Bus Accident Injuries

When Bus Driver Negligence Causes an Accident

Each year, thousands of bus riders are seriously injured or killed in bus accidents. Due to their large size and heavy weight, buses often cause catastrophic damage when they flip, crash into another vehicle or into an object (such as a freeway divider), or veer off the road. While many feel safe riding in a bus, its size, unfortunately, does not act as a guarantee that the passengers inside will not be injured, especially if the bus rolls over or is involved in a serious accident.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a Los Angeles bus accident, an experienced accident lawyer will be able to advise you about your legal rights and options.

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Many times, Los Angeles bus accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. Whether you are riding in a public bus run by the city or in a private bus owned by a well-known company (such as a Hollywood tour guide company), the laws are the same: bus drivers and those responsible for the bus have a legal obligation to safely transport their passengers. In other words, the company that owns the bus could also be responsible for compensating you for your injuries.

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There are many ways that a driver’s negligence can lead to a serious bus accident. These include:

• Making an Unsafe Lane Change. Changing lanes without looking properly is one of the most common reasons for auto accidents in Southern California.
• Exceeding the Speed Limit. Bus drivers who drive faster than the speed limit may not be able to adjust to changing traffic conditions or brake in time to avoid a collision.
• Driving While Impaired. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly unsafe, against the law, and could lead to a serious accident.
• Texting/Talking While Driving. Under California law, school, transit and commercial bus drivers are not allowed to use a cell phone or text while driving. If your bus driver was texting while operating the bus you were riding on, discuss your legal rights with an experienced accident lawyer.
• Distracted Driving. A driver who takes his or her hands of the wheel or eyes off the road is considered distracted.
• Driving While Tired. Commercial drivers, including bus drivers, are required to get adequate rest before they start a shift.

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This list is not exhaustive. Your bus operator may have failed to completely stop at a stop sign or driven in another manner considered negligent under California law. A skilled Los Angeles accident lawyer will go over the facts of your case with you in detail.

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For more information about your potential for financial compensation after being injured in a bus or other type of auto accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Ghozland Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation.

Statute of Limitations on Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are often some of the worst accidents injury attorneys in Los Angeles handle. With so many innocent victims involved, and different drivers of various automobiles, all of whom generally claim they are not at fault, it can be challenging for the parties involved who are seeking financial reparation and closure. The right accident attorney can help, but it is critical that if you or a loved one are injured in a business accident, you must file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out. Once the statute of limitations, or SOL, runs, you are not able to file a lawsuit to recover financial compensation for your injuries.

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If you or a family member were injured in a bus accident, or any time of personal injury accident, healing should be your primary focus. At the same time, it is important to keep your eye on the clock and recognize that missing the state of limitations could prevent you from the financial compensation you deserve.

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Bus Accident Injuries Can Change Your Life

In a bus accident, the smaller vehicles often do not stand a chance against the weight and size of a bus. Those inside the bus or other vehicles involved in the crash can suffer great injuries, including broken bones, head or brain trauma, back injuries, and more. After visits to the emergency room or urgent care, and ongoing medical treatment, bills can easily pile up.  Even if you have health insurance available to pay these medical costs, you may have to face co-pays, deductibles, and costs health insurance doesn't. Catastrophically injured victims lose income. If they are able return to gainful employment once they have recovered, it’s often with a diminished earning capacity.

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Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Victims

The length of time a bus accident victim has to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages depends on the type of injury they sustained. Generally speaking, victims who sustain a bodily injury in a California accident have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. The clock on this period of time – known as the statute of limitations – typically begins to run uninterrupted from the date of the accident or discovery of an accident-related injury. Of course, there are exceptions which you need to discuss with your injury lawyer.

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After a Bus Accident - If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, contact an experienced accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected. For a free, no obligation consultation, contact the lawyers at Ghozland Law Firm today.

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