Were you injured in a bus accident in Sherman Oaks, California? Bus accidents can lead to serious and life-changing injuries. This is true for passengers, pedestrians, and drivers involved in the crash. The skilled bus accident lawyers at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers in Sherman Oaks can help you seek justice. Call our office today at (833) 852-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
For decades, our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injury victims across California. Our attorneys have 105 years of combined experience. Call today and speak with a Sherman Oaks bus accident lawyer.
How JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Bus Accident in Sherman Oaks, CA
Bus accident cases are often complex. They may include private bus companies, school districts, or public transit agencies. These groups face strict deadlines and have strong legal teams. Our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers know how to handle these claims effectively.
When you hire JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Investigate thoroughly: We collect crash reports, driver records, surveillance footage, and maintenance logs to determine what caused the accident.
- Identify all liable parties: Including bus drivers, companies, maintenance contractors, or government entities.
- Work with experts: Accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals help us build a strong case.
- Calculate your damages: We assess medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- Negotiate assertively: We handle all communications with insurers and defense attorneys to pursue a fair settlement.
- Litigate if necessary: We are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for maximum compensation.
Our team is committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Sherman Oaks
Bus accidents can happen for many reasons, often involving driver error or poor maintenance.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Bus drivers using phones, radios, or talking with passengers while driving.
- Driver fatigue: Long shifts without proper breaks can lead to delayed reaction times.
- Speeding: Failing to adjust speed for traffic, weather, or road conditions.
- Improper training: Drivers not trained to handle large vehicles safely in busy areas.
- Mechanical failures: Brake, tire, or steering issues due to poor maintenance.
- Unsafe lane changes or turns: Large buses require extra care to avoid collisions.
If negligence caused your accident, you have the right to seek compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in bus accidents depends on the circumstances.
Potentially responsible parties include:
- Bus drivers: For negligent or reckless driving.
- Bus companies: For hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train staff, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.
- Maintenance contractors: If poor servicing contributed to the crash.
- Government agencies: For public buses operated by city or county transit systems. Special rules apply, including shorter filing deadlines.
- Other drivers: If another motorist’s negligence caused the accident.
Identifying the correct party—or parties—responsible for a bus accident is critical to building a successful claim and securing the compensation you deserve.
What Injuries Are Common in Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents often cause severe injuries due to the size and weight of buses, the lack of seatbelts, and sudden impacts.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Neck and back injuries
Injuries can cause costly medical bills, long recovery periods, and lasting disabilities. Our attorneys will fight to recover the full value of your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bus Accident?
If you were hurt in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment.
- Lost income: Wages you lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If your injuries result in lasting impairment.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace personal belongings damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed, their family may recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and more.
Our legal team will pursue every dollar you deserve under California law.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in California?
In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. This period starts from the date of the accident. However, claims against government entities, such as public bus systems, require filing a notice of claim within six months. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Sherman Oaks Bus Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a bus accident in Sherman Oaks, CA, don’t wait to get legal help. The team at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers has 105 years of combined experience, and has a strong record of getting compensation for accident victims.
Call today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Sherman Oaks bus accident attorney.
