Maison Law helps injury victims in Modesto and throughout Stanislaus County. One of the main modes of transportation for a large section of the area is a Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA) bus. But an accident with one of these vehicles raises many questions. Our team can help answer these questions and guide you through the recovery process. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Even Need a Lawyer?
Legally, a bus accident is similar to any other accident in Modesto, granting you certain rights. For minor accidents, you might not need a lawyer. But because bus accidents often result in severe injuries, even if you’re a passenger. So, in this situation, it’s a good idea to consult with our team. We can:
- Explain your rights
- Investigate the accident
- Determine who is at fault
- Guide you through the legal process
On top of everything else, a StanRTA bus accident is going to (at the very least) involve the city or county government, which is going to make everything more complicated. That alone is enough to have our team’s experience on your side.
Can You File a Claim For Damages After a StanRTA Bus Accident?
The good news, relatively speaking, is that even with a StanRTA bus accident, you have the legal right to file an injury claim where you can recover “damages” from whoever is responsible.
At least as far as that goes, this is the same as any other accident. The same goes for the actual process of filing a claim: you either file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Then, the following “damages” may be available to you:
- Medical expenses – These are costs for your treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and therapy.
- Lost income – These are for wages you lose while you can’t work due to your injuries, and potential future earnings if your ability to work is taken away.
- Property damage – These cover costs needed to repair or replace any personal property damaged in the accident, like your vehicle or personal items.
- Pain and suffering -This covers costs for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident, including any ongoing pain.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, this covers costs for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident.
- Loss of quality of life – These damages cover any reduction in your ability to enjoy activities or life experiences due to your injuries.
- Wrongful death expenses – If someone dies in the accident, this covers funeral costs, and financial support loss, and compensates for the loss of their presence.
- Punitive damages – Although rare, this is additional money awarded to punish the wrongdoer for extremely reckless behavior and to prevent similar actions in the future.
Like any injury claim, you have to file it within California’s statute of limitations. This sets the deadline at two years from the date of the accident. Miss this deadline, and you can’t recover damages at all.
Who Pays for Your Damages After a StanRTA Bus Accident?
One of the most confusing parts about a StanRTA bus accident is figuring out who’s responsible for the accident–and thus legally responsible for paying for your damages. Thankfully, California law treats it like any other vehicle accident, meaning responsibility is going to rest on who was “negligent” and caused the accident. To prove negligence, you need to demonstrate that the at-fault party:
- Failed to take reasonable precautions, which directly caused the accident and your injuries.
This obviously opens many different people up to potential liability. While it ultimately depends on what actually happened, any of the following could be liable for your damages:
- StanRTA – The Stanislaus County government, which is in charge of StanRTA, the bus and the driver, could be responsible if their actions or policies contributed to the accident.
- Another driver or passenger – If another driver or passenger’s actions caused or contributed to the accident, they could be held liable.
- Bus maker – The company that built the bus might be liable if a defect in the bus itself caused the accident.
- Parts manufacturers – If a defective part of the bus was involved in the accident, the company that made that part could be responsible.
Finding out who is responsible is crucial for your claim. It tells you who to file against and who must pay for your damages. If multiple parties are involved, you’ll need to handle several claims and deal with different insurance companies. This can be complicated but may lead to higher damages. Even with that, though, a strong claim is necessary to get the damages you deserve.
What Should You Do After a StanRTA Bus Accident?
The aftermath of a StanRTA bus accident is obviously going to be challenging. Not only are you likely facing injuries, but if you’re driving your car or are a pedestrian and a bus hits you, you probably might not even be in a position to get the information and evidence you need for a claim. This is one area where our team can help and guide you. With that said, if you’re able, you’ll need to take the following steps to strengthen a potential claim:
- Get medical help – Call 911 immediately for an ambulance, even if you feel fine. Get a thorough medical check-up as soon as it’s safe to ensure your injuries are documented.
- Report the accident to authorities – Call the Modesto Police Department or Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department to manage the scene and create an accident report. This report is essential for your claim. Also, let the StanRTA know about the accident so they can take appropriate action.
- Gather important information and evidence – Get contact and insurance details from the bus driver and others involved. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries to support your claim.
- Preserve everything from the accident – Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses related to the accident, and any communications with insurance companies. This documentation is important for strengthening your claim.
- Watch your statements – Don’t make statements or sign documents without consulting with us first. Insurance companies will try to use your statements to reduce their payout. This is also true for social media posts or public comments.
This is an area of your claim that is going to be very challenging. It’s hard to get certain information in a bus accident, and it’s even tougher if you’re hurt. Even StanRTA bus accidents result in common injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and whiplash. This not only makes the aftermath of the accident difficult, but also your physical recovery. That’s why it’s important to have the strongest claim possible, as well as the help of our team of experienced bus accident lawyers at Maison Law.
Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation After a StanRTA Bus Accident
If you or a loved one is injured in a StanRTA bus accident, it’s important to explore your legal options. That’s where our skilled team of Modesto personal injury lawyers at Maison Law comes in. We can help you figure out who is at fault and guide you on how to secure the financial support you need to make a recovery. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation.
