What Happens if a Bus Gets in an Accident?

cartwrightlaw - September 25, 2023 -

Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. If you or someone you love has been involved in a bus accident, it’s essential to know what to do next.

At The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a bus accident can take. Our team is dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process and seek justice for their injuries.

The legal process surrounding bus accidents can be complex, and it’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver involved in a bus accident, our reliable bus accident lawyers can help.

California Laws on Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can cause significant harm to passengers, drivers, and other road users. Due to the nature of a bus driver’s job, they are held to higher standards of care than car drivers.

In California, bus drivers are classified as common carriers under California Civil Code 2100. This means that they must use the utmost care and diligence in transporting passengers, provide everything necessary for their safety, and exercise a reasonable degree of skill. As such, bus companies and their drivers can be held liable for any harm caused to passengers or other road users if they fail to meet these standards.

Furthermore, California law imposes other responsibilities on bus companies to ensure passenger safety. For instance, companies must comply with safety regulations, such as inspecting and maintaining their vehicles regularly, using qualified drivers, and keeping adequate records of all inspections and repairs.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences, such as hefty fines, license revocation, or criminal charges. Therefore, bus companies must take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and other road users.

Who Is Liable For a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents are complex and can involve multiple parties that may be held liable for the damages and injuries caused. Determining who is responsible for a bus accident can be challenging, and it depends on the circumstances of the accident.

The liability of each party can be determined through evidence gathering and investigation. Photos, videos, witness statements, and the police report will serve as evidence when parties are negotiating who is liable or if multiple parties are liable.

The following parties could be held liable for a bus accident based on the unique facts of the incident:

• The bus company: As the vehicle owner, the bus company will be liable for accidents caused by their buses. Depending on the size of the company, they are likely to have a large commercial liability insurance policy and a team of attorneys to defend injury claims.
• The bus driver: If negligence or recklessness on the part of the bus driver led to the accident, they may be held responsible for the damages and injuries caused. While their employer’s insurance will likely serve as the claimant, they could be liable as an individual if there are criminal charges filed.
• The bus maintenance company: If the accident occurred due to a mechanical failure of the vehicle, the maintenance company may be held responsible for the accident.
• The bus manufacturer: If the accident occurred as a result of a defect in the bus or a faulty part, the manufacturer of the bus or the part may be held responsible for the accident. In such cases, a product liability lawsuit may be filed against the manufacturer for damages and injury caused by the defective bus.
• Municipality or state: If the bus was owned by a government entity, such as a school bus or city bus, the government body responsible may be held responsible for the accident.
• Third-party drivers: If the accident was caused by a driver in another vehicle, that person will be liable for damages. If you are a passenger on the bus, you could initiate a claim against the liable driver as well as the bus company, although the liable driver will be the primary defendant.

Navigating personal injury claims with multiple defendants can be complicated and time-consuming. With the right legal representation, you can identify the liable parties, successfully build a strong case, and maximize restitution. Our personal injury attorneys have ample experience with bus accident claims and other multiple defendant and commercial policy cases and understand what is required to effectively represent these claims.

What To Do Following a Bus Accident

Following a bus accident, it is crucial to take specific steps to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and seek appropriate medical and legal assistance.

• Get to a safe location. Immediately following the accident, ensure your own safety and move to a safe area away from the accident scene. If driving, turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible.
• Call emergency services for help. Police and paramedics will arrive at the scene of the accident soon after receiving the call.
• Cooperate with the police. Provide information about the accident, your injuries, and other details crucial to the investigation. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later.
• Collect evidence at the scene. If it is safe and you are able to do so, take photos or videos of the scene.
• Seek medical attention. It is crucial to obtain a professional medical evaluation. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, injuries can appear hours or days after the accident and may require prompt medical treatment.
• Contact an experienced bus accident attorney. Obtaining good legal representation will help protect your legal rights and pursue compensation for damages.

Contact Our San Francisco Bus Accident Lawyers

Being involved in a bus accident can be a traumatic experience that can leave you with lifelong physical and emotional injuries. At The Cartwright Law Firm, our experienced San Francisco bus accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover from a personal injury accident. With a strong focus on justice and compassion, we will advocate for your rights and fight for optimal financial recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. If you or someone you love has been involved in a bus accident, it’s essential to know what to do next.

