Bus drivers and bus companies that fail to use the highest level of care and diligence to protect their passengers can cause an accident on the road. In California, locals and tourists have a lot of things to see and do, and they can easily get to places by riding buses. Once you step onboard a bus, you expect to arrive at their destination safely. But, a lot of buses in Los Angeles are involved in serious accidents that injure or even kill passengers and pedestrians.
If you have sustained injuries because of a bus accident, you can be eligible for compensation. To ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages, hire a bus accident lawyer los angeles. Your lawyer will determine the validity of your claim and work to maximize your recovery from the responsible parties.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Bus Accident
If you were hurt in a bus accident, you should get immediate medical attention. Ensure you have a full medical evaluation of your injuries and get copies of your medical treatments. Then, file your reports with appropriate agencies like the city police, highway patrol, or sheriff’s department. Try to get detailed information from everyone involved. If you can, try to take photos or videos of the accident scene and all injuries. Contact an attorney as soon as possible as they will take care of other evidence you may fail to obtain. Do not sign anything related to your accident until you can talk to your attorney because this can jeopardize your case.
Who You Can Turn to For Compensation?
The party that can be held responsible for your accident and injuries depends on the circumstances of the accident. Your injury lawyer may find that one or more parties are responsible for your losses. They may include the following:
- The bus driver. The accident may be caused by the driver’s negligence and if this can be proven the driver will be held responsible for it.
- The bus company. Every bus company must make sure its buses, drivers, and operations are of the highest quality and safety. If they fail to perform their responsibility, they can be held liable for your accident.
- Bus maintenance service provider. If the accident was due to a compromised function of the bus, the company that maintains the bus could be held liable for your injuries.
- Bus or parts manufacturer. If your bus accident resulted from a defective part like tires, brakes, or electrical wiring, the manufacturer of the part could be held liable.