Sacramento & Elk Grove Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accident injuries are often more severe than those caused in the average auto accident. A contributing factor is buses often lack on-board safety options that come standard with the typical automobile, such as airbags and seat-belts, putting passengers at risk for catastrophic or even fatal injuries.

In many cases, buses are owned and operated by government entities. This detail changes the process in recovering compensation - making it more complex. If a government entity is involved then claims are often subject to stricter guidelines and shorter time limits for taking legal action. At O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm, we have successfully handled numerous bus accident cases and our law firm has a track record of successfully recovering full compensation on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, the Sacramento & Elk Grove-based lawyers at O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm can help.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

According to California Civil Code Section 2100

"A carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill."

Bus companies and their drivers must adhere to this code and, therefore, owe a heightened duty of care to their passengers and others that are sharing the road with them.

Some causes of bus accidents include:

• distracted driving
• aggressive driving
• fatigue
• driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• failure to follow traffic regulations
• inadequately trained bus drivers
• poor bus maintenance
• road hazards

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Traveling in a large vehicle can at times give us a false sense of security. However, the truth is that whenever you are in a vehicle that is involved in an accident, regardless of its size, you are at risk of being injured. Buses are not the exception.

Usually, most bus accident victims fall into one of two categories. The first group are not those inside the bus but those who are sharing the road with it. Sadly, when travelers in a smaller vehicle collide with a bus they rarely survive and are often left with catastrophic injuries as a result of the accident. The second group are the passengers of the buses that are involved in accidents. Bus passengers are often standing or seated without safety belts and airbags, which can result in very serious injuries.

Injuries that may result from a bus accident include:

• broken bones
• burns & bruises
• lacerations
• paralysis
• spinal cord injuries
• traumatic brain injuries
• whiplash
• death

What Compensation Can Be Recovered?

During negotiations or litigation, a Sacramento & Elk Grove bus accident victim or surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for the following:

• past and future medical expenses
• fees for emergency room visits
• hospital care
• surgery
• assistive devices and appointments with medical professionals
• lost wages, both present and future
• physical pain suffered as a result of injuries sustained in the crash
• mental anguish
• emotional suffering
• loss of consortium
• loss of marital benefits

Bus accident cases are often complicated by nature and it is highly important to seek the help of an experienced lawyer who has dealt with these types of lawsuits before. There are deadlines and strict rules that apply to collecting compensation in the state of California, and without the assistance of an experienced attorney, you may lose your right to recover damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?

Potentially liable parties include:

• the bus driver
• the owner of the bus, including California State, other government entities and private companies
• the company overseeing maintenance of the bus
• the manufacturer of the bus or any part of the bus
• the California municipality in which the accident occurred
• a negligent third party

Most lawsuits involving bus accidents focus on the concept of negligence. For example, if a driver violates any state or federal law, that driver will likely be found negligent. In such circumstances the driver, his or her employer, and the owner of the bus will be legally responsible to compensate injury victims and their families.

In order to prove that you were a victim of negligence, evidence is required to prove the other party acted in an irresponsible manner that resulted in your injury and damages. Your lawyer will work tirelessly to investigate the case thoroughly, carefully consider who was responsible, and take the legal steps necessary to ensure you receive just compensation for your injuries.

School Bus Accidents

More than 23 million children ride on school buses every day in our country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 1995 and 2005, approximately 1,500 people lost their lives as a result of school bus-related accidents. When school bus accidents occur young ones often suffer injuries; types of injuries can include bruising, lacerations, soft tissue damage, broken bones, whiplash, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or, in worse cases, death.

In California, motorists are required to stop when school bus lights are flashing but unfortunately, this law is not always obeyed. Although liability typically applies to when the children are on the bus in some instances it is extended; for example, when children are being loaded or unloaded on a bus, the driver still has a duty to ensure the safety of the children. School entities, school bus owners and drivers may be held liable for injuries a student suffers if the driver does not:

• activate the safety measures of the school bus (flashing red lights and stop sign) while students board and get off the bus
• monitor a student's safe crossing of a street
• operate the bus with due care
• check if the traffic has stopped before allowing a student to exit the bus

If you or a loved one has been involved in a school bus accident, contacting a qualified bus accident attorney is vital to ensure you receive just compensation.

Tour Bus Accidents in California

As with any automobile, tour buses are also prone to road accidents. Some of the particular reasons why tour bus accidents take place in California are:

Poorly maintained tour buses.

Unfortunately, there are travel companies and tour bus operators that do not take the proper steps to maintain their vehicles. This increases the probability that their vehicles will likely malfunction and cause an accident. Companies are required by law to carefully care for their bus fleet, this would include regular maintenance routines and repairs when needed, to ensure the safety of their passengers.

The driver is exhausted.

