Maison Law represents victims of bus accidents in San Jose. If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident in San Jose, the dedicated accident attorneys at Maison Law can get you the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bus Accident in San Jose?
Being the largest city in Silicon Valley, public transit is an essential part of life to millions of tech workers in San Jose. Unfortunately, this makes bus accidents a common occurrence in the capital of Silicon Valley. Whether you are a passenger, cyclist, or driver on the road, if you get into a bus accident, the odds are you’re going to suffer major injuries.
The bus company at fault for your injuries will most likely have their insurance send you a settlement offer to cover your immediate damages. However, insurance companies are not looking out for your well-being, or considering the future problems you’ll face due to your injuries. They’re looking to settle as low as possible.
If you partner with an accident attorney, the insurance company will have no choice but to take into account more than just your immediate damages. An accident attorney lets the insurance company know you’re aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them. An experienced accident attorney will not only deal with the insurance company on your behalf, they will:
- Connect you to trusted doctors for continued treatment
- Assign liability to all additional parties responsible
- Communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Build your case by gathering concrete evidence to confirm your claim
- Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
Maison Law represents victims injured in a bus accident in San Jose. Contact Maison Law for a free consultation and case evaluation.
What Should I Do After a Bus Accident in San Jose?
Let’s say you’re pulling out of a parking garage at the SAP Center after seeing a San Jose Shark’s game on a busy Saturday night and a VTA bus runs a red light traveling down Santa Clara Street, plowing into the side of you. What should you do?
The steps you take after a bus accident will be important to ensuring you and your passenger’s safety, as well as protecting your right to compensation if you decide to take legal action. After a bus accident, you should:
- 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 in San Jose?
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
- University Bus lines (Stanford, San Jose University, Franklin University)
- 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 Compensation for a Bus Accident in San Jose?
There is no average compensation when it comes to bus accidents. The value of each case is dependent on the severity of your injuries and how much they’ve altered your life. For example, let’s say you suffered a broken leg from a bus accident that put you out of work for 6 to 8 months. Your compensation would reflect the cost of medical treatment received, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Whatever value your attorney and the insurance company agree upon to reflect all of those damages will end up being the compensation you receive. However, if you are not satisfied with the amount of compensation, you can look to settle in court. Taking the insurance company to court is where having a reputable accident attorney in your corner can save you enormous amounts of stress.
Whether it’s through negotiations or in a courtroom, the experienced bus accident attorneys at Maison Law are prepared to fight for your right to compensation and hold all liable parties responsible for your damages. Contact Maison Law for a free consultation and case evaluation.
FAQs
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.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim against a bus company in San Jose?
A: 2 years from the date of the accident is the statute of limitations in California for filing a personal injury claim.
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%.
Contact a San Jose Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a bus accident in San Jose, contact one of our skilled bus accident attorneys at Maison Law. From public transport bus companies to University bus lines, our dedicated attorneys will pursue justice for bus accident victims. Protect your right to compensation and Contact Maison Law today. Our consultation is 100% free and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
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