Public transportation buses, school buses, and other commercial buses are involved in collisions more often than you might think. However, these types of accidents are often far more complex since multiple parties often share liability for the victim’s damages.
If you were seriously injured in a bus crash, you may have the right to compensation for your losses. A dedicated Pasadena bus accident attorney at The Simmrin Law Group could help you make the liable party pay. Learn more about how to demand justice and how much your case could be worth when you contact our personal injury legal team for a free consultation.
When to Call a Bus Accident Attorney in Pasadena, CA for Help
You may not be sure whether you should reach out to a bus accident lawyer for help. After all, you may have concerns that you will be accused of pursuing a lawsuit frivolously, exaggerating the extent of your injuries, or feeling overwhelmed at the thought of pursuing legal action. However, as long as your injuries have significantly affected your life, and someone else is responsible for causing the accident, you may have the right to compensation for your losses.
Do not be worried if your injuries are not catastrophic or life-threatening. This is not a requirement to be entitled to reimbursement for your losses. However, there are some types of injuries bus accident victims deal with most often, including:
- Whiplash
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Organ failure
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations causing septic shock
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Broken bones and compound fractures
- Dental injuries
- Facial trauma
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Pasadena, call (310) 896-2723
Proving the Elements of Negligence
These are only a few examples of injuries that can occur in bus accidents. The only requirement that must be met for your bus accident claim to be successful is proving liability based on a preponderance of the evidence. To do this, we must show how the defendant was negligent.
The elements of negligence are as follows:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Essentially, the alleged liable party must have had a responsibility to keep you safe. They must have somehow breached this duty of care by failing to take action or making decisions that were not in your best interests. The alleged liable party’s conduct must have been the proximate cause of your injuries and damages.
Finally, you must have suffered considerable financial trauma, emotional distress, physical injury, or psychological damages that have had a significant impact on your life or are expected to in the future.
Pasadena Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Top Causes of Pasadena Bus Accidents
Before your bus accident lawyer can move through the claims process, we must figure out how the accident occurred. Bus accidents can be caused by any number of factors, including inclement weather, wildlife, and dangerous road conditions, to name a few.
Arguably the most common cause of bus accidents is negligent driving. This can include any type of unsafe driving behaviors, such as distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or even driving while fatigued. Other examples of negligent driving could include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Road rage
- Failure to stop
- Making unlawful turns
- Failure to yield
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
Many bus accidents also happen because parts are defective or malfunctioning. If buses are not properly inspected or bus owners fail to make the necessary safety repairs, victims are far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. You can rely on your bus accident attorney at The Simmrin Law Group to reveal the cause of your accident so we can hold all parties who contributed to your injuries accountable for their negligence.
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Proving Fault and Negligence
Once your personal injury lawyer has determined the cause of the collision, we will have a better understanding of who should be held accountable. For example, when negligent driving is the cause of the accident, the bus driver or other driver that hit you may be at fault. Conversely, when defective bus parts cause injuries, several parties could share the blame, including:
- The bus company
- The owner of the bus
- Bus maintenance workers
- Bus safety inspectors
Additionally, if hazardous road conditions had anything to do with your bus accident injuries, the city of Pasadena, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and other government agencies may be at fault. This is because they have a duty to ensure the roadways are properly maintained and cleared of debris or hazards at all times. Failure to do so could be considered negligence, which means they may be partially at fault for your losses
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How to Handle the Insurance Company After a Bus Accident
After being involved in a bus accident, there are several ways you could recover your damages. Usually, you will start by filing a claim with the insurance company. California follows fault insurance laws, so you will start by filing a claim with the liable party’s insurer.
However, dealing with the insurance company will not be easy. Insurance adjusters do everything they can to pay as little as possible on claims. This saves the insurance company money.
Unfortunately, they will always prioritize their financial interests over your best interests. For this reason, it is never a good idea to go into negotiations with the insurance company without a lawyer present. Better yet, direct the insurance company to your bus accident attorney so we can ensure they have the facts they need to process your claim and protect you from being taken advantage of.
Connect with a Bus Accident Lawyer in Pasadena, CA Today
Your bus accident injuries may have taken over your life, but they do not have to define you. You can regain control and get the financial support and legal guidance you need when you need it most. Demand the liable party compensate you fairly for your losses.
Reach out to an experienced Pasadena bus accident lawyer at The Simmrin Law Group to fight for justice. Our team proudly offers no-cost, risk-free consultations to bus accident victims across Pasadena and surrounding cities. Claim yours by calling our office or completing our quick contact form today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form