Maison Law represents bus accident victims in Fresno. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a bus accident, the accident attorneys at Maison Law can help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bus Accident in Fresno?
Bus accidents can be complex, especially when assigning legal liability to multiple “at-fault” parties and knowing the proper steps to make a compensation claim. If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a bus accident, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a reputable accident attorney to help you navigate the legal complexities of personal injury law.
Let’s say one morning you’re driving to Fresno Chaffee Zoo and an F.A.X. bus drifts into your lane, causing you to swerve off the road and crash. Assigning blame may seem straightforward in this scenario, however, there are several factors to consider such as:
- Did the driver drift because they were careless
- Did the bus drift due to a defective part from the manufacturer
- Did a previous, passing car cause the driver to swerve into your lane
- Did the bus company hire an unqualified driver, which resulted in an accident
- Was there preventable maintenance the bus company failed to attend to
An experienced attorney will be able to investigate each of these possibilities and determine the at-fault party of your accident, which could result in multiple parties owing you compensation.
Who is Responsible for Bus Accidents in Los Fresno?
As unfortunate as it may be, accidents are common in high-populated cities like Fresno. In 2021, according to Transportation Injury Mapping System, the city of Fresno had 1,498 crashes with injuries. When it comes to assigning blame in car accidents, it depends on the type of accident and how it was caused. In bus accidents, there are usually multiple liable parties such as the:
- Bus driver
- Bus maintenance company
- Bus stop property owner
- But part manufacturer
- City, county, or state agency
- Bus owner
- Bus driver supervisor
With multiple parties involved in bus accidents, you may end up taking partial blame for the accident. However, you will still be able to collect damages, according to California’s 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.”
So, if you’re awarded damages while accepting partial blame, your damages will be reduced by the percentage at which you are found at fault. Our accident attorneys at Maison Law will work to keep your percentage of blame as low as possible. And we will demand that all blame be removed if you weren’t at fault in any way for the accident.
Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Common Bus Accident Causes and Injuries in Fresno
In 2021, the US saw accidents involving 80 school buses, 78 transit buses, and 17 intercity buses for a total of 175 fatal bus accidents. The number of people who lost their lives was rarely the ones riding the bus. The majority of fatalities in bus accidents happen to occupants of other motorists in smaller cars that are not built to sustain a collision with a vehicle the size of a bus: The most common bus accident causes are:
- Bus driver fatigue
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Hiring an unqualified bus driver
- Hazardous potholes in the road
- Defective bus parts
- Distracted driving
The most common bus accident injuries are:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Lacerations
- Bruises and soft-tissue damage
- Burns
- Loss of limbs
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
What is the Typical Amount of Compensation for a Fresno Bus Accident?
Compensatory damages are awarded to accident victims in the form of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. While punitive damages are rare, they can be claimed if the accident was done with extreme recklessness or malice toward the victim. Together, these damages include:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital bills
- Medications and medical equipment
- Ongoing treatment for current and future medical needs
- In-home care
- Lost income
- Loss of consortium
- Vehicle repair
- Emotional pain
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The injuries sustained from a bus accident can stay with accident victims for years, and sometimes, even the rest of their lives. And no amount of money may be enough to help you get past what you’ve been through, but you shouldn’t have to suffer physical and financial burdens. Protect your right to compensation and contact the experienced bus accident attorneys at Maison Law today.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in Fresno
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, the experienced accident attorneys at Maison Law can get you the compensation you need. Navigating the legal complexities of a bus accident can be a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. Maison Law protects victims of bus accidents by negotiating fair settlements and advocating on their behalf. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees and you don’t pay a dime until your case is won.
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