Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
Our Los Angeles personal injury law firm has handled numerous bus accident claims. We have assisted many people who have been injured in catastrophic bus accidents, as well as those who have been engaged in less serious incidents, such as school buses and city buses. We also defend cyclists, pedestrians, and other anyone hurt by careless bus drivers.
We handle all types of bus accident cases, including those involving:
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Common causes may include:
- Driver Fatigue: Bus drivers often work long shifts and may be operating the vehicle while fatigued. Fatigue reduces reaction time and decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Like other motorists, bus drivers can become distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or even passengers.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Bus drivers who speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes can cause catastrophic accidents. Operating a large vehicle requires care, and any reckless behavior can cause devastating crashes.
- Poor Bus Maintenance: Bus companies are required to regularly inspect and keep their vehicles to ensure safety. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical issues can lead to accidents. When maintenance is neglected, the bus company could be held liable.
- Inadequate Training: Bus drivers must undergo specific training to handle the size and mechanics of these large vehicles. Inadequate training or improper licensing can increase the likelihood of an accident.
- Weather Conditions: While bus drivers should be trained to drive in various weather conditions, heavy rain, fog, or slippery roads can still result in accidents, particularly if the driver is not exercising due caution.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents: In urban areas, buses often share the road with pedestrians and cyclists. Failing to yield, turning without signaling, or speeding can result in accidents involving these vulnerable road users.
- Third-Party Negligence: Not all bus accidents are solely the bus driver's or company's fault. Other drivers on the road who act recklessly, pedestrians who fail to obey traffic signals, or cyclists who violate road rules can also cause bus accidents.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Common injuries may include:
- Head Injuries: Bus accidents often lead to head trauma, ranging from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can have long-lasting effects, which include cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a bus accident can cause spinal cord damage, leading to partial or full paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, often leaving victims with permanent disabilities.
- Broken Bones: The force of a bus collision can cause passengers to be thrown from their seats or crushed against surfaces, leading to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Whiplash: When the neck is suddenly jerked forward and back due to impact, it can cause whiplash, which affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. If not properly treated, whiplash can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to organs can often occer when a bus accident victim’s body collides with a hard surface. These injuries may not be instantly apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention.
- Burns and Lacerations: Accidents involving fuel leaks or fires can lead to severe burns, while broken glass or sharp objects can cause deep cuts and lacerations. Both injuries may require surgery and leave lasting scars.
- Emotional Trauma: Victims of bus accidents often experience psychological injuries, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional trauma can have a substantial effect on a person’s quality of life and could require long-term therapy.
Who Can Be Held Liable For a Party Bus Accident?
Liability in a party bus accident can be difficult to determine because there are many parties involved. It is our responsibility as Los Angeles party bus accident lawyers to guide you through this difficult procedure and determine who might be liable for your injuries.
Here are the potential parties that could be held liable:
- Party Bus Driver: If they were negligent, such as speeding, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be held accountable for the accident and any resulting injuries.
- Party Bus Company: The company may be responsible if it failed to properly maintain the vehicle, hire qualified drivers, or comply with safety regulations. Inadequate training or oversight of their drivers can also make the company liable.
- Other Drivers: Other drivers on the road may have contributed to the accident. If another vehicle's reckless or negligent driving led to the collision, the driver of that vehicle could be held responsible.
- Party Bus Manufacturers: Manufacturers of the party bus or its parts may be liable if a defect in the vehicle caused or contributed to the accident. This might include faulty brakes, steering systems, or other critical components.
- Road Maintenance Entities: Entities responsible for road maintenance may be at fault if hazardous road conditions played a role in the accident.
As seasoned Los Angeles party bus accident attorneys, we will carry out an extensive investigation to identify all potential points of fault to ensure that you get all of the money you are entitled to. Please contact us right away if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a party bus accident so that we can offer you knowledgeable legal advice.
How Our Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help You
You might be wondering if it is necessary to engage an attorney if you or someone you know was hurt in a bus accident. The answer is contingent upon the specifics of your case. Generally speaking, you ought to think about retaining legal counsel if the accident resulted in serious injuries to you or the death of a loved one.
At Atoyan Law, our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating the crash
- Determining liability
- Calculating your damages
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
- Helping you understand your rights and options
We are experienced trial lawyers who will not hesitate to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable payment. Our staff has a lengthy history of success and is ready to fight for you.
