Downey Bus Accident Lawyer

Downey Bus Accident Attorney

When you board a bus in Downey, you assume that the ride will be safe. In most cases, this is what happens. However, accidents can occur on the road, and that can sometimes happen to or because of buses. If you are injured in an accident that involved a bus, filing a claim for damages is particularly complex. It’s crucial that you find a knowledgeable Downey bus accident lawyer to aid in getting the compensation you deserve.

Buses are large vehicles, and, like truck accidents, bus accidents often cause much more serious damage to other vehicles and individuals on the road. Buses also often do not have seatbelts, making their passengers more vulnerable to injury. If someone’s negligence caused the accident and you were injured, you have the right to hold them liable for the damages you suffered.

Heimanson & Wolf, LLP: Helping Victims of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents have unique complications that are not present in some other car accidents in Downey. Whether you were a bus passenger, in another motor vehicle, or a pedestrian or bicyclist who was injured, accidents involving buses have unique issues that must be considered. You need an attorney with experience in these types of cases. Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, has worked in personal injury claims for many years, including bus accident cases.

At Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, our attorneys support those who have been injured by others’ negligence. We believe that obtaining compensation after a traumatic injury is a necessary step to helping individuals and their families heal and move on from accidents. Whether you are filing a personal injury claim or a car insurance claim, we can help you determine the ideal route for compensation.

What Makes Bus Accidents Different?

Bus drivers have unique requirements under the law as common carriers. They also have an extra responsibility because they transport so many people. Bus drivers have additional stressors, including multiple stops, time schedules, distractions from riders, and operating a large vehicle. Bus drivers must be properly trained and licensed. If a bus driver causes an accident, either they or their employer, or both, could be liable.

In most car accidents, fault can be assigned to one or multiple drivers. Bus accidents can have more complex fault determinations. Bus drivers can break the law, as can other drivers on the road. Companies or agencies that employ bus drivers can also be liable, either through vicarious liability or due to their own negligence. A company or agency can fail to maintain their vehicles, fail to train or vet drivers, or engage in other negligent actions. When these failures lead to an accident, those parties can be held responsible.

Bus accidents can also be caused by the failure of a component, either in a bus or another vehicle. Sometimes, this failure is the result of an unreasonably dangerous product, and the manufacturer or distributor of that product can be held liable.

How Are Bus Accident Claims Resolved?

How a bus accident claim is resolved depends on the type of claim. If it is a personal injury claim against a company, manufacturer, or governmental agency, it is a civil claim that will likely be resolved out of court. Resolving a damage claim outside of court is usually faster and less expensive, and it can still recover significant compensation. An attorney can help you negotiate a fair amount without litigating the claim.

However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the claim may need to go to court. Although more stressful and costly, taking the claim to court can recover a higher settlement. The final decision is then left to the judge, and your attorney can present the evidence and your side of the case to advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Bus Accident Lawyer FAQs

Q: What Is a Fair Price for Pain and Suffering Damages?

A: Pain and suffering damages are hard to calculate, but they are typically related to the value of your economic damages. Pain and suffering damages is another word for noneconomic damages, which includes losses like physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of quality of life, disfigurement, and disability.

These damages are calculated based on the significance of your injury, its effect on your daily life, and how long it will affect you. An attorney can help you determine what is fair compensation for your unique situation.

Q: How Do You Calculate a Bus Accident Settlement Amount?

A: The amount of a bus accident settlement will depend on what damages you suffered. If you can prove another party fully liable for the accident, then you can recover all your damages. If you have higher medical treatment costs, long recovery times, or permanent disability, the settlement amount will be more significant. A bus accident settlement amount will also rely on the level of negligence from the at-fault party and whether your case qualifies for punitive damages.

Q: How Much Is a Whiplash Claim Worth in California?

A: A whiplash claim in California can be worth a significant amount, ranging from several thousand to a hundred thousand dollars. The amount of the claim will be directly related to the severity of the whiplash injury and the costs associated with recovery and missed work. If the whiplash is minor and healing relatively fast, the claim will be worth less. If the whiplash requires significant medical treatment and is expected to affect you for much of your life, this will result in a more significant settlement.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bus Accident in California?

A: After a California bus accident, a lawyer makes a claim more likely to be successful, and their skills can make it more likely to secure the most compensation possible. Filing a claim is usually necessary if you have suffered an injury and you do not want to navigate legal claims and insurance negotiations while you are in pain. Although the aid of a lawyer is not required to file a personal injury claim, it will be less stressful and likely more financially beneficial with legal help.

Legal Representation After a Downey Bus Accident

The attorneys with Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, can help represent you in a personal injury or car insurance claim after a bus accident. We have experience supporting our clients in negotiations and in court. Contact our firm today to learn how we can obtain the compensation you need to rest and recover.