Pedestrians, cyclists, and passenger vehicle occupants’ lives are jeopardized daily by negligent bus owners and operators. As many as 700 million people travel this way each year. But even those who never step foot on a bus are at risk of becoming a victim in one of the tens of thousands of annual bus accidents. Many of these result in fatalities or serious bodily injury.
If you were injured in a bus accident or lost a loved one due to the carelessness of a bus driver, the Palm Spring bus accident lawyers at PTAL can ensure your legal rights are protected. We are experienced in representing personal injury claim victims — and our number one goal is to help you receive the financial compensation you are warranted.
Call us at 866-999-9085 for your free case evaluation today.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a bus is any vehicle that carries at least nine passengers. For this reason, many vehicles that you wouldn’t expect to be identified as “buses” fall into this category. Even some Uber vehicles are considered buses.
The most common types of Palm Springs bus accidents involve transit buses, school buses, and private charters. California has the second highest number of bus accidents in the United States, coming in after New York State. Thankfully, bus accidents are still rare. However, when they occur, they are usually catastrophic and often end with a loss of life.
You may have heard of the 2016 Palm Springs bus accident case when 13 people died after their tour bus collided with a semi-truck on Interstate 10. This kicked off a yearlong investigation that led to a cross-country trucker being charged with manslaughter after authorities determined that he fell asleep at the wheel and proceeded to block traffic.
The tour bus driver who died in the crash was also found to be at fault, as he hit the rear of the trailer at a speed of 76 miles per hour.
Although they might seem similar, lawsuits filed against a governmental entity have very different guidelines than those posed against private parties or companies.
For example, suppose someone is gravely injured in a bus accident involving a Sun-Line Transit Agency-run bus. Because Sunline Transit Agency is a government body, the victim would have a maximum of six months to file a claim starting from the date of the accident.
On the other hand, if someone is injured in and accident with a bus that is not owned by a governmental entity, like a private tour bus, the victim has up to two years to file a personal injury claim.
An investigation will take place, and a lawsuit can be filed if the investigation finds reasonable grounds.
If you are able to prove the bus wasn’t properly maintained, hazardous road conditions played a part, or the driver was negligent, compensation may be granted.
There is no way to know for sure if you eligible for compensation without first receiving a free case evaluation. Premier Truck Accident Lawyers provide free case evaluations by calling 866-999-9085 or by filling out the free case evaluation form.
Hopefully, you’ve done things directly following the crash to ensure you are protected, such as calling the police, seeking medical attention, gathering medical and police reports, and writing down any important details about the incident. The documentation process is especially important and should include the following:
One final thought: When speaking with insurance agencies, refrain from making statements about your injuries. Saying things like “I’m fine” or giving other contradictory statements to insurance representatives can hurt your chances of filing a successful claim.
After a serious bus accident, many victims struggle to recover from mental, emotional, and physical injuries. Often, these injuries are permanent or cause a severe shift in the quality of life. For example, after a bus accident, a survivor might struggle with a traumatic brain injury that makes it difficult for them to work. In severe cases, an accident may result in paralysis or total loss of movement. In the catastrophic scenarios, loss of life occurs.
A Palm Springs bus accident lawyer at PTAL can help victims and their families fight for financial compensation. Premier Truck Accident Lawyers often serves as a safe space for victims as they try to figure out how to put their lives back together following a catastrophic event.
If you have been in a Palm Springs bus accident, you will want to contact a personal injury lawyer in the area immediately. You’ll want to make sure that the firm you choose is reputable, experienced, and knows what it takes to take on a government entity or a company with firms who are paid big bucks to protect their interests.
Premier Truck Accident Lawyers is an award-willing law firm serving clients in Palm Springs, California and all other California communities.
Our top-notch team of attorneys is dedicated to providing legal representation in the areas of automobile accidents, elder abuse, personal injury, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases. Not only are we results-oriented, but we have received the highest honors in several specialized areas of practice.
The days following a bus accident can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and stress. This can make it challenging to know what to do. If you’ve been involved in a Palm Springs bus accident, you should take the following steps to protect yourself:
– Call the police immediately.
– Make notes of what happened.
– Obtain a copy of the police report.
– Obtain a copy of your medical record.
– Keep detailed notes about your pain and injuries.
– Keep a record of any work days missed.
– Speak with an attorney at Premier Truck Accident Lawyers to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Many Palm Springs attorneys focus on explaining what to do after an accident (bus or otherwise). However, it is important to know the “don’ts” along with the “dos.” If you’ve been in a bus accident, don’t flee the scene or neglect to call the police. Do not admit fault, and do not give a statement to the insurance company of any other party.
Instead, you should reach out and speak with an experienced Palm Springs bus accident lawyer at PTAL. Call 866-999-9085 or fill out the form on our site today for your free case evaluation.
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