Woodland Hills Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus routes are an affordable and convenient means for people to travel throughout the city when they do not have a car. Woodland Hills has 10 bus routes available for people to use and once a person steps foot onto a bus, the bus driver is expected to provide them with a duty of care to safely drop them off at the next bus stop. While the bus driver would generally do their duty without incident, sometimes there are going to be those who fail to meet this expectation. In doing so, the bus driver and the bus owner may face legal repercussions for any injuries or damages caused by their negligence.

If you or a loved one were involved in a bus crash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our compassionate team of bus accident lawyers are here to fight for you and serve as your trusted legal counsel. With over 20 years of legal experience, we are confident that we can get you the financial compensation that you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients and we will continue to do our duty to guide our clients throughout the legal process. As such, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our team of attorneys are available 24/7 to address them and put your mind at ease.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Common Causes Of Woodland Hills Bus Accidents

From what is typically seen in the Woodland Hills area, drunk driving, driver error, and mechanical failures are the most common causes of bus crashes. So if you are filing a bus accident claim against a negligent bus driver or other motor vehicles, it is important to understand the differences between each cause because it will give you a better grasp of your situation when you are discussing your case with your attorney.

Drunk Driving

While most bus drivers do not drink and drive, the chances of buses getting involved in a drunk driving accident is more prominent than one would think. According to a Global Road Safety report conducted by the CDC, about 28% of all fatal crashes in the U.S. resulted from drunk driving. As buses are naturally larger and take more space on the road, they are more susceptible to getting hit by other drunk drivers on the road. Whether you get into an accident due to a drunk bus operator or by a third party, whoever caused the incident would be responsible for all personal injuries and any incurred medical expenses and physical therapy costs.

Driver Error

Driver errors are referred to as reckless or negligent actions such as speeding, driver fatigue, and distracted driving. According to a data chart conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding was a factor in about 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, and the NHTSA’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign has recorded that 8% of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Due to the nature of driver errors, it can happen to any driver on the road and depending on the error the severity of the accident can vary from something minor to something severe.

Defective Parts

While defective parts are more of a rarer occurrence, they can still cause a devastating amount of damage if the accident occurs in dense traffic or during poor weather conditions. If bus operators are not conducting routine maintenance checks, then the chances of an incident occurring is very likely and the bus manufacturers can become responsible for damages.

This is not strictly limited to public transportation, in fact, school buses, tour buses, and private buses all need to be checked for quality and operational standards. Should there be any issues or a gap in the bus maintenance records, then bus companies and their team of maintenance workers can be held liable for negligent maintenance and for any accidents that have derived from it.

Statute of Limitations for a Bus Accident

In California, if you are filing a lawsuit against a public or government operated transportation entity, you must have it filed within six months of the initial incident date. For non-government private entities, you are given two years from the date of the collision to file according to section 335.1 of the state’s legislation. If you wait to file your claim then you automatically waive your right to pursue compensation for all damages and any attempts to file it will be dismissed in court. So it is vital that you file your personal injury claim as soon as possible with an experienced lawyer.

Who Is Responsible for Bus Accidents?

Generally, bus drivers and the bus company are required to give passengers the utmost care and diligence during a trip as per section 2100 of California’s Civil Code. Should they break that duty of care then the drivers and the bus company can be held liable for any injuries that have occurred in the accident. The only exception to that rule is unless there is a third responsible for the accident in question, such as another reckless driver.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a bus accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of Woodland Hills bus accident attorneys are ready to represent you and fight for your rights. With over 20 years of legal experience, our team of bus accident lawyers are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients and we will continue to represent them and look out for their best interests. Whether you were involved in a serious bus crash or are unsure how to file a bus accident claim, our Woodland Hills bus accident lawyers are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents In Woodland Hills

What Happens if I’m Partially at Fault for a Bus Accident in Woodland Hills?

If you are partially at fault, then you would share the portion of the responsibility that you are accountable for as per California Civil Code 1431.2. So if a victim is partially responsible for causing an accident then their liability will be reflected in their awarded compensation. For example, if you were 25% responsible for the accident in question, then you lose 25% of your awarded compensation to hold you accountable for your actions.

How Much Does a Woodland Hills Bus Accident Lawyer Cost?

Bus accident attorneys typically work under a contingency system which means that they only charge a fee if they win a case or receive a settlement offer from opposing counsel. Should they achieve either, they would charge a contingency fee that would range anywhere between 25%-40%, however, most lawyers charge around 33%.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve a Bus Accident Case?

Bus accident cases will vary on a case-by-case scenario and they can take anywhere between several months to a few years to resolve. It may take longer to resolve if there are multiple parties involved in the accident or if there is a dispute in how liability was originally determined. However, most bus accident cases tend to get settled before it reaches court, so the chances of it getting resolved faster is likely.