Irvine Bus Accident Lawyers

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents can lead to severe injuries and overwhelming financial losses. Victims in Irvine may be eligible for compensation, including:

• Payment for medical expenses such as emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Compensation for lost income if injuries prevent you from working or require extended recovery time.
• Coverage for pain and suffering related to physical injuries and emotional distress.
• Reimbursement for damaged personal property, including vehicles, electronics, and personal belongings.
• Compensation for loss of earning capacity if permanent injuries impact your ability to work.
• Wrongful death damages for families who lose a loved one in a bus crash, including funeral costs and loss of financial support.

If you’re unsure about the types of compensation you can pursue, contact our Irvine bus accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your options.

Key Evidence to Gather for a Strong Bus Accident Claim

Gathering strong evidence after a bus accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Important evidence includes:

• Police reports that document the crash, witness statements, and any citations issued.
• Photos and videos from the scene showing vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
• Medical records that connect your injuries to the accident and outline necessary treatments.
• Witness statements that provide third-party perspectives on how the collision occurred.
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams.
• Driver logs and maintenance records if the bus was operated by a public transit agency.
• Cell phone records that can reveal whether the bus driver was distracted at the time of the crash.

If you need help gathering evidence to strengthen your claim, contact Thompson Law’s Irvine bus accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best Bus Accident law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a Bus Accident case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Irvine Bus Accident Lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Why Irvine Victims Choose Thompson Law for Bus Accident Cases

Victims of bus accidents in Irvine often face complex claims involving multiple parties and insurance companies. Here’s why they turn to Thompson Law:

• We conduct comprehensive investigations in order to identify all liable parties, including bus companies, drivers, and vehicle manufacturers.
• Our attorneys handle all communication with insurers to prevent lowball offers and protect your rights.
• We work with accident reconstruction experts to establish how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
• Our firm is trial-ready, prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement is not offered.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

For aggressive legal representation after a bus accident, contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION from our Irvine bus accident lawyers.

What If a City Bus Was Involved? Suing Public Entities in Irvine

If a bus operated by a public entity, such as the Orange County Transit Authority, was involved in the crash, the claims process is different. Here’s what to know:

• You must file a notice of claim with the public entity within six months of the accident.
• The claim must outline the incident, damages, and the compensation you’re seeking.
• Public entities often have specific procedures and strict deadlines for filing claims.
• Evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage can be crucial in proving liability.
• Government agencies may argue they are immune from certain types of claims, making it essential to have experienced legal representation.

Navigating claims against public entities can be challenging. Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION from our bus accident lawyers in Irvine.

Was the Bus Driver Distracted or Fatigued? How to Prove Negligence

Driver distraction and fatigue are common causes of bus accidents and can form the basis of a negligence claim. To prove negligence:

• Obtain cell phone records to determine if the driver was texting or using a phone at the time of the crash.
• Request driver logs to see if the driver exceeded federally mandated hours-of-service limits.
• Review surveillance footage from the bus or nearby cameras to confirm distracted driving.
• Interview witnesses who can testify about the driver’s behavior before the crash.
• Obtain the vehicle’s black box data, which may show sudden braking, speed fluctuations, or other signs of distraction or fatigue.

If you suspect that the bus driver was distracted or fatigued, Thompson Law’s Irvine bus accident lawyers can investigate and pursue the evidence you need. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION.

High-Risk Intersections, Roads, and Freeways for Bus Accidents in Irvine

Certain intersections and roads in Irvine see more bus accidents than others due to heavy traffic, complex layouts, and frequent congestion. High-risk areas for bus crashes include:

• Jamboree Road and Main Street
• Alton Parkway and Technology Drive
• The I-405 and MacArthur Boulevard Interchange
• Culver Drive near University of California Irvine
• Jeffrey Road and Irvine Boulevard

If you were involved in a bus accident at any of these high-risk locations, contact our Irvine bus accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our attorneys will investigate the scene, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Irvine Bus Accident Laws and Local Transit Ordinances

Bus accidents in Irvine are governed by specific laws and local transit ordinances. Understanding these regulations can impact your claim:

