Mission Viejo Bus Accidents Attorney
Bus Accident Lawyer Proudly Serving All of Orange County
As traffic congestion increases, more people are turning to mass transportation. In California, especially in the Orange County metropolitan area, and in large cities across the country, buses are a convenient form of transportation for thousands of people each day. Additionally, many people use tour buses, airport shuttles, ski area shuttle buses, casino buses and school buses on a regular basis. Unfortunately, each year bus accidents cause serious injury or death. At Banner Associates in Orange County, California our Mission Viejo bus accidents attorney can assist you with your case.
Although bus accidents are not as common as car accidents, they have the potential to be extremely dangerous and even deadly due to their immense size and weight. Passengers often roam freely on buses, and occupants do not always use their safety belts. In the event of a bus crash, unsecured passengers may be thrown about the interior of the bus, suffering traumatic neck and spine injuries.
When a large motor vehicle such as a bus collides with a smaller car, the result and injuries that occur to the passengers of the smaller vehicle can be disastrous. Victims involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a bus can suffer serious and life threatening injuries or even death. Some of the traumatic injuries associated with bus crashes include:
- back injuries
- neck injuries
- burns
- soft tissue injuries
- broken bones
- brain injuries
- paralysis
- spinal cord injuries
Lengthy hospitalizations and ongoing medical care are often needed. Many injured victims lose their ability to work, earn an income and provide for their family. Bus accident cases can be complicated and require the experience and knowledge of an Orange County bus accident attorney who understands the complex issues at hand.
Though bus companies do have increased legal responsibility for their passengers, many carriers try to rely on insurance companies to provide a quick fix settlement to injured passengers or the families of those who have died in a bus accident. Unfortunately, this sum may not cover the extensive costs associated with a bus accident, costs which range from treatment associated charges to rehabilitation, pain and suffering, job reassignment, and lost wages. Luckily, victims do have certain rights under the law, rights they can fully exercise with the help of a skilled injury attorney.
When bus companies or municipalities fail to maintain the buses they send out, mechanical failures, as well as human driver error, can lead to accidents and collisions. For example, old brake pads that are not replaced can contribute to a bus driver rear ending a vehicle in front of them. Worn out tires can cause blowouts of these tires, potentially leading to collisions or strong jerking movements. Bus driver negligence has also been a cause for collisions when drivers attempt to multi-task while driving, doing things such as eating or texting on their phones.
Under California law, buses are considered “common carriers,” and owe a duty to use the highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person in protecting the safety of their passengers. California Civil Code Section 2100 states that “A carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence of their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.” A common carrier does not ensure the safety of its passengers, but it must use reasonable skill to provide everything necessary for safe transportation.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Mission Viejo Bus Accidents Attorney
Whether your bus accident was caused by bus driver negligence, another driver on the road or any other reason, the lawyers at Banner Attorneys are prepared to evaluate your case and assist you during the personal injury claim process. Our firm knows what it takes to get injured victims the compensation they need and deserve. Contact our office today at 855-411-2266 for a free consultation.