Public transportation is convenient for many, and riders get several benefits from riding the bus. They don’t have to drive, face rising fuel and car upkeep expenses, or locate places to park. However, sometimes bus rides can turn into tragedy.
Whether you were injured while riding a bus, or a bus struck your vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses. A Glendale bus accident lawyer at Greenberg Gross can assist you with your insurance claim or lawsuit.
How Common Are Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents happen far more often than you may think. According to researchers from the University of Michigan, about 63,000 buses are involved in accidents each year. Approximately 14,000 of these accidents cause injuries, while 325 result in at least one death.
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What Is My Glendale Bus Accident Case Worth?
If you were injured in a bus accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Damages can add up quickly when you include lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
What Recoverable Damages Are Allowed in California?
CIV § 1431.2 explains the different compensatory damages you can request if you have a personal injury claim. You can ask for economic and non-economic damages in California.
Potential economic losses include:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Costs for domestic services
Potential non-economic losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Humiliation
- Disfigurement
Pure Comparative Negligence in California
Personal injury claims in California follow a pure comparative negligence rule, per Civil Code, section 1714. Each party involved in the accident will be assigned a percentage of fault. All involved parties can receive damages for any portion of the fault that is not theirs.
For example, let’s say you weren’t wearing your seatbelt when a bus driver ran a red light and struck your vehicle. Because your injuries would have been less serious if you wore your seatbelt, the court determines that you were 20% at fault for your injuries. However, the bus driver who ran the red light is 80% responsible. If you win a $100,000 award, you will receive 80%, or $80,000.
Even if you were partly (or even mostly) at fault for your accident, you may still qualify for damages. Your Glendale bus accident attorney can explain how California’s pure comparative negligence rule may apply to your case.
How Can a Glendale Law Firm Help a Bus Accident Victim?
Law firms benefit victims by ensuring that their rights are protected. It isn’t required to hire an attorney. However, the insurance company and other involved parties will likely have attorneys working on their team to keep your settlement as low as possible. Hiring a law firm helps put you on equal footing.
If you hire Greenberg Gross, our Glendale bus accident attorneys will manage communication with the insurance company and the other party’s legal representatives while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Your Glendale bus accident lawyer can also:
- Gather evidence
- Investigate the cause of the bus accident
- Identify all liable parties
- Manage paperwork
- Interview eyewitnesses
- Hire qualified expert testimony
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Keep you informed and defend your rights
- Present your case in court, if necessary
Who Is Liable in a Glendale Bus Accident Claim?
Who is liable for your bus accident claim depends on the nature of the accident. Your accident may even have more than one liable party. Our lawyers can determine who is responsible in your unique case.
For example, Vehicle Code, section 17001 states that a public entity (such as a city) is responsible for anyone injured by an on-duty employee of that entity. So, if your bus accident involved a Glendale city bus, the city of Glendale may be liable. In other situations, the driver of another vehicle could be responsible, or even the company responsible for bus maintenance and repairs.
We can discuss which parties could be involved in your claim and what actions we recommend.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Glendale?
Yes, you have a time limit if you want to file a lawsuit. Per CCP § 335.1, personal injury victims generally have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit.
However, some circumstances (such as if a municipality is liable for your bus accident) may make the statute of limitations shorter in your case. We encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible after your accident, so you don’t risk letting the statute of limitations expire before you can file a lawsuit.
Where Can I Find a Glendale Bus Accident Lawyer?
At Greenberg Gross, we are here to fight for injured victims in Glendale and other areas of California. Our attorneys are compassionate and put victims first. We also know how to stand up to government entities, large insurance companies, and others to get our clients fair compensation.
If you need assistance determining the next steps in your accident, we can help. Our extensive experience has prepared us to represent personal injury victims. We are not afraid of standing strong and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
It is normal if you don’t understand how the legal system applies in your case. Unless you have a background in law, you likely don’t know what to do or even if you have a viable lawsuit.
Our legal professionals offer a free, no-obligation examination of your claim. We can explain the process and your chances of success and give you the details needed to make an informed decision. It is an excellent opportunity to get any questions you have answered. Contact us at Greenberg Gross today to get started.
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