From school buses to public transportation, many large transit vehicles take people to various locations throughout Stockton. Unfortunately, these vehicles are also a common cause of serious accidents, often resulting from driver negligence.
When you are hurt in a bus crash through no fault of your own, you may be able to pursue legal action against the responsible party. Holding the negligent party accountable for their careless behavior could involve filing an insurance claim or taking your case to court.
A dedicated personal injury attorney can help you pursue one of these avenues. Before attempting to resolve your case without help, get in touch with a Stockton bus accident lawyer today.
Common Bus Crash Injuries
Injuries that result from bus accidents vary. Like most motor vehicle collisions, any body part could sustain an injury depending on how a crash happens, including public transportation passengers and other drivers on the road.
One of the critical things to consider in these cases is that bus wrecks often result in injuries more severe than those sustained in other car accidents. Since buses are much larger than most passenger vehicles, the impact of a collision with a bus is significant. Some of the injuries common in these accidents include:
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Broken arms or legs
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
These injuries could serve as the basis for a civil suit. If successful, a claim can award the injured individual payment for the physical, emotional, and financial damages they sustained during the bus crash. A hardworking attorney in Stockton could evaluate a public transportation collision and determine the damages available to the plaintiff.
Who Could Bear Responsibility for a Bus Crash?
Identifying the negligent party is important when pursuing compensation after a bus collision. It is understandable to blame the bus operator, and while that is sometimes the case, other parties can share liability for the crash. The parties typically responsible for a bus wreck include:
Bus Drivers
Driver error is a frequent cause of bus collisions in Stockton. These vehicles can be challenging to maneuver, especially on tight streets. Therefore, operating buses requires the driver’s full attention. Common examples of negligence in these cases include speeding, failing to yield, or driving while impaired.
Bus Companies
In some cases, the bus company could also face civil liability for the crash. For example, when a bus driver negligently injures someone within the scope of their employment, the company they work for could also be the target of a lawsuit.
Manufacturers
Sometimes, defective bus parts or mechanical errors like braking systems, doors, or tires could result in serious crashes. When an incident like this occurs, the injured individual can pursue legal action against the manufacturers that produced the faulty parts. A knowledgeable lawyer will consider the case’s details and identify potential defendants following a bus collision.
Call an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney in Stockton Today
Unfortunately, bus accidents can lead to serious, life-altering injuries that affect every aspect of your life. However, when the bus crash leaves you with significant injuries, you must consider your legal options as soon as possible.
You are entitled to pursue a personal injury case against the party responsible for your wreck. Contact a Stockton bus accident lawyer to learn more and begin filing your claim.
