The Law Office of Nikolaus W. Reed helps injury victims in San Pablo. Whether it’s a local school bus or a bus operated by AC Transit, you see these vehicles every day. Like any accident with a larger vehicle, bus accidents in San Pablo can result in serious, life-altering injuries. If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, contact us for a free consultation to go over your options.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Bus Accident?
Legally speaking, a bus accident is just another type of accident where you could be injured. But in real terms, these accidents are often more serious in terms of the damage–and this is true whether you’re riding in the bus itself or if you’re driving your car and are in a collision with one.
This complicates things, but if you’re in a bus accident, you should definitely think about getting a lawyer. Here’s how my firm can help you in this situation:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Explaining your rights and options
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you get a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit, if needed
If you’ve been in a bus accident in San Pablo, having my team on your side can greatly improve the outcome of your case. We’re here to make the process easier and help you understand your legal options.
What Are Your Legal Options After You’re in a Bus Accident?
Being injured in an accident with a bus is a pretty scary situation, regardless of whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or driving your own car. But legally, your options don’t change–you get to file a claim and recover damages. To do this, you’ll have to either file:
- An insurance claim
- A lawsuit
Obviously, your needs are going to dictate what you should do. If you’re more seriously injured, an insurance claim can get you financial support more quickly, but the process is totally controlled by the bus company’s insurance provider–and could possibly involve city or county governments.
If the insurance company won’t give you a fair settlement, you can move forward with a lawsuit. A lawsuit is a formal court action, so although it takes more time and effort, you can potentially get more “damages” like:
- Medical expenses and any ongoing care needs if your injury is permanent
- Lost income from missed work and reduced future earning potential
- Repair or replacement costs for your car or any other personal property that gets damaged
- Pain and suffering from the physical toll of your injuries
- Emotional distress caused by the accident
- Loss of quality of life due to your injuries
- Wrongful death expenses if the injury results in death
Keep in mind, in California, you must file your claim within two years of the accident, according to the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline means you can’t file a claim or recover damages. So, dealing with injuries and other losses from your bus accident is going to be very challenging–even before you get the claims process.
Who Pays For Your Damages in a Bus Accident Claim?
One of the most challenging aspects of a bus accident isn’t just dealing with serious injuries—it’s figuring out who is responsible for covering your damages. This is a key part of any bus accident claim because it determines who you’ll file against and, most importantly, who is legally obligated to pay for your injuries and losses.
Buses are held to the same legal standards as other vehicles. If a bus driver’s negligence caused the accident, both the driver and the bus company can be held responsible.
- The bus driver or another responsible person or group had a duty to act safely.
- They failed to meet this duty, leading to the accident and your injuries or losses.
What makes bus accidents more complicated is the number of parties who could share responsibility. While the bus driver and their employer (such as a private company or a local government if it’s a public or school bus) are often the main sources of liability, other parties may also be at fault, including:
- Maintenance workers, if poor maintenance or overlooked repairs caused the crash.
- Local government agencies if dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident.
- Other drivers, when reckless behavior led to the collision.
- Bus or parts makers if faulty parts or safety equipment contributed to the accident.
- Leasing companies, if the bus was leased and had pre-existing issues.
- Distracting passengers, if a passenger’s actions caused the driver to lose focus.
Figuring out all the liable parties is crucial for your claim. It increases the potential for recovering damages. But what you’re ultimately able to recover is based on what you’re able to prove.
What Can You Do to Strengthen Your Claim After a Bus Accident?
Getting in an accident with a bus in San Pablo gives you certain options, but it’s still not something you want to go through. When it does happen, though, you’re going to need to take steps to strengthen your potential claim:
- Call 911 – Call 911 immediately, even if you think you’re uninjured. EMTs will take care of any injuries and will check you further for something that might not be apparent. It’s a good idea to visit an ER for a full evaluation.
- Report the accident to police – Make sure the 911 dispatcher sends the San Pablo Police Department or CHP to the scene. They’ll manage the scene and usually file a report. This report will include important details for your claim. Also, make sure the bus company documents the accident.
- Gather evidence at the scene – If possible, get the contact and insurance information of the bus driver and others involved, because you’ll need this later to file your claim. If your phone still works, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Keep detailed records – Save all documents related to your medical treatments, expenses, and communications with insurance companies. This documentation will be crucial for building your case by showing your losses.
- Be careful – Try not to give statements or sign anything before consulting with us. Insurance companies may use your words to lower their payout. Also, keep from posting about the accident on social media or anywhere else public.
No one expects to be in a bus accident, but if it happens, it’s important to know how your actions will impact your claim. Taking these steps form the foundation of your claim, and protect your rights in the face of the claims process with an insurance company.
What Injuries Could You Be Dealing With After a Bus Accident?
Just because a bus is designed for keeping its passengers safe doesn’t mean you won’t get hurt if there’s an accident. In fact, while the outside of a bus is fairly well protected, the inside of the bus usually lacks seatbelts and other safety measures. Factoring in these things shows you what injuries you could be facing in one of these accidents, usually involving:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Deep tissue and internal injuries
Buses are larger and sturdier than regular vehicles, which can provide some protection. However, this is offset by the lack of safety features inside the bus, like seatbelts, leaving passengers vulnerable. During an accident, passengers are often thrown or jostled, leading to more severe injuries.
For drivers in smaller vehicles, the sheer size and weight of a bus can result in even more serious injuries in a collision. Regardless of the seriousness of your injuries, these accidents leave you facing many questions that my firm can help and guide you through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I’m hurt as a passenger on a bus?
Yes. As a passenger, you can suffer injuries by being thrown to the ground or against the interior of the bus, particularly during collisions or rollovers. When you’re hurt because of a bus driver or someone else’s negligence, you can still file a claim.
If my child is hurt in a school bus accident, is the school responsible?
It typically depends. Most school buses are operated by the local school district, but if your child goes to a private school, it might be different. Regardless, the bus driver and school district are typically responsible for any accidents and injuries in a school bus accident.
How long do I have to file a claim after a bus accident?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Contact NWR Law After a Bus Accident in San Pablo
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to do next. At the Law Office of Nikolaus W. Reed, we have the experience and knowledge to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. We’ll explain your options and support you every step of the way. Don’t wait-contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a bus accident in San Pablo.