Maison Law represents Big Blue bus accident victims in Santa Monica. If you or a loved one has been injured by a Big Blue Bus in Santa Monica, the skilled 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 Big Blue Bus Accident in Santa Monica?
If you’ve been in a Big Blue Bus accident, but you’ve only sustained minor injuries like bumps and bruises, you may not need an attorney. However, you should always see a doctor after an accident to ensure you’re okay, no matter how minor your injuries seem. If you’ve suffered significant injuries that:
- Cause you to miss work
- Require hospitalization, medical treatment, or surgery
- Left you unable to do basic tasks, or live your daily life without physical pain
It is recommended to consult with a reputable accident attorney to discuss your legal options. An accident attorney can assess your injuries and damages to determine if a lawsuit should be filed against the bus company’s insurance. Once a personal injury lawsuit is filed, an attorney will begin negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance adjusters on your behalf. In addition to negotiations, an attorney will:
- Gather evidence
- Witness identification and sworn statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Pictures of the incident
- Interrogatories
- Depositions
- Connect you to trusted doctors for continued treatment
- Assign liability to all additional parties responsible
- Communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Build a case to confirm your claim
- Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
Who is Liable in a Big Blue Bus Accident Lawsuit?
In a Big Blue Bus accident, the City of Santa Monica department is liable for damages caused by the bus. When the liable party is a government entity, it is important to note you only have 6 months to file your bus accident claim, as opposed to 2 years for an accident with a non-government party.
Filing a lawsuit against the government is tricky due to their ability to invoke sovereign immunity.” Sovereign immunity is when a government entity is not liable for injuries caused by the government entity or its employees as they are fulfilling their duty. However, the government is not allowed to declare sovereign immunity anytime they are at fault. The California Tort Claims Act gives exceptions in which the government can be held liable for damages in cases of excessive carelessness, or corruption.
For these reasons, it is important to have an experienced accident attorney on your side when holding the government liable for your damages.
Common Big Blue Bus Accidents in Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Pier is a popular tourist destination and a frequent stop for the Big Blue Bus in Santa Monica. Unfortunately, increased traffic means more intersections filled with pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists all going in different directions, which only raises the risk of bus accidents. In 2021, according to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, there were 453 accidents involving painful, or severe injuries in Santa Monica.
The most common accidents in Santa Monica were:
- Rear-end-collisions – 30% of all accidents
- Side-impact collision – 27.8% of all accidents
- Vehicles hitting a pedestrian – 13.47% of all accidents
- Side-swipe collisions – 9.49% of accidents
What is the Typical Compensation for a Big Blue Bus Accident in Santa Monica?
The details of your accident will determine the compensation you’ll receive for your claim. In a bus accident, several factors will contribute to your final settlement, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, depression, and anxiety
Understanding the value of each of these elements will help you estimate what your case is worth. However, settlements can vary depending on the severity of these issues. For a better understanding of what your case is worth, contact Maison Law for a free consultation and case evaluation today.
Contact a Big Blue Bus Accident Lawyer in Santa Monica
If you or a loved one are hurt in a Big Blue Bus accident in Santa Monica, our dedicated accident attorneys at Maison Law can help you get the compensation you need to make a full recovery. Government bus lines like Big Blue Bus will try to force bus accident victims to settle well below the cost of their damages, or deny your claim entirely. Contact our dedicated accident attorneys today to protect your right to compensation. Our consultation is 100% free and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
