Maison Law represents bus accident victims in Delano. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Delano, the skilled accident attorney at Maison Law can get you the compensation you need. Whether your bus accident was owned by a public company, government entity, or individual owner, Maison Law has the experience and resources to protect you and your family’s legal right to compensation. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Bus Accident in Delano?
You can file a claim with the bus company or owner’s insurance to receive a settlement, assuming they will not deny your claim. Once you’ve accepted their settlement offer, your case is closed and you’ve waived your right to an attorney, or any additional compensation.
By consulting with an accident attorney, they can assess your injuries and damages to determine if a lawsuit should be filed against the bus company’s insurance. Once a personal injury lawsuit is filed, an attorney can begin negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance adjusters on your behalf. In addition to negotiations, an attorney will:
- Gather evidence
- Witness identification and sworn statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Pictures of the incident
- Connect you to trusted doctors for continued treatment
- Assign liability to all additional parties responsible
- Communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Build a case to confirm your claim
- Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
Maison Law represents bus passengers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who have been injured in a bus accident in Delano. Contact Maison Law today to discuss what options are available to you.
What Should You Do After a Bus Accident?
What you do immediately after a bus accident will greatly impact your case. Bus accidents can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved, but for your own safety, it is important to remain calm and remember the following steps:
- Ensure the safety of you and your passengers: Depending on the situation, this could mean moving your car to the side of the road, or if you are severely injured, it could mean remaining where you are until help arrives. Check yourself for burns, lacerations, or broken bones. Oftentimes, the adrenaline from an accident can mask the pain from major injuries.
- Call the Police: The police will file an accident report and take down the names of everyone involved, as well as assign fault based on the evidence in front of them. A police report will serve as evidence if you need to back up your claims later.
- Document the incident: Take photos or film the aftermath of the bus accident. Film yourself recounting the details of the incident and describe the pain you’re in. It is best to capture how the accident played out while the memory is still fresh in your mind.
- Gather witness statements and bus driver information: Film or record witnesses willing to give a statement about the accident. Take down their names and phone numbers. Photograph the employee’s employee ID number or take down their bus number if possible. All of this information will help support your claim and assist your attorney in building your case.
- Do not admit fault: Don’t admit fault even if you feel you may have caused the accident. Allow the police to conduct their investigation and determine fault.
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a doctor or go to a hospital. Certain injuries can lie dormant and manifest themselves hours, or even days later.
Who is Liable in a Bus Accident Lawsuit?
Bus accident lawsuits are complicated due to all the parties involved in the operation of a bus. However, the circumstances of the accident will determine the liable party. The most common defendants in a bus accident lawsuit include:
- Bus driver
- Bus maintenance company
- Bus stop property owner
- But part manufacturer
- City, county, or state agency
- Bus owner
- Bus driver supervisor
If the liable party is a government entity, it is important to note you only have 6 months to file your bus accident claim, as opposed to 2 years for an accident with any other party.
What is the Typical Amount of Compensation for a Bus Accident in Delano?
Compensation for a bus accident is intended to cover your economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages consist of:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital bills
- Medications and medical supplies
- In-home care assistance
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings due to your inability to return to the same line of work
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-economic damages cover things that you can’t assign a specific dollar amount. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (filed by a spouse or family member to cover loss of love or companionship)
By calculating these factors, you can estimate what your compensation should be. However, a knowledgeable accident attorney will be able to give you a better idea of what you can expect to recover for your damages. For a free consultation and evaluation of your case, contact the experienced accident attorneys at Maison Law today.
FAQs
Q: Do I have to go to court to receive compensation?
A: No, you do not have to go to court to receive compensation. Most personal injury lawsuits settle out of court, in which case your attorney will collect your compensation from the insurance company and give it to you.
Q: Can I still receive compensation if I’m found at fault?
A: Yes, California is a comparative fault state, meaning that even if you were found 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 30%.
Q: Can my insurance take a share of my injury settlement?
A: Yes, insurers have a contractual right to be reimbursed for the bills they have paid on your behalf after the accident.
Contact a Delano Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one are hurt in a bus accident due to a careless bus driver, our accident attorneys can get you the compensation you need. We protect the rights of the community of Delano and its accident victims. Contact Maison Law today for a free, no-risk case consultation for you or your family members. No upfront money is required and you don’t pay a dime until your case is won.