• California Vehicle Code § 21760 requires vehicles to maintain a minimum distance of three feet when passing a bus, reducing the risk of sideswipe collisions.
• California Vehicle Code § 23123.5 restricts bus drivers from using handheld devices while operating a bus, a critical factor in distracted driving cases.
• According to California Code of Regulations Title 13, Section 1216, buses cannot carry hazardous materials unless specifically permitted. Drivers must also ensure that cargo does not obstruct aisles, doors, or emergency exits, preventing passenger injuries in case of a sudden stop or collision.
• Only the vehicle’s regular fuel tanks can carry fuel. Transporting additional fuel containers on buses is prohibited, reducing fire risks in accidents.
• Wheelchairs transported on buses must have functioning brakes and spill-resistant batteries. Flammable fuel-powered wheelchairs are not allowed, minimizing fire hazards during transit.
• Only service animals are allowed on buses, as specified in Civil Code Section 54.2. Other animals must be crated or muzzled to prevent injuries to passengers. This restriction also applies to school buses and youth buses.
• Irvine designates specific truck routes to minimize heavy vehicle traffic in residential and pedestrian areas (Sec. 6-3-565). Violating these restrictions can increase liability if a truck collides with a bus.
• Bus drivers must comply with specific hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue-related accidents. The OCTA requires strict monitoring of driver schedules to minimize risks.
• Bus drivers are also required to follow specific speed limits in school zones and near pedestrian crosswalks to prevent injuries.
• Leaving a vehicle that obstructs traffic for more than 10 days is considered a public nuisance in Irvine (Sec. 4-11-219). If an abandoned vehicle contributed to a bus accident, the owner may be held accountable.
• Operating a vehicle in a manner that creates excessive noise, smoke, or dust is prohibited (Sec. 4-11-222). This regulation can apply if a bus driver was operating recklessly or if excessive noise distracted another driver, leading to a crash.

If you believe a violation of these laws led to your bus accident, our Irvine bus accident lawyers can investigate and pursue accountability. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Where to Get Emergency Medical Care After a Bus Accident in Irvine

Seeking immediate medical care after a bus accident is crucial to protect your health and strengthen your injury claim. In Irvine, medical facilities equipped to handle bus accident injuries include:

• Hoag Hospital Irvine
• UCI Medical Center
• Irvine Urgent Care
• Kaiser Permanente Orange County – Irvine Medical Center
• MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center

Obtaining medical records immediately after an accident can provide essential documentation for your injury claim. For guidance on how to pursue compensation, contact our Irvine bus accident attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Requesting a Police Report After a Bus Accident in Irvine

A police report can serve as vital evidence in a bus accident claim. Here’s how to obtain one in Irvine:

• Visit the Irvine Police Department Records Division in person or submit an online request through their website.
• If the accident occurred on a state highway or involved a commercial vehicle, contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
• Confirm the report includes accurate details such as vehicle descriptions, driver statements, and witness contact information.
• If there are discrepancies or missing information, request a correction promptly.
• Keep a copy of the report for your records and provide it to your Irvine bus accident lawyer.

If you need assistance obtaining or reviewing your police report, contact our bus accident lawyers in Irvine for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Irvine

Failing to file a bus accident lawsuit within the legal deadline can forfeit your right to compensation. In California, the filing deadlines are:

• Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
• Three years to file a property damage claim for vehicle repairs or replacements.
• Six months to file a claim against a public entity, such as the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA).
• Claims involving minors or incapacitated victims may have extended deadlines, but these are exceptions.

Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to recover damages. To ensure your claim is filed on time, contact our Irvine bus accident attorneys for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Talk With Thompson Law Today for Competent Bus Accident Representation

Bus accidents in Irvine can lead to severe injuries, complicated claims, and costly medical bills. At Thompson Law, our experienced Irvine bus accident lawyers are committed to helping victims seek maximum compensation.

• We investigate every aspect of the accident to determine liability and build a compelling case.
• We handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure fair settlements.
• We are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered.
• Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident in Irvine, contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our dedicated team of bus accident lawyers in Irvine is ready to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Bus Accidents in Irvine

Can you file a claim if a bus accident involved multiple vehicles?

Yes, you can file a claim if multiple vehicles were involved in a bus accident. Determining liability may require investigating each party, including other drivers, bus companies, and even the city if the crash involved a public transit vehicle.

What if the bus driver was not cited for the accident?

Even if the bus driver was not cited by law enforcement, you can still pursue a claim if evidence indicates negligence. This could include driver fatigue, distraction, or improper vehicle maintenance.

Are there specific laws about seat belts on buses in Irvine?

Yes, certain buses, especially newer models, are required to have seat belts for passengers. If a bus lacked proper restraints or failed to enforce their use, the bus company could be held liable for injuries.

Can you seek compensation if you were a pedestrian hit by a bus?

Yes, pedestrians hit by buses can pursue compensation for their injuries. Claims may be filed against the bus driver, the transit company, or other liable parties.

What if the bus company denies responsibility for the accident?

If the bus company denies responsibility, you still have options. Evidence such as maintenance records, driver logs, and surveillance footage can be used to prove negligence. If necessary, the case can proceed to court to seek compensation.