TYPES OF BUS ACCIDENT IJURIES
Given the sheer size and weight of a bus, accidents can lead to severe, catastrophic, and sometimes even fatal injuries.
Common bus accident injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
- Amputations
- Burns
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Facial and dental injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Other fatal injuries that can lead to wrongful death
Bus Accident Liability
If you are involved in a bus accident, one of the first things you may ask is who can be held liable for your injuries. Depending on the situation you might be able to hold one or more parties liable for your injuries including the bus driver, the bus company, a government entity, or the bus manufacturer.
When can a bus company or other party might be held liable for a person’s injuries:
- Violation of state or federal laws and regulations
- Inadequate licensing and training
- Improper maintenance of the bus
- Driver operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Operator inattention, fatigue, or negligence
Determining liability or who can be held legally responsible for your damages can be challenging without the help of a qualified attorney. It is imperative to discuss your case with an experienced bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles who knows the law and can fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowed.
Economic and Non-Economic Bus Accident Damages
In California, a bus accident victim may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. An attorney can help estimate the total amount of damages you should request.
Economic damages are monetary losses that can be easily verified or calculated. Medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of repairs to your vehicle are common forms of economic damages.
Non-economic damages are more subjective losses that are considered non-monetary including compensation for emotional distress, loss of society or companionship, and pain and suffering.
Types of Bus Accidents
Greyhound and Tour Bus Accidents
Some of the most horrific accidents involve Greyhounds and other tour buses. Because these buses usually carry a large number of passengers and travel long distances, the results can be catastrophic.
Unfortunately, the cause of many of these accidents is driver fatigue or inattention. Greyhound and tour bus operators may be required to drive overnight to arrive at their destination. Exhaustion can quickly lead to devastation for dozens of passengers and other motorists.
School Bus Accidents
School children can be particularly vulnerable to accidents because they are unrestrained in the bus. Even a minor accident can cause serious injury or death to young kids that are unable to wear seat belts.
In addition to injuries that occur on the bus, many school children are injured when they are loading and unloading. If your child is injured while riding a school bus, it may be the school board or another government entity that can be held responsible for your losses.
Public Transportation Bus Accidents
There are several public bus fleets in Los Angeles including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro buses, City of Los Angeles Transportation (LADOT) Dash buses, and the Flyaway bus service.
If you are involved in a public transportation bus accident in Los Angeles, you need to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist injured in the accident, you should always speak to an attorney.
Get Started Today