At The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a bus accident can take. Our team is dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process and seek justice for their injuries.

The legal process surrounding bus accidents can be complex, and it’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver involved in a bus accident, our reliable bus accident lawyers can help.

California Laws on Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can cause significant harm to passengers, drivers, and other road users. Due to the nature of a bus driver’s job, they are held to higher standards of care than car drivers.

In California, bus drivers are classified as common carriers under California Civil Code 2100. This means that they must use the utmost care and diligence in transporting passengers, provide everything necessary for their safety, and exercise a reasonable degree of skill. As such, bus companies and their drivers can be held liable for any harm caused to passengers or other road users if they fail to meet these standards.

Furthermore, California law imposes other responsibilities on bus companies to ensure passenger safety. For instance, companies must comply with safety regulations, such as inspecting and maintaining their vehicles regularly, using qualified drivers, and keeping adequate records of all inspections and repairs.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences, such as hefty fines, license revocation, or criminal charges. Therefore, bus companies must take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and other road users.

Who Is Liable For a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents are complex and can involve multiple parties that may be held liable for the damages and injuries caused. Determining who is responsible for a bus accident can be challenging, and it depends on the circumstances of the accident.

The liability of each party can be determined through evidence gathering and investigation. Photos, videos, witness statements, and the police report will serve as evidence when parties are negotiating who is liable or if multiple parties are liable.

The following parties could be held liable for a bus accident based on the unique facts of the incident:

• The bus company: As the vehicle owner, the bus company will be liable for accidents caused by their buses. Depending on the size of the company, they are likely to have a large commercial liability insurance policy and a team of attorneys to defend injury claims.
• The bus driver: If negligence or recklessness on the part of the bus driver led to the accident, they may be held responsible for the damages and injuries caused. While their employer’s insurance will likely serve as the claimant, they could be liable as an individual if there are criminal charges filed.
• The bus maintenance company: If the accident occurred due to a mechanical failure of the vehicle, the maintenance company may be held responsible for the accident.
• The bus manufacturer: If the accident occurred as a result of a defect in the bus or a faulty part, the manufacturer of the bus or the part may be held responsible for the accident. In such cases, a product liability lawsuit may be filed against the manufacturer for damages and injury caused by the defective bus.
• Municipality or state: If the bus was owned by a government entity, such as a school bus or city bus, the government body responsible may be held responsible for the accident.
• Third-party drivers: If the accident was caused by a driver in another vehicle, that person will be liable for damages. If you are a passenger on the bus, you could initiate a claim against the liable driver as well as the bus company, although the liable driver will be the primary defendant.

Navigating personal injury claims with multiple defendants can be complicated and time-consuming. With the right legal representation, you can identify the liable parties, successfully build a strong case, and maximize restitution. Our personal injury attorneys have ample experience with bus accident claims and other multiple defendant and commercial policy cases and understand what is required to effectively represent these claims.

What To Do Following a Bus Accident

Following a bus accident, it is crucial to take specific steps to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and seek appropriate medical and legal assistance.

• Get to a safe location. Immediately following the accident, ensure your own safety and move to a safe area away from the accident scene. If driving, turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible.
• Call emergency services for help. Police and paramedics will arrive at the scene of the accident soon after receiving the call.
• Cooperate with the police. Provide information about the accident, your injuries, and other details crucial to the investigation. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later.
• Collect evidence at the scene. If it is safe and you are able to do so, take photos or videos of the scene.
• Seek medical attention. It is crucial to obtain a professional medical evaluation. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, injuries can appear hours or days after the accident and may require prompt medical treatment.
• Contact an experienced bus accident attorney. Obtaining good legal representation will help protect your legal rights and pursue compensation for damages.

Contact Our San Francisco Bus Accident Lawyers

Being involved in a bus accident can be a traumatic experience that can leave you with lifelong physical and emotional injuries. At The Cartwright Law Firm, our experienced San Francisco bus accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover from a personal injury accident. With a strong focus on justice and compassion, we will advocate for your rights and fight for optimal financial recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Our successful case results are a reflection of the values and virtues we believe in and uphold at Cartwright Law Firm. Nothing stops us from pursuing justice on behalf of those who need it.

Robert E. Cartwright Jr.
Founder and Managing Partner