Sacramento Bus Accident Lawyer
Determining who owes you compensation and how much can be a stressful, confusing challenge to sort out after a public transportation accident. Simplify the process by retaining the services of an experienced Sacramento bus accident lawyer.
When bus accidents occur, they can be devastating for everyone involved. The weight and size of these public transportation vehicles means that impacts involving them tend to be much more serious and are more likely to be fatal for drivers and passengers alike.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are around 55,000 bus accidents in the United States each year. This means that the chances of you getting into an accident with a bus or while riding on a bus or other form of public transportation aren’t necessarily low, nor is the chance that you will be injured if you do.
Under California state law, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver, the bus company, the insurance company covering the bus, or the entity responsible for safe public transportation if they are proven to be negligent. A Sacramento bus accident lawyer from Crowell Law Offices will work tirelessly on your behalf if you have been the victim of one of these crashes, helping you determine precisely what your claim is worth and how to pursue it.
Common Types of Public Transportation Accidents
Certain types of buses and forms of public transportation may be more prone to accidents than others. City buses are most at risk, mostly because they navigate tightly packed downtown and suburban streets each and every day of the year. This is especially true for city buses that operate in areas where roads may freeze or weather may cause problematic road conditions.
Tour buses are the next most common source of public transportation accidents, both in Sacramento and throughout the greater California area. A significant number of tour buses come into California each year, bringing tourists from all over the globe into the state for recreation and relaxation.
These drivers should be trained, but they aren’t always accustomed to or familiar with the nuances of Sacramento’s traffic. This can cause accidents and lead to poor decisions while on the road. A tour bus that gets into an accident can easily place its tourist passengers at risk, especially if the accident is severe.
Seeking Compensation for Bus Accidents
You can seek compensation for any loss that is a direct result of the bus accident itself. You must prove the negligence of the at-fault parties to the courts in order to achieve a successful outcome, so having a Sacramento bus accident lawyer representing you is essential. Our lawyers will review all of the evidence and determine whether it is sufficient to win a settlement in your favor.
As an example, if your car is written off because a bus driver failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into you, you may be entitled to funds to replace your vehicle. If the bus is hit by another vehicle and then hits you, this may not be enough to make the bus company at fault, but you might then be able to pursue damages from this other driver.
Who Is at Fault?
In any type of accident, you will have to prove who was at fault in order to seek compensation. It can become complicated when the accident involves a bus. While it can be fairly cut-and-dry if the bus driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or was driving recklessly, if there was a mechanical failure or a dangerous road that caused the accident, you may have to determine who was at fault outside of the bus driver or bus company.
This is just one of the many reasons why it is important to have a qualified Sacramento bus accident lawyer on your side to help. Other people or entities who might be at fault can include any of the following:
- Manufacturers
- County, city, or state governments
- Maintenance companies
Consult with a Sacramento Public Transportation Accident Lawyer
After a bus accident, you are likely dealing with serious injuries and overwhelming stress. Having to also navigate the legal system is just one more headache that you could do without. Opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters are hurdles that you shouldn’t have to contend with to get the funds you need to pay for your recovery.
An experienced Sacramento bus accident lawyer can navigate the process on your behalf and make certain the right person or entity is held accountable. If you have been hurt in a public transportation accident, the lawyers at Crowell Law Offices can help. To get started, simply complete the form below or call us at 916-303-2800 and schedule your free consultation.