Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer
Whether you are on a party bus for a bachelor party, taking the bus to work, or putting your child on the school bus you are entrusting your well-being and those of your loved ones to others. Unfortunately sometimes accidents happen on buses and when they do it is important that you seek out the best representation to help you through the legal process.
Know About The Types of Bus Accidents
The Los Angeles bus crash attorneys at Custodio & Dubey, LLP have broad experience and a successful track record in representing clients that have been involved in bus accidents and have a legal team dedicated to helping their clients recover compensation for their injuries. The talented Los Angeles bus accident attorneys of Custodio & Dubey, LLP and their dedicated staff are here to assist you if you or a loved one has been involved in any of the following bus accidents including but not limited to:
- Car accidents and bus collisions
- Walking pedestrians getting struck by a bus
- Bicyclists getting struck by a bus
- School bus crashes
- Negligent driving by a bus driver
- Poor road conditions that caused a bus accident
- Dangerous weather conditions that resulted in a bus accident
Understanding Bus Accidents in Los Angeles, CA
The federal government defines a “bus” as any motorized vehicle capable of carrying more than ten passengers. This category includes school buses, municipal transit buses, large vans used for public transport, airport shuttles, tour buses, trolleys and interstate carriers, such as Greyhound or Amtrak buses. Most of the above mentioned are considered “common carriers” under the law, and thus are subjected to specific state and federal licensing requirements and regulations Nonetheless state law determines if bus companies and others are liable for damages to a passenger, pedestrian, or other motorist that has suffered injuries in a bus crash. The Los Angels bus accident lawyers at Custodio & Dubey are experienced with the intricacies of federal and state regulations governing all types of bus service providers which is of utmost importance to find violations of those laws to bolster your case.
Who Is Responsible For Damages And Injuries By Bus Accidents
There are many variables involved in a bus accident; therefore the question of who is responsible for damages and the resulting injuries depends on the particular circumstances of accident. At the earliest stages it is important for your personal injury lawyer to identify key parties including: the bus driver, the owner of the bus, the company or agency that operates it, as well as the company contracted for the maintenance and repair of the bus. The identification of these parties is crucial for your case because more often than not these are the parties that are liable for the accident and your injuries. Your case may hinge on your Los Angeles bus accident lawyer’s ability to effectively and expediently identify and investigate these parties and gather evidence before it is lost. Here are the most parties most commonly held liable in bus accidents.
Bus Driver – Most commonly, bus accidents are the result of the negligent operation of the bus. Bus drivers may violate traffic controls, fall asleep at the wheel or become distracted at the wheel just to name a couple of scenarios. Bus drivers involved in a bus crash can be held personally responsible for the injuries by the passengers and others. As a practical matter to increase compensation for the client, the companies employing the bus driver, and their insurance companies, will also be joined as financially responsible for bus crashes and accident injuries.
The Bus Company – A bus company can be held liable for a bus accident in many ways. As mentioned above it can be held liable for its employee’s negligence under a respondeat superior theory. A company can be independently liable if the company sends a dangerously defective bus out on the road. The bus company can be found liable based on subpar hiring, training, and discipline practices of drivers, maintenance people, and other employees. In addition, the bus company may be found at fault for a bus crash and passenger injuries caused by its failure to make or enforce adequate safety procedures.
Bus Maintenance Companies – If the bus company uses an independent contractor to maintain the buses in a safe mechanical condition, that company may be sued independently for negligent maintenance that causes a bus crash or accident.
Drivers of Other Vehicles and their employers – The owners and drivers of other vehicles can be held liable for bus accident injuries caused by negligent or reckless driving. A driver’s employer may also be held liable for a bus accident if the driver was operating the vehicle in the scope of employment.
Government agencies, Municipalities, and School boards– These entities may face similar liability as a bus company of they own and operate the bus involved in an accident, with albeit with special rules for government liability. Governments are responsible for unsafe and hazardous road conditions as discussed in other sections.
Manufacturers of the bus/bus parts – A bus part manufacturer that sends a defective product from the factory to the marketplace subjects bus passengers to an unreasonable danger and potential harm of causing a bus accident. Thus a bus/bus part manufacturer can be held responsible for damages when a bus crash occurs.
What Compensation Can I Get From a Bus Accident?
Victims of bus accidents can suffer extensive injuries including broken bones, burns, spinal injuries, head trauma and loss of limbs. These circumstances often require both short-term and long-term medical care resulting in extensive medical bills, surgery, physical therapy, diagnostic testing and other specialized care.
Depending on the severity and circumstances of your or your loved one’s injuries due to a bus accident, your Los Angeles bus accident attorney may identify possible claims for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive Damages
- Wrongful death
Hire! Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers at Custodio & Dubey, LLP
The bus accident attorneys in Los Angeles at Custodio & Dubey, LLP have a decade of experience in California personal injury law. Their skill with all sorts of accidents including bus accidents is top-notch and their knowledge and experience with insurance carriers enables them to pursue the maximum compensation for their clients efficiently and effectively. Call them toll free at (213) 593-9095 for a free consultation of your case, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. You can also fill out our online consultation form and an attorney will contact you as soon as possible.
