Bus accidents aren’t as uncommon as you may think, especially in urban areas of California like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland. Accidents involving buses are responsible for injuring and killing many California residents every year.
Nationwide, bus accidents are a growing cause of injury and death. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 123,000 accidents involving large trucks and buses that resulted in the injury or death of passengers in 2016. Of those, over 180,000 people were injured and more than 4,500 were killed.
The 2016 FMCSA report also shows:
- Approximately 13% of all fatal accidents involving buses were inner city buses.
- School buses accounted for 40% of all fatal accidents involving buses.
- Transit buses were involved in 34% of all fatal bus accidents.
Our Legal Team Has Experience Handling Challenging Bus Accident Lawsuits
Have you suffered injuries in a bus accident? If you believe the accident was caused by mechanical failure or the negligent actions of another person or entity, it’s best to speak to a bus accident lawyer.
If you have questions about your legal rights and how to get assistance for injury expenses, an experienced bus accident attorney at Adamson Ahdoot LLP can help you navigate your situation.
Accidents involving public and private entities can be tricky to handle, especially when one or more parties are involved. Our legal team is well-versed in the laws on bus accidents and will work diligently to get you fair compensation.
Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents like the 2019 Metro bus crash that happened on South Alameda Street, which killed one person and injured 9 others, can inflict life-threatening injuries.
Typically, accidents involving buses involve a higher rate of injuries because of the bus’s ability to transport a large number of passengers.
Injuries sustained in a Los Angeles bus accident can range from minor injuries like whiplash to severe, life-threatening injuries like traumatic brain injuries, arising from common causes of bus accidents.
Other types of bus accident-related injuries are:
- Head and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fracture injuries
- Loss of limb injuries
- Paralysis
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal organ injuries
- Crush injuries
Who is Liable for Bus Accident Injuries?
After suffering an injury in a bus accident, you may be wondering if you can collect financial compensation from the person or party responsible for the accident.
Determining liability after bus accidents can be difficult because every situation is unique and the factors contributing to the accident can vary greatly. At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, we have handled cases involving different types of buses and identifying common defendants, including:
- School bus accidents
- Metro bus accidents
- City bus accidents
- Feeder bus accidents
- Public bus accidents
- Tour bus accidents
- Airport shuttle bus accidents
- Charter bus accidents
- Long-haul bus accidents
- Bus part manufacturers
- Bus owners
- Commuter buses
- Bus maintenance companies
- Government buses
- Bus drivers
- Other negligent drivers
- Bus company
Claims involving a bus may involve more than one party and may still be valid even if the victim has some degree of responsibility for the accident occurring. In California, comparative negligence means even if a victim is partly responsible for an accident occurring, he or she may still be able to collect damages if able to prove the defendant acted negligently.
Proving negligence after a bus accident is not as easy as it may sound, especially when big corporations or agencies are involved. Let our Los Angeles bus accident attorneys work for you, helping you gather evidence proving the defendant acted negligently and therefore, should pay you damages.
Steps You Should Take After a Bus Accident
Bus accident cases can be a frightening and stressful experience. Here are some crucial steps to remember in case you get hit by a bus:
- Assess your injuries: Check yourself for injuries as best as you can. If you are seriously hurt, don’t try to move, as it can cause more complications. Call for help even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and you may have unseen injuries that require medical evaluation.
- Document the scene: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the bus, any other vehicles involved, and road conditions and signage. Gather the bus driver’s contact and insurance details, as well as contact information from any witnesses.
- Report the accident: It’s crucial to report the bus accident case to the police and obtain a copy of the report.
- Seek medical attention: Notify your health insurance provider about the accident, as they may cover medical bills related to your injuries. Get a complete medical evaluation to document any injuries and begin a treatment plan. Keep medical records and bills related to your bus injury accident.
- Consider legal representation: Bus accident cases can be complex. Consult with an experienced bus accident attorney to discuss your concerns, understand your legal options, and ensure your rights are protected.
How a Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help the Family Members of Someone Tragically Killed in a Bus Accident
If you tragically lost a loved one in a bus accident, you may be able to hold the person responsible for the accident by filing a bus injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit.
No amount of money can turn back time and stop the accident from happening, however, holding the at-fault person accountable for reckless behavior can send a message to the public that negligent behavior will not be tolerated. Filing a lawsuit is also one of the few ways for you to get help for the financial burdens associated with a tragic loss.
The caring legal team at Adamson Ahdoot LLP is ready to assist you with all of your legal needs and ensure you are awarded fairly for the devastating damages associated with your loss, such as:
- Loss of companion
- Loss of the deceased’s earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of parental guidance
- Mental distress
- Medical costs associated with the deceased’s care
- Funeral expenses
- Other types of damages
Bus Accident Statistics
Bus accidents aren’t as uncommon as you may think, especially in urban areas of California like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland. Accidents involving buses are responsible for injuring and killing many California residents every year.
Nationwide, bus accidents are a growing cause of injury and death. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 119,000 accidents involving large trucks and buses resulted in injuries or deaths, a 6% increase from 112,000 in 2016. Of those, over 170 people were injured and more than 5,900 were killed.
The 2023 FMCSA report also shows:
- The number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes increased by 18%.
- School and transit buses accounted for 37% and 36% of all fatal bus accidents involving buses, respectively.
Work with a Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney to Ensure a Successful Case Outcome
Consult with Adamson Ahdoot, a trusted bus accident law firm, to ensure a successful case outcome. Our team of Los Angeles bus accident lawyers has partnerships with experts in various fields, such as forensics, medicine, and testimony. These connections have allowed us to build your claim, and strong cases are the key to proving negligence.
Moreover, we’ll help victims be aware of the statute of limitations on bus injury cases, as these deadlines vary by state and can significantly impact their ability to seek compensation.
From seeking compensation for economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, a bus accident lawyer from Adamson Ahdoot will help you understand your rights and seek the highest possible compensation.
The average settlement for a bus accident can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries and liability issues, making it essential to work with an experienced bus accident attorney who can negotiate on your behalf.
While many victims ask, “how long does a bus injury case take?”, its duration depends on its complexity, the extent of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or if the case goes to trial. In general, bus injury cases can take several months to several years to resolve, but a bus accident law firm can provide more specific timelines based on the circumstances of your case.
Feel free to call us at (800) 310-1606 for a comprehensive no-cost consultation. Our team of professionals and personal injury attorneys are prepared to advocate on your behalf and offer their support.
Call us today at (800) 310-1606 to schedule your free consultation today
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