Santa Ana Bus Accident Lawyer

A bus is a common form of public transportation that is accessible and convenient to use when commuting in and out of Santa Ana. It can serve multiple purposes and has different designs to distinguish itself based on the particular service it is performing. Due to its size and weight, it is mandatory for bus drivers to undergo exams and extensive training to entrust them with the responsibility of operating the large vehicle in a safe manner.

Other types of rules and regulations have also been implemented to ensure a bus driver and vehicle operator can travel near one another without causing any problems. Unfortunately, some will go against these established laws and exhibit reckless behavior. This, along with several other factors, can cause a bus accident. In such a case, the outcome can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the large number of people involved.

Victims are encouraged to take legal action against the liable party to recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Santa Ana bus accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. With an ongoing track record of delivering client satisfaction, we are confident that our quality services will meet your legal needs and get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.

To schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to our 24/7 team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

What Can Cause Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can be caused by numerous elements. Below, we have sectioned each one to discuss further on what they are and how they can occur. This is important to understand to help implement effective defensive skills to manage unexpected situations.

Distracted Driving

Bus drivers must keep their eyes on the road at all times. However, distractions, like mobile phones or passengers, may influence them to look away, even for a second. This decision could cause the bus driver to experience the following:

• Delayed reaction time
• Poor judgment
• Loss of vehicle control

If a bus accident occurs due to distracted driving, the injured victim(s) can file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Santa Ana bus accident lawyers will guide you through each stage of the legal process to ensure you build a strong claim to better your likelihood of obtaining a fair settlement. 

Impaired Driving

Bus drivers who consume harmful substances, like drugs or alcohol, can tamper with their vision and thought process. This can make it difficult to properly maintain or control a large vehicle, thus raising the chances of a collision from occurring.

Driver Fatigue

Bus drivers who do not get enough rest are prone to experience drowsy driving. This can affect their:

• Response to hazards
• Decision-making
• Coordination

Those who notice their eyes progressively closing are encouraged to find a safe location nearby to park the large vehicle and rest until they feel ready to drive again. Or, they should consume a caffeinated beverage to regain enough energy to continue driving.

Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavements, can trigger a bus driver to lose balance of the large vehicle and crash into an object nearby. Given the scenario, the government entity or property owner in charge of the area may face legal consequences if they knew or should have known about the hazard.

Manufacturing Error

A defective bus can bring a multitude of risks that can endanger the lives of the bus driver, passengers, and others traveling near the large vehicle. For instance, faulty brakes can make it practically impossible for a bus driver to stop the vehicle in time to avoid an accident.

Under such circumstances, one or more of the following parties can be held liable:

• Bus maintenance company
• Bus manufacturers
• Bus company
• Distributors

Common Injuries in a Bus Accident

Bus accidents can lead to various types of injuries that are influenced by the severity of the impact. Some common forms of bodily harm that may occur after the collision include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Brain injuries
• Internal injuries

What to Do After a Bus Accident

Getting into a bus accident can be a frightening experience. If possible, try to maintain your thoughts and focus on doing the actions listed below to ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights.

Contact Law Enforcement

If you notice any injuries or damaged vehicles, you should contact your local law enforcement. Once they arrive at the accident scene, they will conduct a police report in which you can request a copy to use in your bus accident claim. Paramedics may also arrive to administer immediate medical treatment to those who may need it.

Acquire Information From All Parties Involved

Be sure to collect contact, vehicle, and insurance information from all parties involved in the bus accident.

Seek Medical Attention

It is important to seek medical attention soon after a bus accident. Once you have been assessed and diagnosed by a physician, you will be suggested a treatment plan to follow to recover from your injury. Records of your doctor visits, medical prescriptions, and/or surgical procedures will be saved on file.

If you fail to get the care you need to improve your quality of life, your wound may gradually worsen over time. In addition, the opposing side may argue that the injured area is not as critical as you claimed or that it could have been caused by something else.

Gather Evidence

Try to gather the evidence listed below to help create a well-constructed bus accident claim:

• Photos of your injury and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of your medical records and the police report

Hire a Santa Ana Bus Accident Attorney

Bus accident cases can be stressful and overwhelming to handle all on your own. To have a more seamless experience with your lawsuit, you can get in touch with West Coast Trial Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with one of our top-rated Santa Ana bus accident attorneys. We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you are granted a reasonable settlement.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?

Determining liability in a bus accident will require you to obtain substantial evidence and present it to a Santa Ana bus accident lawyer. Once the information has been assessed, the accountable party will be identified. From there, you can get started on the filing process with your legal team.

Under California’s comparative negligence laws, all parties involved in the bus accident will be evaluated to learn what degree of fault was committed by each side. If you are found partially at-fault for the incident, you can still recover damages. But, it will be reduced based on the severity of the negligence you contributed.

Potential liable parties in a bus accident case include the following:

• Government entities
• Bus companies
• Bus drivers
• Other parties

What Damages Are Available in a Bus Accident Case?

Available damages in a bus accident case will vary based on some of the following:

• The extent of your injuries
• Witness statements
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Current and future medical expenses

Generally, plaintiffs are awarded economic damages and non-economic damages in bus accident lawsuits. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be given.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial losses you endured as a result of the bus accident, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses, like:

• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are added on top of compensatory damages as a way to punish the wrongdoer for their outrageous behavior. This has been granted in about 5 percent of verdicts. In order to obtain punitive damages, you will need to prove how the defendant was malicious or intended to harm you.

Our Santa Ana Bus Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you were involved in a bus accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be given the right to sue them. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our expert Santa Ana bus accident lawyers will protect your legal rights and advocate on your behalf to make sure you are granted full and fair compensation.

To schedule a free consultation you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.