The Special Circumstances of a Bus Accident
Bus transportation is generally relatively safe – until it isn’t, and an accident occurs. A serious bus crash can change your life if you suffer severe injuries. The legal process after a bus accident sometimes differs from that following a regular car accident. Although Sacramento bus accidents are uncommon when they occur, there is the potential for many people on the bus to be injured. To protect your legal rights, if you have been injured in a bus crash, contact an experienced Sacramento bus accident lawyer.
California Bus Travel
It is estimated that more than 2 million Californians commute to work on public transportation, just over 5% of the state’s population. Of that group, more than 65% travel on buses. Additionally, around 1 in 8 students in California (approximately 700,000) take a bus to school. California has over 25,000 school buses, providing around 3 million passenger rides daily. Accidents are bound to happen with so many buses on the road every day in California.
Let’s review a few things you need to know about Sacramento bus accidents.
Common Causes of a Bus Crash
- Inadequate driver training
- Driver fatigue
- Driver negligence
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Road conditions
- Vehicle defects
- Improper weight distribution within the bus
- Blind spots
Bus Accident Liability
If the accident is caused by another negligent driver, a personal injury claim arising from the accident will proceed like any other type of auto accident. A claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company would be filed. If many people on the bus were injured, they would likely have to split up the limits of the other driver’s insurance policy according to the severity of each person’s injuries.
If the bus driver caused the accident, the legal process becomes more complex, depending on who owns and operates the bus.
If the Bus was Privately Owned: Private bus companies (such as Greyhound, for example) must have certain types of insurance with high monetary limits. In a private bus accident claim where the driver was negligent, you would likely have a claim against the company that employed the driver. If the accident was caused by a mechanical defect, you may have a claim against the bus manufacturer. It is essential to get the details of the type of bus involved and who owns and operates the bus following an accident.
Private bus companies that carry public passengers are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. A California bus accident lawyer can help determine liability and protect your legal rights.
If the Bus was Government-Owned: If you ride a city bus for your commute and are injured, more complex rules must be followed to protect your injury claim. The California Tort Claims Act (CTCA) requires that an injured party provide notice of a claim to the responsible government agency within six months of the subject incident. If the deadline is missed, your ability to recover damages will be lost.
Watch the YouTube video: Below is a news clip from a few years ago documenting a crash in our region.
Bus Crash Litigation: Protect Your Legal Rights
A skilled Sacramento bus accident lawyer will help you navigate all the legal complexities of filing a claim for injuries suffered in a bus crash and ensure you get compensated for your damages.
Sacramento Bus Accident Lawyer
Thank you for reading our discussion: What Should I Do After a Bus Accident? I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento bus accident lawyer. If you were injured in a bus accident, you must act promptly to protect your legal rights. Contact my office for free and friendly advice from one of our injury attorneys or case managers. Our local number is (916) 921-6400, and we also provide a toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
For over 38 years, I have advocated for injured Northern Californians. You can see some of my firm’s case results here: Verdicts and Settlements.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/bus-transportation-people-aisle-690508/
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