Santa Barbara Bus Accident Lawyer
Maison Law represents bus accident victims in Santa Barbara. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a bus accident, the experienced accident attorneys at Maison Law can help you get 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 Santa Barbara?
It is advisable to consult with an attorney about your next steps if your damages and injuries are severe. However, you most likely won’t need an attorney in a bus accident if:
- The accident is minor with no apparent damage
- Your injuries are minor scrapes or small bruises
- The other party admits fault and pays for damages
If you’ve sustained verifiable injuries from a bus accident, an attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Additionally, an attorney can:
- Manage the legal side of your accident by speaking with insurance adjusters on your behalf and filing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable bus company
- Put you in touch with the proper medical professionals to treat your injuries
- Investigate the accident and gather concrete evidence such as traffic footage and eyewitness statements to back up your claim
- Assign fault to all liable parties in the accident
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Whether you were side-swiped by a private bus owner or rear-ended by a Santa Barabara MTD bus on State Street, the experienced attorneys at Maison Law can help bus accident victims in Santa Barbara get compensation to make a full recovery.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Buses in Santa Barbara are at a higher risk for accidents due to the population density and high-traffic areas. With a population of nearly half a million people living across roughly 40 square miles, Santa Barbara bus accidents happen more frequently than almost anywhere in the country. Unfortunately, when accidents do occur, the injuries sustained from them can be life-altering. The most common injuries include:
- Head injury
- Neck injury
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
How Do I Determine Fault in a Bus Accident in Santa Barbara?
Bus passengers are rarely found at fault for bus accidents. The bus driver is a “common carrier” according to Civil Code 2168. Common carriers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. However, depending on the details of the accident and the type of bus involved, the driver may not be found liable in a lawsuit, even if they caused the accident.
The bus company is liable for the actions of their drivers in the case of vicarious liability, which states:
“Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer is vicariously liable for his employee’s torts committed within the scope of the employment…
…the losses caused by the torts of employees, which as a practical matter are sure to occur in the conduct of the employer’s enterprise, are placed upon that enterprise itself as a required cost of doing business.”
In addition to bus companies, the most common liable parties in bus accidents are:
- Property owners
- Government entities
- Independent bus drivers
- Bus manufacturers
What is the Typical Amount of Compensation for a Santa Barbara 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
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 you receive, contact Maison Law today to learn more.
FAQs
Q: What if I can’t afford a personal injury lawyer if I’ve been injured in a Santa Barbara bus accident?
A: Maison Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We operate on a “no win, no fee” policy.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim against a bus company in Santa Barbara?
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 Santa Barbara Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a bus accident in Santa Barbara, contact one of our skilled bus accident attorneys at Maison Law. We’ll help you recover compensation for the damages you have suffered. Contact Maison Law today to get the legal help you need. Our consultation is 100% free and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
