Bus Accidents in Victorville, California: Steps for Affected Passengers

There are countless residents of Victorville, and across California, who rely on buses as a safe and affordable transportation option. Whether the passengers on the bus are going to work, running errands, or are on their way to school, there is an expectation that they will arrive at their destination safely. Unfortunately, bus accidents are more common than you might think. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, passengers can suffer serious injuries.

If you or someone you know was injured in a bus accident, there are steps you should take to ensure that you receive the medical attention you need and that you recover the financial compensation you deserve. An experienced bus accident lawyer will assist you with this process and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in California?

In most cases, bus accidents are caused by some type of negligence, either by the driver or another liable party. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Victorville and across California:

• Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone while operating a bus
• Drowsy driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speeding
• Failure to obey the rules of the road
• Impaired driving
• Failure to yield to the right of way
• Tailgating
• Failure to watch for pedestrians
• Failure to properly maintain the vehicle or make any necessary repairs
• Sudden stops
• Failure to properly train bus drivers
• Errors made while passengers are embarking or disembarking the bus
• Negligence of third parties involved in the accident

What Are Common Bus Accident Injuries?

Depending on the nature and severity of the bus accident, resulting injuries can range from fairly minor cuts and scrapes to severe injuries and fatalities. However, due to the size and weight of the average bus, injuries are often serious and can include the following:

• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Cuts and lacerations
• Head trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Vision or hearing loss
• Whiplash

Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?

According to the California Civil Code 2100, bus drivers and transportation companies classified as common carriers are expected to use the utmost care while operating a bus to ensure the safety of every passenger on board. While the bus driver may be at fault for an accident if they engaged in unsafe or negligent behavior while driving, the following are examples of additional parties that may also be liable:

• The bus company.
• The maintenance company.
• The leasing company from which the bus is leased.
• The manufacturing company is a defective part that caused the bus accident.
• The municipality is responsible for the bus accident if it was caused by unsafe road conditions.

What Steps Do I Take Immediately Following a Bus Accident?

The moments following a bus accident can be traumatic, whether you are riding a school bus, a Greyhound bus, or a charter bus. If you were a passenger during a bus accident, it is crucial that you remain calm and take the following steps after the accident:

• Report the accident. If you are able to safely move, call 911 as soon as possible to report the accident. If there are injuries, make sure that you notify dispatch so that they can send an ambulance to the scene. The responding police officer will fill out a police report, which you can obtain a copy of as evidence.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is crucial that you seek medical attention from emergency medical technicians when they arrive at the scene. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, particularly if the stress of the accident causes adrenaline to course through your body, masking pain and other symptoms. If you do not seek treatment at the accident scene, an undiagnosed injury can become more serious and difficult to treat. This can also have a negative impact on a personal injury claim if the insurance company argues that your injuries must not be very serious if you did not find it necessary to seek treatment.
• Collect evidence. Take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, road conditions, weather conditions, and any other relevant details. If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
• Contact a bus accident lawyer. Bus companies often have a team of highly paid lawyers who will use a range of legal tactics to avoid paying a large settlement. Therefore, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced bus accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights and ensure that you recover the maximum damages to which you are entitled.

What Damages Am I Entitled to if I Am Injured in a Bus Accident?

If you were seriously injured in a bus accident, a successful personal injury claims lawyer will ensure that you recover the financial damages you are entitled to, including the following:

• All medical expenses associated with your injuries, including hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, follow-up care, and prescription medications.
• Future medical expenses.
• Lost wages if you are unable to return to work for a significant period of time after the accident.
• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful death benefits if the bus accident causes fatal injuries.

Our Victorville Bus Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Represent Victims of Bus Accidents

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a bus accident, it is highly recommended that you contact our Victorville bus accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 909-889-1131 or contact us online. With office locations in Ontario and Victorville, California, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.