Millions of students, commuters, and travelers rely on buses every day for transportation. There are many types of buses, and all are an integral part of our transportation system. Even though bus drivers are specially trained, accidents still happen. Due to their size and force, the damage from bus accidents can be catastrophic. Injuries, property damage, and even death are not uncommon.
If you or someone you love was the victim of a bus accident, you might be able to take legal action. In some cases, a Los Angeles bus lawyer may be able to secure compensation for victims. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to discuss your case in detail and help you decide if legal action is right for you. Call (800) 794-0444 to speak with a team member during a free consultation.
Different Types of Buses
There are many different types of buses on the road. If you were in an accident with any of the following vehicles, you might have been the victim of a bus accident:
- Double-decker: If you have ever walked near tourist attractions, you may have encountered a double-decker bus. Popular among tourists, these buses have two levels, with the top-level frequently being open, allowing passengers to take in the view.
- School bus: School buses come in various sizes, but most are the iconic yellow buses that transport students to and from school. School buses stop frequently and have special laws regarding safety, designed to protect children.
- Coach: Coach busesare designed for longer routes, like a trip between two towns or cities, or even across multiple states. Coach buses usually have a storage area underneath the cabin and more room than a typical city, or “transit,” bus.
- Articulated bus: Articulated buses are made of multiple components with a flexible connective area, allowing for more mobility around turns, as these buses tend to be exceptionally long.
- Transit bus: A transit bus is the most common type of bus you will see in an urban area. Transit buses are usually numbered and designated to a specific, repeated route.
While there are other buses you might come across on the road, these are some of the most common types. Accidents can happen with any type of bus. These accidents can endanger passengers, drivers or surrounding vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and everyone on or near the road. If you were involved in an accident with a bus that was not your fault, you can call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to discuss your case with a Los Angeles bus lawyer team member.
How Accidents Happen
If you were the victim in a bus accident, it may have been caused by one of the following factors:
- Inexperience: Even though bus drivers receive specialized training, all drivers must start somewhere. If a bus operator is inexperienced, received inadequate training, or is not familiar with a route, the chances of driver error that could lead to an accident can increase.
- Dangerous driving conditions: Hazards that can make driving more dangerous include bad weather, poor visibility, or foreign objects in the road like fallen branches or a crossing animal.
- Mechanical failure: Buses should be checked regularly and maintained appropriately. Failure to take proper care of a bus can put lives at risk and could be a form of negligence. The Code of Federal Regulations contains several regulations regarding bus maintenance. If a bus is not working correctly, the driver may not be able to operate it effectively, and this can lead to a bus accident.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving has become an increasingly serious problem on the road with the invention of cell phones and other forms of technology. Bus drivers should never use their cell phones while driving. Distracted driving can also include looking away from the road, playing with the radio, or any action that diverts attention.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influenceof alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. Sadly, impaired driving injures and kills innocent people every year.
- Fatigue: Driving when tired or driving too many consecutive hours is proven to impact decision making and can be a serious threat, especially for bus drivers operating large and powerful vehicles.
Bus accidents are more common than you might expect. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that as of 2017, buses and other large vehicles were involved in nearly 5,000 traffic fatalities (including 232 involving buses), more than 100,000 accidents that caused injury, and more than 360,000 highway accidents leading to property damage.
If you were in a bus accident that was caused by any of these factors, you may not be at fault. An accident that caused injury, property damage, or death for you or your loved ones could be grounds for legal action. A Los Angeles bus lawyer might be able to help you determine if legal action is appropriate in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Bus Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Potentially Recoverable Compensation
Victims of bus accidents deemed to be the fault of a third party can be eligible for compensation, which could include payment for pain and suffering and reimbursement for expensive and ongoing medical bills related to the accident, as well as property damage. In some cases, victims lose the ability to work and can recover money for lost wages. Speaking with a Los Angeles bus lawyer can help you establish if compensation is possible in your case.
Los Angeles Bus Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Getting Legal Help
Bus accidents can change your life in many ways. While you are dealing with financial loss, mental stress, and physical recovery, it can be overwhelming to think about navigating the legal system. Our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to help. Call (800) 794-0444 to schedule a free no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.
Remember that there is a statute of limitations for many claims—CCP § 335.1 sets a two-year deadline for personal injury cases—so acting now could be in your best interest. You deserve justice; Call us today so you can focus on recovery.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form