Maison Law represents Kern Transit bus accident victims in Bakersfield. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Kern Transit bus accident, the dedicated accident attorneys at Maison Law are here to get you the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Kern Transit Bus Accident in Bakersfield?
In California, public bus lines are operated by government entities or contractors working with governmental agencies. Filing a personal injury claim against a government agency is more complicated due to the protections provided to government workers. For this reason, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a reputable accident attorney.
Taking on the government without legal representation can prove challenging. For example, Kern Transit is operated by a division of the Kern Public Works Department. If you were injured in an accident with a reckless Kern Transit bus driver, you would file a claim against the Kern Public Works department. However, obtaining compensation from them for your injuries is a more difficult process than if you were to sue a private owner or corporation.
For personal injury claims against Kern Public Works Department, you only have 6 months to file your claim. After you file your claim, the agency has 45 days to take action. Typically, the agency will respond within 45 days by conducting an investigation into your claim. Then, if they find you were injured due to the actions of a reckless bus driver, the agency will most likely attempt to settle with you.
However, the agency can reject the claim, or ignore it, which also means they have rejected your claim. And even if they settle with you, the compensation offered may not cover all of your damages. In either of these scenarios, we recommend you speak to a reputable accident attorney experienced in Tort Law to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for your damages in court.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Kern Transit Bus Accident in Bakersfield?
In the context of a Kern Transit bus accident, any injured passenger, pedestrian, or other motorist has the right to seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical Expenses: includes all costs related to current and future medical treatment, covering hospital bills, ambulance rides, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical needs.
- Lost Wages: you can claim compensation for lost income, as well as loss of earning capacity if the injury results in long-term, or permanent disability.
- Pain and Suffering: this is a subjective damage, which includes:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other Expenses: property damage, travel for medical treatment, and cost of home modifications (if necessary)
- Wrongful Death Claim: if the bus accident results in a fatality, a claim can be filed by the deceased’s spouse, partner, or children (if not applicable, then parents or siblings are allowed to file a claim). Wrongful death damages include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of consortium
Who is Liable for a Kern Transit Bus Accident?
Bus accidents usually involve multiple parties being injured, and at fault for the accident. California follows the Comparative Negligence Law, which states:
“Under the pure comparative negligence rule, the state allows the plaintiff to claim damages for the 1% they are not at fault even when they are 99% at fault.”
This means the compensation of the injured party can be reduced by a percentage equal to their share of fault. For example, if an injured motorist is found to be 10% at fault in a bus accident and the damages are $100,000, the motorist would receive $90,000 because their compensation has been reduced by 10%.
The most common liable parties for a Kern Tranist bus accident are:
- A government entity is typically liable for their driver causing an accident
- Bus manufacturers for supplying defective parts
- Any parties responsible for bus maintenance
- Third-party motorists
What is the Typical Compensation for a Kern Transit Bus Accident?
There is no specific amount of compensation for a Kern Transit bus accident. The results vary widely from case to case due to the complex nature of bus accidents. Most settlement amounts are an accumulation of the damages you’ve suffered such as medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. However, it is always important to discuss your claim with an experienced accident attorney before accepting a settlement. Establishing a relationship with a reputable attorney and filing a lawsuit is the first step in letting the at-fault party know you are aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them for fair compensation.
Contact a Kern Transit Bus Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Kern Transit bus accident in Bakersfield, our skilled team of accident attorneys at Maison Law will seek the maximum amount of compensation for your damages. Claiming compensation from a government entity is a difficult undertaking that no one deserves to manage alone. Contact Maison Law today and partner with a law firm with years of experience in Tort Law. Our consultation is free, and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
