Maison Law represents victims of bus accidents in Madera. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a bus accident in Madera, the accident attorneys at Maison Law are here to help. Whether you were a passenger of the bus, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle entirely, you may be entitled to collect damages for medical bills, lost wages, and mental trauma. Don’t let an unfortunate event define your life. Contact the experienced attorneys at Maison Law today for a cost-free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bus Accident in Madera?
When an individual bus driver is careless behind the wheel and injures you in an accident, they are liable for damages. You can settle with the bus company’s insurance, or you hire an attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. 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 you’re driving back from spending the day at Nelder Grove and a Madera Metro Bus happens to lose control at an intersection and hits you. It seems like a simple accident case, but when a bus is involved, there are a number of 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, which could result in multiple parties owing you compensation. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident and are unsure of where to turn, contact Maison Law today. We’ll address all your concerns and address any questions you may have.
What if I Get Hit By a Public Transportation Bus?
Claims against a public transportation bus are unique because they involve claims against the government, which may include the city, the state, or another regional authority in California. Your typical claim has a statute of limitation of 2 years from the date of the accident. Claims against the government, however, are different. For instance, a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim has to be presented to the government within 6 months from the day of the accident. If you are unable to meet these deadlines, you may not be able to recover damages.
Public transportation accidents usually involve claims against the government, which may include:
- The City
- The state
- The county
- A regional authority in California
State governments typically have “sovereign immunity” from many types of lawsuits, but there are exceptions. If a bus driver is reckless, California can waive sovereign immunity, allowing you to file a claim against the state or local government in charge of the bus line.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for a Bus Accident?
There is no specific amount you can receive for a bus accident, but you do have the right to be compensated for the damages you suffered. For this reason, it is important to discuss your claim with your attorney before accepting an insurance settlement. However, the more severe your damages are, the more compensation you can typically expect to get. Damages include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage and loss-of-use of vehicle
- Retraining or re-education for job placement if you have suffered a disability from the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
- Loss of consortium (for the spouse to claim loss of love and companionship)
- Mental trauma
FAQs
Q: Does my wife or husband have a claim if I was injured in a bus accident?
A: Yes, your husband or wife could file for loss of consortium. A claim for the loss of a husband or wife’s “love and companionship.”
Q: Should you settle right after a bus accident?
A: It is not recommended to accept a settlement until you have discussed your options with a reputable accident attorney.
Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
A: There is no upfront money required at Maison Law. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning we only get paid if we win your case for you.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in Madera
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident due to the carelessness of a bus driver in Madera, our experienced accident attorneys can help you recover damages from your accident. At Maison Law, settlement negotiations and trial advocacy are at the foundation of what we do. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or preparing for a trial, we’re ready to fight on your behalf to help you get the compensation you need.
Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
