Maison Law represents Turlock Transit Bus accident victims. If you or a loved one have sustained injuries due to a Turlock Transit bus accident, the dedicated accident attorneys at Maison Law are here to get you the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Turlock Transit Bus Accident?
Filing a claim against a government entity like the Turlock Transit bus line is more complex than a typical personal injury claim with a non-government party. Government agencies have more immunity to lawsuits and stricter guidelines. For these reasons, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a reputable attorney if you were injured in a Turlock Transit bus accident. However, it is important to note 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
You should contact an attorney after a bus accident if:
- There were serious injuries: You will need compensation to cover your current and future medical bills if you’ve suffered serious injuries. An attorney can ensure both.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one has passed away due to the accident you will need compensation for funeral expenses and damages related to the untimely loss.
- Fault: If you are blamed for the accident, but are not at fault, an attorney can protect and assign liability to the at-fault parties.
- Liability: You’re concerned about your liability limits, insurance status, or lack of insurance
- Multiple parties involved: Multiple parties make cases complex. An attorney can manage your case while protecting your best interests.
- False police report: If a police report places blame on you, and you disagree, an attorney will gather evidence to support your claim.
What is the Litigation Process for a Turlock Transit Bus Accident
The litigation process against government entities is complex. Here are the following processes you can expect from a government personal injury case:
- Filing a lawsuit: Your attorney will file a legal complaint in court. This complaint outlines the facts of the case, the basis of the claim, and the damages you seek. A form of the complaint must also be delivered to the defendant.
- Discovery phase: Both parties will exchange information through discovery, which includes:
- Depositions
- Interrogatories
- Speaking with expert witnesses
- Pre-trial motions and settlement discussions: Attorneys may file pre-trial motions to resolve certain disagreements before the trial. Mediation or arbitration may occur to provide an alternative resolution without taking up the court’s time.
- Trial: If the case goes to trial, both sides will present their evidence to a judge or jury. This process includes:
- Opening statements
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Closing arguments
- Verdict: After both sides have presented their arguments and evidence, a verdict will be reached by the judge or jury. If the court rules in your favor, the judgment will specify the amount of compensation you are set to receive.
- Appeals: The losing party may file a post-trial motion for an appeal to the ruling. If enough legal errors are found in the original case, then a higher court can appeal the ruling.
Who is Liable in a Turlock Transit Bus Accident in Turlock?
In a Turlock Transit bus accident, the City of Turlock is liable for damages caused by their bus, and bus drivers. Filing a claim against a government entity can be challenging, but it is possible to recover damages. Personal injury victims only have 6 months to file a claim against a government agency, as opposed to 2 years for a non-government claim.
A government entity also has more ways to deny your claim. For instance, every government agency has the 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.
What Type of Compensation Can I Expect from a Turlock Transit Bus Accident?
There is no set dollar amount for the trauma and pain experienced by bus accident victims. However, an experienced accident attorney will help you understand the value of your case by calculating your economic damages (such as lost wages and medical bills) and non-economic damages (emotional harm, depression, and anxiety). These damages combined include:
- Hospital bills
- Current and future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Future lost earnings
- Physical therapy
- Surgery (if necessary)
- Loss of consortium (a claim filed by a spouse or loved one for loss of love or companionship)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
FAQs
Q: What if I was injured at a bus stop?
A: Depending on the situation, if you were injured by a reckless driver at a bus stop, you may be able to sue the city or state for creating a hazardous bus stop, in addition to the bus company.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a Turlock Transit Bus Accident?
A: 6 months from the day of the accident. Stricter deadlines are enforced when suing a government agency, therefore, less time is allowed when filing a personal injury claim.
Q: Does my wife or husband have a claim if I was injured in a bus accident?
A: Yes, your husband or wife could file for loss of consortium if your injuries have resulted in a loss of “love or companionship.”
Contact a Turlock Transit Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a bus accident in Turlock, our accident attorneys at Maison Law are experts in Tort Law and will protect your right to compensation. We understand the impact a bus accident can have on a person’s life and we will aggressively pursue every legal avenue to recover all the damages you’ve suffered. Contact Maison Law today for a free, no-risk consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
