Maison Law represents victims of Monterey bus accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident in Monterey, our skilled accident attorneys can help you receive compensation for your losses. Discovering who is at fault in a bus accident can be a complex issue, but our dedicated personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly until every liable party has compensated you for your injuries.
For a free consultation, contact Maison Law today to protect your right to compensation.
Do I Need A Lawyer for a Bus Accident in Monterey
If you get injured in a bus accident due to a careless bus driver, it is advisable to consult with an accident attorney. Even if you don’t seem hurt or don’t want to hassle with the legalities of suing a bus company, an accident attorney can make you aware of all your options before settling with the insurance company too soon.
Let’s say you’re riding your bike down Cannery Row and a Monterey-Salinas Transit bus clips you, causing you to fall and break your arm. The bus company’s insurance will most likely contact you in the next few days and offer you compensation to cover the expense of the cast that got put on your arm and whatever minor damage was done to your bike.
An accident attorney, however, will file a personal injury lawsuit against the bus company’s insurance and demand compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Medications and medical equipment
- Ongoing treatment for current and future medical needs
- In-home care
- Lost income
- Bike repair or replacement
- Emotional pain
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These are the things an experienced accident attorney can demand compensation for from the insurance company. At Maison Law, we don’t let our clients get taken advantage of or victimized by insurance companies, looking to pay the minimum amount for your injuries. Our accident attorneys know what your case is worth and will fight for your right to compensation.
Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Types of Common Bus Accidents
With the Monterey Bay Aquarium being a popular destination and production studios filming that perfect shot at Lover’s Point, the streets of Monterey can get pretty busy. Unfortunately, this raises the risk of bus accidents, which tend to happen the most in busy intersections filled with pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists all going in different directions.
This explains why New York is the number one state for bus accidents with Florida, Texas, California, and Illinois landing in the top 5.
The most common types of bus accidents are:
- Rear-end-collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact collision
- Single vehicle accidents
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. The individuals or groups responsible for causing the accident are named the “defendants.” The accident victim accusing the defendants of wrongdoing is named the “plaintiff.” The defendants may include:
- Bus driver
- Bus maintenance company
- Bus stop property owner
- But part manufacturer
- City, county, or state agency
- Bus owner
- Bus driver supervisor
These multiple defendants could share fault in your case according to the comparative fault law, which allows a judge or jury to distribute blame to multiple parties.
What is the Typical Amount of Compensation for a Monterey 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. Economic damages are actual financial losses that can be assigned value such as:
- 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
Non-economic damages are subjective, non-compensatory losses, which include:
- Emotional pain
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
While there is no average amount of compensation, these factors can ultimately decide the compensation you can receive. It is important to note, however, that the more severe your injuries and damages are, the more compensation you can expect to be awarded. If you would like an accurate estimate of what compensation receive, contact Maison Law today to discuss the options available to you.
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: How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Monterey?
A: 2 years from the date of the accident is the statute of limitations in California for filing a personal injury claim.
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 Monterey Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one are hurt in a bus accident due to a careless bus driver in Monterey, our accident attorneys can get you the compensation you need. Even if you feel like the accident was partially your fault, you should still have a case. Contact Maison Law today for a free, no-risk case consultation. No upfront money is required and you don’t pay a dime until your case is won.
