When you ride a bus, you trust the driver to get you to your destination safely. They should take precautions to keep you and other passengers safe. The bus company must do its part with care and diligence. But, with a lot of these big vehicles on the Los Angeles roads, it is no wonder they can be involved in traffic accidents. Whether you were a passenger or pedestrian who sustained injuries because of a bus accident, you may have the legal right to compensation. A bus accident lawyer los angeles will make sure you get what you deserve.
Unique Issues in Bus Accident Injury Claims
Sometimes, a bus accident may result from the negligence of another driver or truck on the road. In this case, if you sustained an injury as a bus passenger, you can make a third-party claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. But, if the driver of the bus caused the accident, things can get complicated. The reason is that a lot of buses are owned or operated by government entities such as public transportation bureaus and school districts. And filing a claim with a government agency is more complicated than when you do with a private entity. Often, you will have to file a notice of claim with the agency and file your documentation within six months in California. If the agency gets the notice, it may accept or reject your claim. If it rejects all or part of your claim, you may file a lawsuit in court. However, if you miss the filing deadline or fail to submit the required paperwork, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit. Also, keep in mind that special time limits may be in place if you sustain fatal injuries because of the accident. If you are not sure about time limits or how to file the right paperwork, speak with an injury lawyer.
Injuries Victims May Sustain in Bus Accidents
Injuries that stem from bus accidents can vary in severity. You can experience whiplash-type soft tissue injuries, head trauma, or broken bones. Also, when buses are involved in traffic accidents, there is a risk of a tip-over or rollover accident. And a lot of buses do not feature seat belts, airbags, and other safety restraint devices, making the chances of injury higher when a bus accident happens.
