Valencia Bus Accident Lawyer

Valencia, located within the Santa Clarita Valley, relies on the public transport system to allow residents and visitors to have easy access to travel in and out of the city. It covers roughly 200 square miles, providing a range of services to meet transportation needs. Despite its efficiency and safety, bus accidents are still likely to occur. For instance, cases have taken place at intersections, like Sierra Highway and Golden Valley Road and Soledad Canyon Road and Crossglade Avenue have resulted in thousands of dollars in property damage and hospital fees.

In cases such as those, injured victims are encouraged to sue the liable parties to recover compensation. As such, if you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, then it is recommended to reach out to West Coast Trial Lawyers. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Valencia bus accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience handling a range of personal injury claims from the simple to the complex. With a proven track record of delivering client satisfaction, we are confident that we will meet or exceed your expectations.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you do not owe us anything unless we successfully settle your bus accident case. To schedule a FREE initial consultation with our experienced legal team, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are caused by a combination of factors. Let’s explore each one in the sections below.

Bus Driver Error

Bus drivers are required to follow road rules to maintain safe conditions for passengers and other road users. Failing to fulfill this duty can result in accidents. Some examples of bus driver errors include the following:

• Making improper turns
• Not checking blind spots
• Incorrect lane changes

Distracted driving is another common issue that has led to collisions. Bus drivers who do not pay attention to the road at all times will fail to notice changes in traffic patterns, making it more likely for them to strike another vehicle or object nearby.

Road Hazards

Bus drivers must keep an eye out for road hazards, like:

• Potholes
• Debris
• Uneven surfaces

Serious outcomes are possible if direct contact is made with either of these factors. For instance, if a bus hits a pothole, loss of control may occur. Given the circumstances, bus drivers should react promptly to such conditions to prevent or reduce as much damage as possible.

Mechanical Failure

Faulty parts can prevent a bus driver from safely traveling on the road. If a defect is discovered during a drive, it can increase the risk of a collision. To illustrate, if a braking system is not immediately responding to the bus driver’s command, it will be nearly impossible to have it slow down or stop. As a result, it will collide with other vehicles or objects nearby. 

Multiple parties can be accountable in this case. Liability could likely be shared among the following:

• Bus owners
• Bus companies
• Bus manufacturers
• Mechanic or service providers

A proper investigation will need to be done to learn whether all parties followed safety protocols. You can reach out to West Coast Trial Lawyers and have one of our expert Valencia bus accident attorneys assess your case and determine responsibility.

Other Road Users

Other road users, like drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, can contribute to bus accidents if they are exhibiting negligent or reckless behavior. Some examples include the following:

• A driver is speeding and making dangerous lane changes, causing the bus driver to swerve or brake abruptly to avoid a crash
• A pedestrian unexpectedly crosses the road, forcing the bus driver to react quickly to avoid hitting them
• A cyclist suddenly gets out of the designated bike lane, provoking the bus driver to change their path to prevent harsh contact

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering outcomes. Below are some of the most common forms of bodily harm that may occur:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations and cuts
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries

The extent of pain depends on certain factors, like whether the passengers were seated during the time of the incident and what type of collision occurred.

Types of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can happen in various settings, each presented with its own unique risks and challenges. Let’s further explore these in the following sections.

School Buses

School bus accidents typically happen in school zones or near stops. To reduce the number of cases, California established the following regulations:

• CVC 22454: Drivers are required to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended
• CVC 22352: Drivers will need to lessen their speed to 25 mph when approaching or passing a school zone, particularly within 500 to 1,000 feet of the facility while children are outside or crossing the street
• CVC 21804: Drivers must yield to school crossing guards 

Failing to comply with these traffic laws will increase the likelihood of an accident. Legal repercussions may also be enforced and punishments will vary based on the severity of the school bus accident. 

Transit and Tour Buses

Transit buses are used for daily transportation whereas tour buses are for sightseeing. Collisions involving either of these large vehicles are caused by:

• Driver error
• Poor road conditions
• Other road users

Due to the number of passengers on board and pedestrians nearby, accidents can lead to multiple serious injuries. But, there is an elevated risk with transit buses due to high frequency usage. The more time it spends on the road, the greater the likelihood of it being in a crash.

What to Do After a Bus Accident

After a bus accident, it is crucial to do the steps sectioned below to ensure your safety and build a strong personal injury claim.

Call Local Authorities

Contact the police immediately after the bus accident. Once they arrive at the scene, they will conduct a written report. Paramedics may also show up to provide medical care to those who need it.

Exchange Information

Be sure to share contact, insurance, and vehicle information with all parties involved.

Seek Medical Attention

Whether you sustained a minor or serious injury, it is important to seek assistance from a medical professional. They will evaluate your condition, and if any notable concerns are presented, a diagnosis will be made. Treatment options will also be provided to help with your recovery.

Gather Evidence

Try to gather as much evidence as you can, like:

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

Consult with a Valencia Bus Accident Lawyer

Consulting with a Valencia bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options when pursuing a personal injury case. From there, you will receive assistance throughout the duration of your lawsuit. This includes the following:

• Determining liability
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Acquiring maximum compensation
• Court representation if your case heads to trial

Our team at West Coast Trial Lawyers will work diligently to make sure you get the best outcome possible while you focus on your recovery.

How Do I Sue a Bus Company?

Suing a bus company involves several legal steps and considerations. First, you will need to gather evidence to prove negligence. This will require you to demonstrate the following:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care
• The defendant’s recklessness was the direct cause of your injury
• You sustained losses as a result of the bus accident

Once the groundwork is laid, your bus accident attorney will file a complaint to the appropriate court. This will highlight:

• Your legal claim
• Facts supporting them
• Compensation you are seeking

From there, the bus company may try to settle the lawsuit out of court. Your legal representative will step in to handle the negotiations to make sure you get a reasonable outcome. If an agreement is not reached, your case will head to trial. While the duration of the lawsuit could take anywhere from a couple of months up to a few years, the timeline for these cases will vary based on what unique factors are involved and court availability.

Statute of Limitations to File a Bus Accident Claim

The statute of limitations to file a bus accident claim in Valencia is two years from the date of when the incident occurred. But, if this is made against a government entity, you will need to file a notice of claim within six months. Once it has been submitted, it will be under review. If the claim gets denied, you may proceed with a lawsuit.

It is important for bus accident victims to consider the time limit when undergoing such a case. Try to gather significant evidence and seek the right attorney to represent you. Failing to complete these tasks in a timely manner will cause delays. And if you happen to exceed the deadline, you will no longer be given the right to recover damages.

How Much Compensation Can You Get in a Bus Accident?

Compensation awarded in a bus accident case will differ depending on several factors, including:

• The extent of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity

To get an idea of what you could be owed, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the losses you incurred from the collision.

Typically, compensatory damages are awarded, and are divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible losses with monetary value, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

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

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

Speak to West Coast Trial Lawyers at No Cost

Accident victims are entitled to secure compensation. With the help of West Coast Trial Lawyers, you can get valuable insight on your case and how personal injury law applies. Our Valencia bus accident lawyers will navigate you through the legal process and get you a fair settlement to cover the expenses you sustained in the aftermath of the collision.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.