The Support You Need. The Settlement You Deserve.

Bus Accidents and Why They Can Get Complicated

Bus accidents are much different than a typical passenger car collision or even a truck accident. There are several reasons for this, from who is operating the bus, what kind of accident it was, who was at fault, and more. Even though bus accidents are rare when compared to how many car and truck accidents there is each year, it’s important to know how to handle your claim correctly.

Why Bus Accidents Are Different

If you’ve ever ridden on a bus, even if just a school bus when you were younger, you’ll realize that buses don’t typically have a restraint system or seatbelts. They don’t usually have airbags and other collision safety features either. Most buses rely on the design of the bus itself to help mitigate passenger injuries in the event of an accident.

However, the most common types of injuries during any accident, such as whiplash, are still possible. Because buses are more likely to overturn than many other types of vehicles, injuries such as head trauma or broken bones are more likely during bus accidents.

When the Other Driver is at Fault

If the bus you are riding on, whether it be a school bus or a city bus, is in an accident and the other driver is at fault, a personal injury claim is relatively simple. Your claim will be against that driver’s insurance company based on the injuries you receive and other factors, such as time out of work and medical expenses.

When the Bus Driver is at Fault

If you are riding on a commercial bus, such as a Greyhound bus or luxury tour bus, your injury claim will most likely be against the company that’s operating the bus. It will be up to the specific company whether they bring the driver into the picture when it comes to the lawsuit.

However, most of the buses on the road are owned and operated by a government entity, such as the City of Bakersfield. School buses can be owned and operated by the school district, the county, the city, etc. The city or county usually operate public transportation buses. When a government agency is involved in a bus accident, it’s vital that you know how to handle the situation.

Filing a Notice of Claim

The first step in bringing your personal injury claim against the government entity is to present them with a Notice of Claim. For example, if your claim is against the State of California, they have a Notice of Claim form that should be filled out and submitted. It’s important to read all the instructions provided at the beginning of the form. Counties, cities, school districts, and other entities may also have their own forms.

If the government entity you need to file a Notice of Claim with does not have their own form or you cannot find the specific form you need, you may be able to provide a written statement. This statement should include:

  • Your name and address
  • The circumstances of the bus accident as well as the date and location where it occurred
  • Details of your injuries or other damages
  • The government employee at fault for the bus accident
  • How much you are requesting from your claim and how you calculated it, or whether your claim will be limited or unlimited

Filing a personal injury claim against a government entity or agency can make the process a bit more complicated. You also have a limited amount of time in which to file it. Hiring a personal injury lawyer that has handled cases like these in the past can make the claim process go much easier for you. Martin Gasparian of the Maison Law Firm can meet with you personally at a free consultation to discuss your case.

FREE CONSULTATION

Fill out the simple form below and we will be in touch.

or you can call us 24/7 or send us a direct email.

Call Now Button