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of tour bus accidents in California and often, bus drivers become very exhausted due to the demanding tour schedules that they are required to follow. Driving skills and performance are significantly affected when a driver is fatigued, and accidents are almost always inevitable in these cases.

The bus driver is under the influence of alcohol.

It is a commonly known fact that drugs and alcohol will impair one's ability to drive. If a tour bus is being operated by someone who is under the influence of alcohol, or perhaps medication that causes drowsiness, it greatly increases the risk of a serious road accident occurring.

The driver fails to follow traffic rules.

Although California has many traffic laws, many drivers fail to adhere to them. It's when the seemingly small rules are broken, such as exceeding the speed limit or texting and driving, that bus drivers increase the probability of causing an accident and in turn, injuring their passengers.

Tourists who are injured due to a tour bus accident have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the travel company and the bus driver.

What Should I Do If I'm in a Bus Accident?

Following a crash involving any type of vehicle, you need to consider your safety first. Call 911 and check to see if you or anyone else is hurt. If you or someone else is injured, seek immediate medical attention. Only after your injuries have been treated, and only if you are physically able, try to collect as much evidence as you can, including:

• Police and medical reports
• Any witness statements and their information
• Pictures of the scene of the accident
• Pictures of your injuries

If you were injured in a Sacramento & Elk Grove bus accident you should speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. In order to pursue litigation in a bus accident case, you must act quickly due to notice requirements and statutes of limitation which can be more complicated if the bus or transportation vehicle is owned or operated by a government entity. An experienced Sacramento & Elk Grove personal injury attorney can explain what your rights are, help you determine if you have a case, and whether or not a bus accident lawsuit is the best option for you to pursue.

List of Bus Operators in California

The time to file your claim is limited, so call O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm at 916.714.8200 today to schedule a free case evaluation.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THEIR CASES

My insurance wasn't really giving me any advice or anything. It was turning into a nightmare; I didn't know what to do. I called John and what caught my attention is that he was worried about me, not about his fees; that's when I said: 'This is the guy I am going with.'

Miguel F.

John held 2 cases for us where he could have settled or given up easily. He didn't. He kept working on them and achieved a maximum settlement for us. We were extremely pleased.

Susan O.

After the car accident, I had three bulging discs in my neck that were pressing on my spinal cord causing many problems. The insurance company was very defensive so I went online and found John M. O'Brien's website. I felt comfortable with the first call. They're very good and professional people.

Allan M.

In 2011 I was injured in a car accident...As I received medical treatment I had to pay for everything out of pocket and it was a hardship. A friend referred me to John. The consultation went really great and I felt confident with him handling my case... Mr. O'Brien was always available.

Andrea A.

My wife suffered injuries in a car crash. Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Zehnder's skilled courtroom presentation and remarkable negotiation skills overturned adverse circumstances. We recommend Mr. O'Brien.

ROBERT H.

I was stunned after a distracted driver rear-ended me. Thankfully, John O'Brien and his team worked efficiently and tirelessly, helping me cover the piling medical bills.

CRISTINA O.

I lost my father because of a drunk driving accident. It was a difficult period, but John O'Brien and his colleague Grant Zehnder helped me obtain justice, closure, and compensation. Thank you!

JERRY R.

O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm expertly negotiated my car accident while I concentrated completely on health recovery. I wholeheartedly appreciate everything they have done for me.

KHAILA R.

Owing to Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Zehnder's professional representation, I'm riding my motorcycle again after almost a year of recovery. I am very thankful I chose Mr. O'Brien.

ROBERT

My daughter was seriously injured by a car while walking across the crosswalk. We are grateful for the aggressive fight John O'Brien put up, helping us obtain higher compensation.

CRISTOPHER

Mr. O'Brien's reliable and trustworthy services were more than I could have hoped for. The settlement he obtained for my accident was beyond expectations. My family and I greatly appreciate your help!

JERRY

O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm was recommended to me by a friend after I was involved in a car accident. Their patience, consideration, and readiness to explain the process impressed me.

PAUL S.

All we wanted after our car accident was to go back to normal. Mr. O'Brien understood and offered attentive and compassionate support. They presented our options but never pressured us.

DANNY

If you suffer an injury resulting from any accident that may be the fault of someone else, I highly recommend you contact John O'Brien to represent you.

R. HUNTER

Just a note to say "thank you," you made us (finally) feel like we were important! Thanks again for all of your time and efforts. Please tell Kathy and Brenda the same!

Joan & Bob

You and your staff made this process go very smoothly. Also, you went above and beyond and exceeded all expectations. I will definitely contact you for any future mishaps.

Shaina H.

As I reflect back on the events of the past three years, I see what a huge part you have played in our lives and I am so grateful.

Naomi M.

I recently had the pleasure of watching John O'Brien masterfully try a difficult personal injury case to a jury in Butte County. John represented a man who sustained a lumbar disc injury in a car accident.

Larry Buckley