Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries that affect victims for the rest of their lives. Injured victims need to know the benefits of retaining a bus accident lawyer in West Covina. Learning more about bus accident cases can prepare you for seeking financial compensation for your personal injury claim.
The Most Common Injuries Victims Suffer During Bus Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports nearly 5,000 fatal crashes involving buses or large trucks in the last reporting year. Bus accidents involving smaller cars, trucks, and SUVs can cause serious bodily injury. Also, extensive property damage is possible during a bus accident.
Commercial buses, city buses, and school buses are capable of withstanding tremendous force. However, smaller automobiles are often more vulnerable during bus accidents. The following are some of the most common injuries victims suffer during bus accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Bone fractures
- Severe burns
Injured victims may also need to undergo surgeries to recover from their injuries. Bus accidents can happen in both rural and urban areas. However, the County of Los Angeles is one of the most populated areas in the United States; bus accidents occur often in West Covina and Los Angeles County.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
The Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in West Covina, California
Bus accidents may happen under many different circumstances. Also, numerous factors may contribute to any single bus accident. However, the following are some of the most common causes of bus accidents in West Covina, California:
- Improper maintenance and inspection of the bus involved in the accident
- Driving while intoxicated
- Texting while driving
- Eating while driving
- Driving at an excessive rate of speed
- Not obeying traffic signs and traffic signals
- Fatigued driving
Bus drivers are common carriers, and they must adhere to the standard of care when performing their job duties. Multiple fatalities may occur during bus accidents. When bus drivers engage in negligent conduct, they put the lives of many people at risk.
West Covina Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How a West Covina Bus Accident Lawyer Can Benefit Injured Victims
A bus accident lawyer can help injured victims understand their legal rights. Victims may feel confused, angry, and frustrated after suffering injuries during a bus accident. Having a legal professional on your side will enable you to seek monetary compensation for your injuries.
A lawyer who specializes in bus accident cases will determine which parties may be liable for a victim’s injuries. In a bus accident involving a city bus, the county, the city, and the bus driver may all be liable for a victim’s injuries. Bus accident cases can be complex due to the number of defendants that may be named in the case.
Gathering Evidence to Substantiate Your Legal Claims
If you suffered injuries during a bus accident, then you will need to gather as much evidence as possible to substantiate your legal claims. A skilled bus accident lawyer can help you obtain the medical records, medical bills, and traffic collision reports associated with your case. This evidence can help you satisfy the burden of proof and pursue monetary compensation for your injuries.
Preparing for Trial
Although the vast majority of civil cases are resolved through settlement negotiation, it is possible that your case will go to trial. A knowledgeable bus accident lawyer will be ready to take your case to trial and examine witnesses, draft jury instructions, and deliver both opening and closing statements.
An experienced bus accident lawyer can handle the tedious aspects of your bus accident case while you heal from your injuries. You will not have to worry about filing documents or completing paperwork. Also, a bus accident lawyer can help you prepare for depositions so you can benefit from the attorney work product doctrine, the attorney-client privilege, and attorney-client confidentiality.
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The Types of Damages Injured Victims Can Claim in Bus Accident Cases
Injured victims may have to spend time recuperating in a hospital after suffering injuries during a bus accident. It can take months for some individuals to recover from their injuries. By the time a person is involved in a civil lawsuit, they may not know what types of damages they can claim; lawyers and clients must sometimes provide a computation of damages to opposing counsel in bus accident cases.
General Damages, Special Damages, and Punitive Damages
Damages are generally either special damages, general damages, or punitive damages. Special damages refer to quantifiable harms; general damages refer to non-quantifiable harms. Punitive damages are reserved for defendants who commit particularly egregious wrongs.
By awarding punitive damages, courts punish defendants and deter defendants from committing the same conduct in the future. The following are some examples of the types of damages injured victims can claim in bus accident cases:
- Medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Lost future earnings
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
These are not the only types of damages an injured victim may claim in a bus accident case. All bus accident cases are unique, and not all types of damages will apply to every case.
Calculating the Total Damages Amount
A bus accident lawyer will be able to calculate the total damages amount associated with your injuries. Having a clear damages total can help your West Covina bus accident attorney during mediation and arbitration. These terms refer to forms of alternative dispute resolution.
It is necessary for you to be able to have a reasonable approximation of your damages amount to present to opposing counsel. The total damages amount may often be included in the civil complaint drafted by a bus accident lawyer. One of the most important benefits of retaining a bus accident attorney is being able to have an accurate calculation of your damages.
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Contact the Simmrin Law Group Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
The Simmrin Law Group has years of experience representing clients in bus accident cases. If you suffered injuries during a bus accident in West Covina, contact the Simmrin Law Group today to schedule a free consultation. Retaining a bus accident attorney in West Covina will help you stand up to the insurance companies and demand that you have an opportunity to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form