San Diego Bus Accident Lawyer

Helping Bus Accident Victims Recover Fair Compensation for Their Injuries

In the San Diego area, many commuters utilize various bus transportation companies to go to and from their destinations. Buses are utilized in various capacities in the San Diego area, including school buses that transport children back and forth and tourist buses, specifically the San Diego trolley that provides city tours. 

Unfortunately, public transportation and school bus accidents can occur at any time and frequently result in passengers suffering severe injuries. Additionally, other drivers often

You must seek legal representation immediately if you have been injured in a bus accident. California has a strict statute of limitations that only allows an accident victim two years to file a claim. If the case involves a public transportation accident, including school buses, you only have six months to file a claim.

Contact Finn Trial Attorneys APC to schedule a free consultation today so we may professionally evaluate your case.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents?

Although bus accidents can occur for various reasons, several factors frequently contribute to collisions. One of the most commonly cited factors is driver error. Bus drivers have strict schedules, which often cause them to speed or engage in risky driving behavior, such as failing to obey traffic signs to make their destinations on time. If the bus driver fails to adhere to safety standards, it can lead to dire consequences for passengers and other drivers.

Additionally, many bus drivers are guilty of distracted driving, including trying to use their cell phones or other devices, which can quickly lead to bus crashes. Other factors that contribute to accidents include driver fatigue, inadequate training, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In other instances, bus companies fail to properly maintain their vehicles, which can result in tire blowouts, brake failures, or steering malfunctions. A bus company has a legal obligation to ensure passenger safety, and failure to maintain vehicles can quickly lead to high-impact collisions.

Other drivers’ failure to obey traffic laws, poorly maintained roads, and adverse weather conditions are additional variables that contribute to bus accidents.

What Should I Do if I Was Involved in a Bus Crash?

If you have been involved in a bus crash, there are several steps you must follow to protect your well-being. Your initial step should be to move from the accident to a safe location and call 911. If you are injured, be sure to request emergency medical responders.

Other actions that should be taken include thoroughly documenting the accident scene by taking numerous photos and videos of the bus accident and other vehicles that may be involved. You should also collect the names of other bus passengers or bystanders who may have witnessed the accident.

Even if you do not believe that you have been injured, you should be examined by a medical professional. Often, in collisions involving large motor vehicles, accident victims suffer internal injuries that do not immediately manifest themselves. Failure to seek medical treatment could have life-threatening consequences.

Also, do not post about the accident on social media or speak to the insurance company without speaking to an attorney who can advise you of your rights. The last step is to contact an experienced San Diego bus accident attorney like those of Finn Trial Attorneys APC to assist you with the claims process.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a San Diego Bus Collision?

If you have been involved in a bus accident, you may be unsure who should be held liable for the accident. Liability refers to the party responsible for paying for a bus accident victim’s damages, including medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. Public transit is regulated by state and federal law, and in many cases, the bus company is held liable for damages.

Unfortunately, bus accidents often involve multiple liability issues that can be challenging to resolve. Although the bus driver is usually the first person to come to mind when considering who should be held responsible, multiple other parties may also share the blame, including the bus manufacturer or drivers who contributed to the accident. The same laws also apply to school bus accidents. Although multiple parties may be held liable, the local government may also be ordered to pay financial compensation if they engaged in negligent hiring practices or failed to provide adequate driver training.

One of the most notable benefits of hiring a knowledgeable attorney is they will work to hold the responsible party accountable for your damages. Our San Diego County law firm has comprehensive experience determining liability and will work diligently to help you seek compensation for your injuries.

What Type of Damages Can I Recover After Being Injured in a Bus Accident?

Many accident victims suffer serious injuries in crashes due to the sheer size and weight of buses and the lack of seat belts. The injuries sustained in the accident may prevent injured victims from returning to work, and they are also left to face ongoing medical expenses that are challenging to pay. Regardless of whether you were a bus passenger or in another vehicle involved in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other accident-related damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are meant to reimburse bus accident victims for the out-of-pocket expenses they have incurred and may include:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are awarded based on an accident victim’s intangible losses that cannot be quantified monetarily. It should be noted that non-economic damages, if awarded, are based on unique case facts but frequently include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and mental trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Finn Trial Attorneys APC has comprehensive experience helping clients recover fair compensation, which will give you the peace of mind you deserve. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer you a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

Why Should I Hire Your San Diego Bus Accident Lawyer to Help Me File a Personal Injury Claim?

Anyone who utilizes bus transportation companies has a reasonable expectation that they will arrive at their destination safely. However, when a bus collides with other large vehicles, many passengers and other motorists suffer severe injuries that can have lifelong consequences or wrongful death.

If you are dealing with injuries caused by negligence or the loss of a loved one, you must seek qualified legal representation immediately. Finn Trial Attorneys APC is a law firm dedicated to ensuring that all liable parties will be held responsible for their actions or inactions.

Our San Diego bus accident lawyers have in-depth experience helping clients recover financial compensation for their injuries. We will act as your legal advocate with the insurance company to ensure you are treated fairly. Contact our law office today at 619-375-5105 to schedule a free case evaluation.