‍Have You Been Injured in a Bus Crash? Encino Bus Accident Lawyer

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Buses are a common site across California. Hundreds of thousands of commuters use buses each year to travel from place to place. Some buses offer local transportation around a city and service commercial districts, while others use buses as their means to commute to and from work. Still others decide to ride on a bus as they travel out of state to see loved ones. Whatever the reason, California residents are boarding buses in large numbers every year and that is a pattern that is expected to continue in the coming decades.

Most of these residents travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many sustain injuries each year in California bus accidents. Often these injuries are very significant, partially because passengers do not use seat belts while riding on most buses. With many bus companies servicing Encino and California in its entirety, it may not be shocking that these bus accidents account for many injuries each year and unfortunately some might result in death. If you suffer an injury, make sure to consult with an Encino bus accident lawyer ASAP.

What are some of the common causes of bus accidents?

Bus drivers encounter many of the same challenges as any driver, in addition to a few other unique problems. Some common reasons for bus crashes involve:

• Driver distraction-- Motorists that pay more attention to their phones or other electronic devices are more prone to crashes. Due to the amount of passengers on buses, bus drivers also are more prone to passenger distractions than somebody operating a car.
• Driver fatigue-- Similar to a truck driver, bus drivers have a schedule to meet. This frequently means they work long hours without taking sufficient breaks. The loud atmosphere 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 component.
• Inadequate training-- Too often, drivers lack proper training on the safest methods for operating a bus. The absence of training or inadequate training can result in a driver error that can result in a crash.

What injuries are common in bus crashes?

Just like any kind of collision on Encino streets, the injuries from a bus accident can partially depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the crash.

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 crash victim?

As a bus accident victim, the law may provide you several civil cases to pursue. The claims available will depend on the circumstances of a particular accident and who is at fault in the accident.

At Fault Third Parties

If another driver causes a crash with a bus while you are a passenger on that bus, you might have a claim against the other motorist for your injuries. If the other motorist does not have sufficient insurance coverage available for all of the injuries sustained in the crash or if the other motorist has no insurance available at all, you might also have a right to bring an uninsured or underinsured claim against your own insurance company or the bus company itself, if there is UM coverage available.

At Fault Bus Driver

On the other hand, if the collision 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 holds 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 crash is caused by some defect in the bus itself and not through actions of any drivers, you may have a claim against the:

• manufacturer of the bus
• seller of the bus
• owner/operator of the bus
• anyone that performed negligent maintenance while servicing the bus

Any bus driver that is injured in a collision may also have a claim for worker's compensation for their injuries.

The possibility of so many claims makes a bus crash case complicated and complex. Typically the more vehicles involved in the collision, the more complicated the case( s). This is a reason that when selecting a bus accident attorney in Encino, you want to select one with experience prosecuting personal injury claims.

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. However there are a few important things that you should do before leaving the scene.

• Call 911
• Obtain witness information
• Seek medical care
• Get in touch with a bus crash lawyer

How much can I recover financially after a bus accident?

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

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

Families who have lost a loved one in a Encino bus crash can also collect for any treatment their loved one sustained before passing away as well as compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and various other damages. Speak with an experienced Encino bus accident lawyer to learn all of your options.

Have you been injured in a Encino bus crash?

The Encino bus crash attorneys at Drake Law Firm will work to help you receive the financial recovery that you deserve. Bus crash damages might consist of: medical costs, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, loss of income, and more. We additionally look to recover present and future costs when representing an accident victim.