Maison Law represents bus accident victims in Santa Monica. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bus accident, the bus accident attorneys at Maison Law can help. Protect your right to compensation and contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Bus Accident in Santa Monica?
Bus accidents can be some of the most complicated personal injuries due to the amount of plaintiffs and defendants involved. While you can seek to settle with the at-fault party’s insurance, it is recommended to discuss your options with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement. An experienced attorney will perform the following on your behalf:
- Assist in making sure you receive medical care and managing your ongoing treatment as needed
- Advising you of your legal rights and options for exercising them
- Investigating the incident, gathering evidence such as camera footage, witness statements, and police reports)
- Filing a personal injury claim with the bus company’s insurance and presenting a lawsuit to other at-fault parties involved
- Handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance adjusters
- Representing you in court if no settlement can be reached and your case goes to trial
Who is Liable for a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Santa Monica?
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 company (LA Metro, LADOT, Big Blue Bus)
- Bus maintenance company
- Bus stop property owner
- Bus 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.
Common Causes of Santa Monica Bus Accidents
All buses driving through Santa Monica are required to offer a “duty of care” toward other drivers. Unfortunately, with Santa Monica being in one of the most populated counties in the world, this is not always the case. In 2021, based on Transportation Injury Mapping System statistics, there were 453 accidents with serious injuries in Santa Monica.
The most common causes of Santa Monica bus accidents are:
- Speeding: If a bus driver faces delays, they may feel obligated to speed to meet their scheduled stops.
- Distraction: Passengers can engage in distracting behavior and cause the driver to lose focus on the road.
- Drunk driving: Bus drivers who were drinking on their breaks or before work make the mistake of driving while intoxicated, putting many passenger’s lives at risk.
- Defective bus: The bus missed scheduled maintenance or certain repairs were not done correctly, causing the bus to malfunction during operation.
- Road hazards: Bad weather and uneven roads could result in a bus accident.
- Overcrowded passengers: If the weight of all the passengers exceeds the restricted weight limit, the bus may not operate correctly.
What is the Typical Compensation for a 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 damage 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 and how they’ll impact your career, or your ability to resume day-to-day activities. If you’re unsure what your case is worth, contact Maison Law for a free consultation and case evaluation today.
Contact a Santa Monica Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a 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. 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.
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