
• Vehicle maintenance-- A poorly maintained bus can crash because of a failing part.
• Inadequate training-- Too often, drivers do not have proper training on the safest methods for operating a bus. The lack of training or inadequate training can result in a driver mistake that can result in a crash.

What injuries are prevalent in bus crashes?

As with any type of accident on Sherman Oaks streets, the injuries from a bus accident may partially depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the collision.

The most common 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 Accident Victim?

As a bus crash victim, the law might provide you several civil cases to pursue. The claims available will depend 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 motorist for your injuries. If the other driver does not have enough insurance coverage available for all of the injuries suffered in the collision 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 provider or the bus company itself, if there is UM coverage available.

At Fault Bus Driver

On the other hand, if the accident is due to a negligent bus driver and you were either a bus occupant or in another vehicle, you might have a claim against the bus driver and the bus company. This is true even if the bus owner is a municipality, like a city bus used for public transportation.

Safety Defects on a Bus

Lastly, if the accident is caused by some defect in the bus itself and not by actions of any drivers, you might have a claim against the:

• manufacturer of the bus
• seller of the bus
• owner/operator of the bus
• anybody who performed negligent maintenance while servicing the bus

Any bus driver that is hurt in a crash might 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. Typically the more vehicles involved in the accident, the more complex the case( s). This is a reason that when choosing a bus accident lawyer in Sherman Oaks, you want to choose one with experience prosecuting personal injury cases.

What do I do after I'm involved in a bus crash?

You might 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
• Get witness information
• Seek medical care
• Consult with a bus crash lawyer

How much can I recoup financially after a bus crash?

The amount of money you may receive after a bus accident will depend a great deal on the extent of your injuries. In general, you might recoup the costs of your:

• medical expenses
• lost income
• pain and suffering
• loss of companionship
• lost earning capacity
• damages caused by permanent disability or disfigurement

Families who have lost a loved one in a Sherman Oaks bus accident may also collect for any care their loved one received before passing away as well as compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and various other damages. Talk to a knowledgeable Sherman Oaks bus accident attorney to learn all of your options.

Have you been injured in a Sherman Oaks Bus Accident?

The Sherman Oaks bus crash lawyers at Drake Law Firm will work to help you get the financial recovery that you are entitled to. Bus accident damages might include: medical expenses, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, loss of income, and much more. We additionally look to recover present and future expenses when representing a crash victim.

At Drake Law Firm, we've assisted numerous personal injury clients to get the compensation they require to recover. We won't let you accept unfair treatment from other law firms and we will defend you from beginning to end. If you need help with Bus Accidents in Sherman Oaks, California, give us a call at (844) 513-7253 for a FREE consultation or visit our website at DrakeLawGroup.com to get started on your case today! 

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