Most of us feel safe on buses. And truthfully, they are one of the safest modes of transportation. The number of bus accidents that happen each year is very low, much lower than the 6 million passenger car accidents that happen annually.
What makes this so? Well, unlike most other modes of transport, bus safety is regulated by both state and federal agencies. This has led to a decrease in bus-related crashes. But still, bus accidents can and do happen. And when they do, the consequences are extraordinarily significant.
Compared to a passenger vehicle accident, bus accidents usually have more victims, more injuries, and more responsible parties.
The bottom line is the lack of seatbelts, airbags, and other safety measures mean that buses, although usually safe modes of transportation, can lead to fatalities and debilitating injuries when not driven properly or maintained.
The Sacramento bus accident lawyers at PTAL know this and are one of the first sources of support for those who have been injured in an accident.
The process of finding the right attorney can seem daunting, but Premier Truck Accident Lawyers make it easy. Just call 866-999-9085 to request a free case evaluation from our legal team.
Premier Truck Accident Lawyers specializes in accident cases and offers personalized representation on a contingency fee basis. This means your PTAL attorney will work for you with no upfront cost.
What exactly is a bus accident? This is a loaded question, since legally a bus is any vehicle that can hold at least nine passengers. So, small passenger vans that transport kids back and forth to church events count as buses. As do public transport buses, the shuttles you take at the airport, and the yellow ones the kids ride to and from school.
Sacramento bus accident lawyers cite a September 2022 case of a bus that ran over a pedestrian in a wheelchair. After impact, fire crews arrived at the scene and found the pedestrian stuck underneath the bus. California Highway Patrol officers confirmed that although emergency services were able to extricate the pedestrian within minutes, paramedics brought the man to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment of significant injuries.
With that being said, who was at fault? The bus driver? The pedestrian? Is the victim owed compensation? To begin to find answers and pursue compensation, this case required further investigation and a case evaluation.
Broadly speaking, there are a few different categories that bus accidents fall into when we look at cause. These include:
Bus companies are often found to be negligent when they:
Bus driver negligence can include driving while distracted, driving while fatigued, speeding, tailgating, improper merging, or driving under the influence. The same is true of other drivers who may crash into a bus, causing injury to themselves or others.
Another potential cause of Sacramento bus accidents is ignoring posted signs. For example, a bus operator might go over the posted speed limit or merge when merging isn’t allowed.
It is important to note the following:
Knowing what to do directly following a bus accident is crucial. Here are some of the things that the best Sacramento bus accident attorneys suggest:
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Sacramento, contact Premier Truck Accident Lawyers today.
Not only will we provide a free case evaluation, but if we find you have a possible claim, we can also discuss pursuing your case on contingency. That means you pay nothing up front. Start by calling 866-999-9085 or by filling out the form on our site.
This is one of the most common questions that Premier Truck Accident Lawyers hear from clients who have been involved in a bus accident. Those found at fault can be held responsible for your economic losses. However, this must happen through settlement or ruling.
A plaintiff of a successful claim is often awarded two different types of compensation. The first is referred to as economic damages. It covers lost wages, medical bills, etc. Noneconomic damages are what are more commonly known as “pain and suffering.” This kind of payment is given to a victim who suffered from someone else’s negligence.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Sacramento bus accident, contact an experienced attorney at Premier Truck Accident Lawyers immediately to ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries or damages. Call toll-free at 866-999-9085 or fill out the free case evaluation form on our website.
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