Sacramento Bus Accident Lawyers

Get Legal Help for Your Bus Accident Claim Today

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with the legal process alone. Our Sacramento bus accident lawyers at Thompson Law are ready to help.

We offer complimentary consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you’re not paying a single cent unless we win your case.

Our experienced legal team knows what it takes to build a strong claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us take care of the legal side so you can focus on your recovery. Reach out to Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION and let’s talk more about your case.

Compensation Available After a Bus Accident

The settlement amount you can receive will depend on how severe your injuries are, as well as the details of the accident. The victim may be eligible for different kinds of financial recovery which includes compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic damages cover the financial expenses affected by the accident. These can include:

• Medical Expenses:  Emergency treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any medical care that’s ongoing.
• Reduced Earning Potential:  If your injuries impact your ability to work in the future.
• Property Damage:  If your vehicle or personal belongings were destroyed in the crash.
• Lost Wages:  If you can’t work because of your injuries.
• Wrongful Death:  If a loved one was killed in a bus accident, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral costs, lost companionship, and other related damages.

Non-economic damages cover the emotional and personal consequences of the accident, which is just as significant as financial losses. These may include:

• Pain and Suffering:  Compensation for the physical pain and long-term discomfort.
• Emotional Distress:  A lot of victims go through anxiety, depression, or PTSD after a serious accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life:  If your injuries prevent you from enjoying your hobbies, sports, or other activities you once enjoyed.
• Loss of Consortium:  If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, including intimacy and companionship.

Putting a value on suffering isn’t exactly straightforward. Courts and insurance companies use several methods to calculate non-economic damages:

• Per Diem Method:  They assign a daily rate for your pain and suffering, then multiply it by how many days you’ve been affected.
• Multiplier Method:  They add up all your financial losses, then multiply by 1.5 to 5 depending on injury severity. If your medical bills and lost wages total $100,000 and they use a multiplier of 3, you could receive $300,000 for pain and suffering.

These amounts vary widely based on your specific situation. An experienced Sacramento bus accident lawyer can fight for fair compensation.

Punitive damages work differently. They don’t reimburse you for losses but instead punish extremely careless or deliberate harmful behavior. Courts consider:

• Severity of Negligence:  The more reckless the behavior, the more likely punitive damages will be considered.
• Defendant’s Knowledge:  If the responsible party was aware their actions could cause harm but ignored it, a higher penalty may be applied.
• Financial Status of the Defendant:  When dealing with large companies or well-funded entities, higher punitive damages may be assessed to ensure accountability.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you don’t need to go through the legal process alone. Our Sacramento bus accident attorneys offer free consultations and charge no upfront fees. Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION and let’s discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Dangerous Intersections for Buses in Sacramento

Some Sacramento intersections see more accidents involving buses than others. Heavy traffic, driver mistakes, and nearby businesses are what makes these spots particularly dangerous. These intersections are:

• Watt Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard:  This is one of Sacramento’s busiest crossroads. The high volume of traffic and entrances to nearby businesses create frequent accident opportunities.
• Howe Avenue and Arden Way:  Many vehicles travel through this area daily. Rear-end collisions happen often, especially when cars stop suddenly for turns.
• Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane:  Congestion is common here, and vehicles frequently merge across lanes, increasing crash risks.
• Florin Road and Stockton Boulevard:  Cars, buses, and pedestrians all use this major intersection, creating a mix that can lead to accidents.
• J Street and Alhambra Boulevard:  The combination of fast-moving traffic and cars entering and exiting businesses makes this spot accident-prone.

There are a lot of factors that make these locations more prone to accidents for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians:

• Heavy Traffic and Freeway Access:  Many of these intersections connect to Interstate 80, Highway 50, or Business 80, causing congestion and sudden lane changes as drivers rush to exits.
• Businesses Near Intersections:  When gas stations, convenience stores, and shopping centers sit close to busy intersections, drivers make quick stops and unexpected turns.
• Lack of Raised Medians:  Without clear physical separation between opposing traffic flows, drivers attempt risky turns across multiple lanes.

Establishing Negligence in a Sacramento Bus Accident

To establish negligence and win a bus accident case, you need to prove the following:

1. Duty of Care:  The bus driver and the company are responsible for ensuring passenger and road safety.
2. Breach of Duty:  A failure to meet this responsibility, such as distracted driving or poor vehicle maintenance.
3. Causation:  The breach must directly lead to the accident.
4. Damage:  Injuries or property damage resulting from the accident.

Successfully proving negligence involves gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert opinions. Our Sacramento bus accident lawyers will handle this process and work to build a strong case for you.

