Irvine Bus Accident Lawyer Protecting the Rights of the Injured

Buses can provide an inexpensive and convenient way to travel. Often utilized by city residents, school children, and tourists, buses are a ubiquitous part of the transportation system in California. When passengers board a bus, they trust that the driver and the bus company will put their safety first and protect them from harm. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always occur, and passengers can become victims of a bus accident. If you’ve suffered injuries in a bus crash, Hejazi Law Group can help you recover fair compensation so you can focus on your healing.

What Causes Bus Accidents?

To become a bus driver, an individual must possess a CDL license and receive special training on how to operate a bus safely. However, despite all these instructions, bus drivers can still make mistakes that severely affect their passengers. While driver error is a common factor in bus accidents, it is not the only possible cause. Because bus accidents can be complex and determining liability is complicated, it is crucial to consult a lawyer with experience investigating these types of crashes. Some of the most frequently seen reasons for bus accidents include:

• Driver negligence, such as:
• Driving under the influence
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Tailgating
• Driving while fatigued
• Distracted driving
• Inclement weather conditions
• Faulty or defective bus parts
• Badly designed buses
• Negligent actions by other drivers
• Poor bus maintenance
• Badly designed intersections, roundabouts, and other road features that are hazardous for buses

What is a Common Carrier Law?

Understanding the impact of common carrier laws is essential because they make bus accident claims different from car crash claims. Common carriers are entities that transport people or goods from one place to another for a fee. These carriers can be used by anyone, provided they pay the fee. As a common carrier, a bus company owes its customers a higher duty of care because it is its business to bring individuals to their destination safely.

Proving that the bus operator and/or driver owed you a duty of care and that a negligent breach of that duty directly caused your injuries is key to any personal injury case. Due to common carrier laws, proving negligence on the part of the bus driver or company is often easier than it is in an automobile accident case. The bus company and its employees owe every bus passenger the utmost care instead of just reasonable care. Because of this need for extreme care, the bus driver’s actions may be considered negligent in situations where a regular driver’s actions would not. A knowledgeable California bus accident attorney can help you understand how common carrier laws may apply to your particular case.

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents can lead to severe injuries for victims. Since most buses do not contain seat belts or safety features such as airbags, and rollovers frequently happen during bus crashes, many victims experience serious head trauma or neck and spine injuries. The injuries resulting from a bus crash can have long-term health impacts and require extensive medical care, placing a significant burden on victims and their families.

A skilled bus accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for all the losses you’ve incurred due to your injuries. You could be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are financial losses you’ve suffered, such as:

• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Current and future medical bills
• Property repair or replacement

Bus accidents can also be incredibly traumatic experiences for survivors, and non-economic damages seek to provide compensation for the less obvious losses victims suffer due to their injuries. These damages can include considerations for:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish, including anxiety, panic disorders, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of quality of life

How Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Assist You?

Bus companies carry large insurance policies to cover accidents, but their insurance companies often attempt to deny or undervalue a claim whenever possible to avoid costly payouts. They employ their own lawyers to fight against claims, and victims can be at a distinct disadvantage if they attempt to negotiate a settlement on their own. By hiring Hejazi Law Group to assist you with your case, you are leveling the playing field and providing yourself with the best possible chance at a full recovery for your damages.

However, time is of the essence in bus accident cases because critical evidence can quickly be lost or destroyed. Also, if public entities share in the liability for the accident, the filing period for your claim can be drastically shortened. Don’t hesitate to contact Hejazi Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation: (866) 780-8585.