Though not as common as other motor vehicle crashes, bus accidents take a harsh toll on California passengers and drivers every year. Statistics from the California Highway Patrol indicate there were 1,448 people injured and five fatalities in crashes involving school buses or other buses in a single recent year.
Given that buses are nearly as big as large commercial trucks, it’s no surprise that collisions can severely injure occupants and other motorists. Keep reading to learn more about bus crashes in California from the Sacramento bus accident attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C. If you’ve been hurt, call or contact us for a free initial consultation.
What to Do If I Was Injured in a Bus Accident in Sacramento
Because of their large size and weight, bus accidents often cause more severe injuries than other kinds of motor vehicle crashes. In addition, these types of collisions tend to be more complicated because more than one party may be liable for your injuries. This means that if you’re injured in a bus accident, you need to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your right to pursue compensation.
Here’s what to do if you were injured in a bus accident in Sacramento:
- Call 911 – This is the most important step after any bus accident. Your injuries may require immediate medical treatment. Calling 911 will also bring the police to the scene so they can begin investigating what happened. You can get a copy of the accident report later to help build your case for compensation.
- Document the accident scene – While you’re waiting for police and emergency medical personnel to arrive, take a few minutes to document the scene of the crash if you’re able. Take pictures of your injuries, the damage to any vehicles involved in the crash, and the surrounding area. You’ll also want names, insurance, and contact information for everyone involved, as well as any witnesses.
- See a doctor – If you aren’t brought to a hospital directly from the crash site, see a doctor as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could make your injuries worse and affect your injury claim.
- Don’t talk to any insurance companies – Let a bus accident attorney handle all communication with the insurance company so you don’t accidentally do or say anything that might jeopardize your claim.
- Hire a Sacramento bus accident lawyer – Bus crashes are different from other types of motor vehicle accidents. You’ll benefit from help from an attorney with experience handling these highly technical injury claims.
Types of Injuries in a Bus Accident
Examples of injuries suffered in bus accidents include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Amputation
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Burns
Visit our Bus Accident Lawyer in Sacramento, CA
What Happens in a Bus Accident Investigation?
Once you’ve hired a bus accident lawyer, your legal team will investigate what caused the crash and who may be held liable for your injuries.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The bus driver
- The company or government agency that owns and operates the bus
- Vendors who worked on or helped maintain the bus
- The manufacturer of the bus or any bus parts
- The government agency responsible for designing and maintaining the road where the accident
- happened
- Other motorists
The available evidence will help determine who could be liable for your bus accident injuries. Types of evidence often used in bus accident claims include:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos from the accident scene
- The bus driver’s personnel records
- Maintenance logs for the bus
- Dispatch records showing the intended departure time, arrival time, and route
- The bus driver’s cellphone records
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. An experienced bus accident attorney will work to collect persuasive evidence that proves why you deserve maximum compensation.
Bus Accident Damages in California
If you have sufficient evidence to back up your claim, you could recover substantial compensation for your injuries after a bus accident, including money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Damaged personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional suffering and diminished quality of life
Contact a Bus Accident Attorney in Sacramento, CA
Getting help from a Sacramento bus accident attorney is crucial to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries after a collision. Contact Demas Law Group, P.C., today for a free initial consultation.