What Determines the Value of a Bus Accident Injury Claim

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be thinking how much your claim is actually worth. The answer will depend on a bunch of factors, and an experienced attorney can help determine the amount by looking at:

• How serious your injuries are and how they affect your daily life and recovery
• Whether you’ve lost income due to missed work or reduced ability to earn in the future
• The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
• Your share of fault in the crash, since California’s comparative fault law may reduce your compensation if you were partially responsible

An experienced Sacramento bus accident lawyer can review the details of your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Passenger Behavior

• Distracting the driver while the bus is moving
• Ignoring safety instructions and rules
• Causing disturbances that shift the driver’s attention
• Playing with emergency exits or bus controls

Defective Bus Parts

• Malfunctioning brakes or steering systems
• Defective seat belts or safety equipment
• Poorly designed or incorrectly installed parts
• Worn-out tires

Road Hazards

• Potholes, uneven pavement, and unmaintained roads
• Construction zones without clear markings or detours
• Missing traffic signals or signs
• Road debris that forces unforeseen maneuvers

Bus Driver Negligence

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or making reckless lane changes
• Using a phone or being distracted while driving

Bus Company Negligence

• Skipping routine maintenance and inspections
• Hiring drivers without proper training or experience
• Failing to provide safety training for employees
• Overloading buses, affecting control and braking

Weather-Related Issues

• Driving too fast in heavy rain or fog
• Not adjusting to slippery or icy roads
• Ignoring weather advisories and road closures

Negligence by Other Drivers

• Speeding or aggressive driving near buses
• Cutting off a bus or failing to yield
• Driving while distracted or under the influence
• Illegal passing or reckless maneuvers

If you were injured in a bus accident because of negligence, you may have the right to compensation. Our Sacramento bus accident lawyers can review your case and help you understand your options. Call Thompson Law today for FREE CASE REVIEW!

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident in Sacramento

Getting involved in a bus accident is frightening and overwhelming, which is why you need to take the right steps in order to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you need to do:

1. If possible, get out of scene and away from danger. Look out for others and help them if needed.
2. Have yourself checked by a doctor even if you feel okay. Some injuries take time to show symptoms.
3. Call the police and make sure to file an official report. This document can be important for any legal claims.
4. Take pictures or clips of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
5. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact details. Their statements can help your case.
6. Don’t throw away medical reports, receipts, and any damaged personal items from the accident. These can help prove your losses.
7. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Our Sacramento bus accident lawyers are always available for help. Call now for a FREE CONSULTATION and we’ll guide you through the legal process.

Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents

Buses are large and cause serious injuries if it’s involved in an accident. Some injuries need long-term medical care and can have lasting effects on the victim’s health.

• Broken Bones and Fractures:  High-impact crashes can lead to broken arms, legs, or ribs. If joints are involved, the recovery process may be more complex, and there’s a slight chance of permanent mobility issues.
• Head and Brain Injuries:  Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impact one’s memory, coordination, and overall cognitive function. Some TBIs could lead to long-term or permanent disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Damage:  Injuries to the spine may lead to partial or full paralysis.
• Whiplash and Neck Strains:  Sudden stops or sharp turns can injure the neck, causing stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
• Internal Injuries:  A strong impact may damage internal organs, blood vessels, or the abdominal area. These injuries may not be visible right away but can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
• Cuts and Lacerations:  Broken glass and sharp metal can wound the victim, leading to excessive bleeding, infection, or permanent scarring. In severe cases, these injuries may result in amputations.

Ready to Pursue Compensation After a Bus Accident?

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bus accident, getting legal help early can make all the difference. These cases often involve complex rules, tight deadlines, and aggressive insurance companies working to reduce payouts.

Thompson Law’s Sacramento bus accident lawyers know how to build strong claims, identify all liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We don’t charge any upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Call now for a FREE CONSULTATION and let us help you take the next step forward.

FAQs About Bus Accidents in Sacramento

What should I do if I was injured in a bus accident?

Get medical help right away, even if you don’t feel injured. Report the accident to the police, gather witness contact information, and take photos of the scene if possible. Keep all medical records and bills. Consulting a Sacramento bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

How long do I have to file a claim if the accident involved a government-owned bus?

In Sacramento, claims against government entities must be filed within six months of the accident. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to compensation.

What are the insurance requirements for buses?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets insurance requirements for buses based on size:

• Buses that carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, must have at least $5 million in liability coverage.
• Buses with 15 or fewer passengers need $1.5 million in coverage.

These limits are applicable to private and commercial bus operators, but individual states may have additional insurance requirements.

Who can be held responsible for a bus accident?

Accountability depends on the circumstances of the crash. Possible responsible parties are the following:

• Bus drivers who are speeding, distracted or under the influence.
• Bus companies that don’t maintain vehicles or teach the drivers properly.
• Manufacturers if a mechanical defect like faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash.
• Other drivers who were careless or didn’t yield to the bus.
• City agencies if terrible road conditions, missing signs, or defective traffic signals played a role.

An established Sacramento bus accident lawyer from Thompson Law can help determine who is at fault and hold them accountable. Call us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW and together we’ll determine the right compensation for you.

Do all cities in California have the same time limits for filing a bus accident claim?

In Sacramento, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the bus is government-owned (such as a Sacramento Regional Transit District bus), the time limit is much shorter. You must file a claim within six months of the accident.

You could lose your right to seek compensation if you miss the deadline. Since different cities and counties may have specific rules, it’s best to consult a Sacramento bus accident lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your claim is filed on time.

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