Understanding Legal Responsibility After a Bus Crash
If you are injured in a bus accident, one of the first questions you may ask is who can be held liable. Determining legal responsibility, however, can be challenging without the help of an attorney. In order to get the compensation you deserve, you need to speak with a qualified bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At Westlake Injury Law, we represent individuals who have been hurt in bus accidents throughout Thousand Oaks and the surrounding areas. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, including $1 million for a client who suffered serious injuries after a school bus ran a red light colliding with his vehicle. If you were injured in a bus accident, contact our office at (805) 338-6880 to schedule a free consultation.
Determining Fault After a Bus Accident
The minutes and hours following a bus accident are often chaotic. It may not be clear what caused the accident or who was responsible. It is important to know that it is not your responsibility to determine liability. The best way to ensure that the correct parties are held accountable for your injuries is to hire an experienced attorney.
A bus accident lawyer can review your case and conduct a thorough investigation to determine who or what caused the accident. They will help collect evidence, including speaking with eyewitnesses and reviewing the police report to ascertain who can be held liable for the harm that you suffered.
Parties that May Be Liable for a Bus Accident
Depending on the circumstances of the case, there may be one or more parties that can be held liable for a bus accident. California has a comparative fault law that states that each party is responsible for their percentage of fault. So, even if you are partially to blame for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages.
Who may be at fault in a bus accident:
- A bus driver
- The bus company
- The owner of the bus
- The operator of a tour company
- A charter bus company
- The driver of another vehicle
- A government entity
- The manufacturer of a bus or its parts
Obtaining compensation is not automatic after a bus crash. In many cases, you must pursue a claim for damages against the liable party. To determine who should be held legally responsible, you need to consult with an attorney.
How to Know Who Is Responsible for the Bus Crash
In many cases, if the driver of the bus was at fault, you will pursue a lawsuit against their employer. For instance, if the bus is operated by a government entity such as the Los Angeles Department of Transportation or the Ventura County Transportation Commission, you would pursue a claim for damages directly against the agency. If the bus operator is employed by a private company, you will file a claim against the owner or operator of the business.
In other instances, it may be another party that causes the bus accident, such as the driver of a different vehicle. If another motorist was responsible for the collision, you would pursue compensation from that driver, generally by filing a claim through their insurer.
Injured in a Bus Accident? Contact Our Office.
Were you injured in a bus accident in Los Angeles or Ventura County? Contact our office at (805) 338-6880 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and your legal options. Call now to discuss what steps you need to take to get the compensation you deserve.
