What to Do If You Were Involved in a Bus Accident
When drivers and bus companies do not use thorough care and diligence to protect the passengers, accidents happen. Here at Ellis Law, our personal injury attorneys are experienced in prosecuting bus accidents and can help determine if the injured individual has a valid claim for damages.
Our Promise to You
- Free consultation.
- We will refer you to a team of highly qualified medical experts who will treat you on a medical lien.
- We will help you get the most for your injuries.
- We will get paid only if we are able to get compensation for you.
Types of Bus Accidents
- School Bus Accidents
- Highway Bus Accidents
- Greyhound and Tour Bus Accidents
- Party Bus Accidents
- Public Buses
What to Do If You Were Involved in a Bus Accident
- Obtain immediate medical assistance.
- Gather as much information as possible from the scene of the accident including: the bus’ license plate number, bus driver’s information, and bus number.
- Use your cell phone camera to take photos of the scene including: where you were sitting at the time of the accident, damage to the bus, any other vehicle(s) involved in the accident and the roadway where the accident happened.
- Gather the names and contact information from individuals who witnessed the accident.
- Write down the time of day when the accident happened, the traffic condition, weather conditions and other details about the accident including how it occurred. Do this as soon as possible because your memory of the accident may fade.
- Contact Ellis Law at 1.800.INJURY as possible.
- Do not give a recorded or written statement to anyone. And under no circumstances, sign a medical authorization form provided to you by any insurance company.
If you were unable to take photos, gather information or note conditions of the accident, contact an attorney right away for guidance.
Types of Compensation for Injuries Resulting From Bus Accidents
While each case is different, a bus accident lawyer can help you get money for:
- Pain and Suffering
- Cost of Medical Treatment (past and future)
- Loss of Wages
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Loss of Consortium (disruption of normal marital relationship)
- Life Care
- Wrongful Death
In order to get the most for your injuries, it is imperative that you hire an experienced bus accident lawyer.
Who May Be Held Responsible For Your Bus Accident Injuries?
Depending on the facts of your case, the following category of individuals/entities may be held liable for your injuries:
1. The Bus Company
Bus companies are ultimately responsible for passenger safety. Making sure the bus is in good operating condition and that the staff are properly trained and managed is also a responsibility of the bus company. The bus company can be held accountable for failing to make sure that the bus was safe and/or the bus driver was properly trained.
2. Bus Maintenance Company
Sometimes bus companies use an outside vendor to service and repair their fleet of buses. Independent maintenance companies can be held liable for any faulty inspection or work performed on a bus involved in the accident.
3. Bus Operator – Tour and Cruise Line Companies
Tour bus companies can be held liable for bus related accidents if one of their employees was operating a bus that was owned and/or serviced by another company.
4. Bus Driver
Bus drivers who service the public owe higher duty of care to make sure passengers do not get injured. California law specifically defines bus drivers who transport the members of the public for a fee as common carriers. Under California Civil Code Section 2011, common carriers:
Drivers who fail to keep their passengers safe, whether on or off the bus can be sued for negligence.
5. Bus And / Or Bus Parts Manufacturer
If the accident results from a product defect in the bus, the bus manufacturer and/or parts suppliers in the supply chain can be held responsible. California’s strict product liability law states that everyone involved in the manufacturing and distribution chain of a product is responsible for damages resulting from the defect.
6. Local and State Governments
Where accidents are caused by negligence of a city bus driver, or any other governmental agency, the city, local municipality or county can be held responsible for your injuries.