Public buses provide a valuable service to anyone without a car, or for people who like the convenience and affordability of using public transportation. The city of Visalia has many residents and visitors that take advantage of private bus services or the Visalia Transit, which operates bus routes to nearby cities such as Tulare, Exeter, Goshen, and Farmersville.
Though traveling by bus has many benefits, there’s no denying the potential for injury and death if there is an accident. Were you or a member of your family injured in a bus accident in the city of Visalia? You and your loved ones may be entitle to monetary compensation from a bus accident claim. The members of our legal team can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you are fairly compensated by the bus company or anyone else that’s liable for the incident. For a detailed consultation on the process of filing a bus accident lawsuit, contact the offices of Normandie Law Firm.
Why Do Bus Accidents Happen in Visalia, CA?
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There is no shortage of circumstances that can cause injuries to people on or near a bus, whether it’s a vehicle operated by the city or a private company, like Greyhound. Some accidents cannot be blamed on anyone in particular, but most of them are definitively caused by negligence or misconduct. Examples of negligent behavior by a bus driver or company include, but are not limited to:
- Failing to follow traffic rules
- Not keeping up with repairs and maintenance
- Hazards on the bus that can injure people (water leaks, falling objects, etc.)
- Distracted driving
- Operating the bus while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy from medication
- Poorly designed or broken (defective) safety features, like seatbelts, handrails, and grab straps
Injuries Resulting from a Bus Accident
Whenever there is a bus accident, it’s likely that multiple people will end up with serious injuries and vehicle damage. Sadly, some of these people will die as a result of the accident, whether they were on the bus or a pedestrian that was crossing the street.
Immediate medical attention is needed to correctly diagnose one’s injuries and determine the treatments that are needed. Injuries that our commonly associated with bus accidents in Visalia include:
- Broken bones
- Concussion, skull fracture, and other injuries to the brain
- Joint dislocation, especially in the knee and shoulder
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Spinal cord damage, leading to paralysis
- Rupturing of internal organs
- Soft tissue injuries (tearing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments)
- Fracturing in the ankle or wrist
- Chronic pain
- Deep lacerations that leave permanent scars or result in an infection
Am I Eligible for a Lawsuit if I was Injured in a Bus Accident?
Private and public transportation companies that operate buses must take care to ensure people’s safety and minimize hazards that can lead to an accident. This is known as a duty of care, which is owed by bus companies and drivers to their passengers, other drivers, and the public, in general.
There are many things that bus companies can do in order to keep people safe. Ensuring that the bus is regularly maintained and making repairs as needed is a sensible way to prevent accidents. Drivers must also have adequate training and go through extensive screening procedures before they are hired. Commercial vehicle operators must also be in compliance with federal regulations that are established by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
When there is a failure by the bus company to exercise reasonable care, those who are injured may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. This is a type of legal action where you are asserting that someone other than yourself is partially or fully responsible for an accident. As a result of the accident, you suffered bodily harm and/or damage to your property. Thus, you have sustained monetary losses, which you are seeking to recover from the entity at fault.
There is much more that you’ll need to know about the process of filing a bus accident claim. We know that the legal system can be overwhelming to deal with, but please know that our attorneys are with our every step of the way. We are more than ready to hear your story and fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Suing for a Bus Accident – How Long Do I have?
Unless your case involves exceptional circumstances, you will be required by the California court system to file a lawsuit within 2 years of the accident (of date of death). Failure to meet this deadline will cost you the right to go forward with an accident claim, meaning that the guilty party is completely off the hook, even if they are 100% at fault for the accident.
Don’t miss out on the chance to sue for compensation as a bus accident injury victim. Contact our law firm today and seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Filing an Accident Claim against Visalia Transit
Liability claims and lawsuits against public entities have a different timeline compared to the average personal injury case. If the party that’s responsible for the accident is Visalia Transit, you only have 6 months from the incident date to file a claim with the city of Visalia. Alternatively, if you are filing a claim for wrongful death, you must do so no later than 6 months from the date of death.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in Visalia
Help from a lawyer that specializes in bus accidents is a crucial aspect of succeeding in a claim for compensation. With that in mind, please take a moment to reach out to us here at Normandie Law Firm.
Our attorneys have a solid record of settlements from insurance claims and lawsuits on behalf of bus accident victims. We also have a Zero Fee Guarantee for all clients, so there is no need to pay for any legal services upfront. As a part of your settlement, legal expenses are covered by the negligent party. So, we have to win your case in order to get paid, and you if we fail to obtain your payment, you owe us absolutely nothing.
To schedule a free consultation on your rights and legal options, contact the bus accident attorneys of Normandie Law Firm.
