Beverly Hills Bus Accident Attorney

Have You Been Injured in a Bus Accident?

Public transportation is often a convenient and affordable way to get around, but bus accidents can lead to severe injuries and unexpected challenges. These accidents may involve multiple parties, including passengers, pedestrians, other vehicles, and even the bus operator. Determining liability in bus accident cases can be particularly complex due to the involvement of government entities, private bus companies, or both. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation, but the process of recovering damages can be daunting without the right legal guidance.

At Setareh Law, we understand the difficulties you may face following a bus accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can take a toll, making it challenging to focus on recovering from your injuries. Our experienced legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of holding negligent parties accountable, our Beverly Hills bus accident attorneys are committed to helping accident victims secure full and fair compensation for their losses.

Determining Liability in Bus Accident Cases

Establishing who is at fault in a bus accident can be complicated because buses are considered “common carriers” under California law. Common carriers, which include buses, trains, and rideshare services, owe a heightened duty of care to their passengers. This means bus operators are legally obligated to take every reasonable precaution to ensure the safety of their passengers and others on the road. When they fail to meet this standard, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.

Liability in a bus accident can rest on several parties. For example, if the accident was caused by a negligent bus driver, such as one who was distracted or speeding, the driver and their employer may share responsibility. If the accident occurred due to poor vehicle maintenance, the company responsible for maintaining the bus could also be held accountable. In some cases, a defective vehicle part may implicate the manufacturer. If the bus is operated by a government entity, such as a city transportation department, additional rules and filing requirements may apply, as lawsuits against government entities have specific procedures and deadlines.

Each of these scenarios requires detailed investigation and evidence collection. Traffic camera footage, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimonies are often critical in determining what happened and who is liable. This process can be time-intensive and challenging for victims to manage without legal support. Understanding how to navigate the legal nuances surrounding liability can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Challenges in Dealing With Insurance Companies

After a bus accident, you’ll likely need to deal with one or more insurance companies, depending on who is found liable for your injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies often prioritize minimizing payouts over fairly compensating accident victims. Their representatives may pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages. This is especially common in cases involving significant injuries, where the cost of medical treatment and long-term care can be substantial.

Insurance adjusters may also attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries or argue you were partially responsible for the accident to reduce their liability. In California, the state’s pure comparative negligence law means your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. However, insurers may exaggerate your role in the accident to pay less, even when you had little or no responsibility for what happened.

To avoid these tactics, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the value of your claim before entering negotiations. This includes accounting for not only your medical bills and lost wages but also non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Gathering strong evidence and consulting with medical experts to estimate future expenses can strengthen your case. Having an advocate who knows how to counter these strategies can be essential to ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity

When a government entity operates the bus and is involved in an accident, the process of pursuing compensation becomes even more complex. Government-operated buses, such as those in city transit systems, are subject to special rules under California’s Government Claims Act. For example, you must file a claim with the appropriate government agency before you can pursue a lawsuit. This claim must typically be submitted within six months of the accident, which is much shorter than the standard statute of limitations for personal injury cases.

Once your claim is filed, the government entity has 45 days to respond. If your claim is denied, you can then file a lawsuit in civil court. Failing to follow these strict procedural rules can result in the dismissal of your case, so attention to detail is crucial. Additionally, government entities often have significant legal resources to defend against claims, making it even more important to build a strong case supported by evidence.

Legal complexities aside, victims often face significant financial and emotional burdens while waiting for a resolution. The sooner you initiate the claims process, the better your chances of meeting all deadlines and securing the compensation you need. It’s important to take swift action and avoid delays that could jeopardize your claim.

Why Choose Setareh Law to Handle Your Bus Accident Case?

Navigating the legal process after a bus accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Setareh Law, we have extensive experience handling complex personal injury claims, including those involving bus accidents. Our team understands the unique challenges these cases present, from identifying liable parties to complying with procedural rules for claims against government entities. We take a detail-oriented approach to ensure no aspect of your case is overlooked.

Our commitment to client service sets us apart. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. From the moment you contact us, our bus accident lawyers provide personalized guidance and keep you informed every step of the way. We’re available around the clock to address your concerns and are prepared to fight aggressively to maximize your compensation. Call us today at (310) 659-1826 or reach out through our contact form. We’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.

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Setareh Law, APLC

8484 Wilshire Blvd #870,

Beverly Hills, CA 90211