Bus collisions can cause significant injuries to those involved. Passengers and other drivers can suffer broken bones, spinal cord trauma, and even death. Cases like these can be complicated due to varying factors, like determining fault and negotiating with insurance companies.

When you or a loved one has been hurt in a public transportation wreck, a Sacramento bus accident lawyer can help. Contact Erkel Law, P.C. to discuss your case and obtain experienced representation from a highly skilled and experienced personal injury attorney.

Common Causes of Bus Collisions

Bus accidents happen for a variety of reasons, some avoidable and others not. Some common causes include the following:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Intoxication
  • Lack of training
  • Reckless driving
  • Unsafe road or weather conditions
  • Mechanical failure
  • Faculty maintenance or repairs

The cause of the crash is directly related to which party can be held accountable for it. A seasoned bus crash attorney can help determine who may be responsible for your injuries. Call our law office today to schedule an initial consultation to learn more.

Potentially At-Fault Parties

Many different types of parties can be determined to be at fault, and this is often split among two or more parties. A few examples of individuals and entities that could be held accountable for a bus wreck are as follows:

  • Driver
  • Bus Company
  • Manufacturer
  • School district
  • Public transportation entity
  • Individual drivers

A lawyer from Erkel Law, P.C., can listen to all the facts of a client’s circumstances and investigate to determine who is responsible. Depending on the outcome of this investigation, they can advise on the best way forward and pursue all possible avenues for compensation.

Recoverable Damages From a Bus Collision

When an individual is injured in a bus accident, they can seek economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages from the party or parties at fault. A dedicated bus crash attorney in Sacramento can help with this process.

Economic damages, such as medical bills, lost income from time off work, damage to personal property, and more, can be easily verified and quantified. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life or companionship, are challenging to quantify but equally valid.

Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their especially egregious actions. This could include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or intentionally reckless misconduct.

Understanding Shared Liability

In California, a person who has suffered injury from a bus wreck can still pursue and receive compensation even if they share part of the fault.

The state’s pure comparative negligence rule works by the following:

  • The court (or a jury) determines the percentage of fault each party has
  • The damages are reduced by the percentage of the plaintiff’s fault

For example, if an injured person is responsible for 50% of the accident and the damages are $200,000, they could recover half of the total damages ($100,000). A bus crash lawyer in Sacramento can explain this process in more detail during a consultation.

Partner With a Sacramento Bus Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a bus accident may involve painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and taking time off work. A Sacramento bus accident lawyer at Erkel Law, P.C. can help you pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

A lawyer can also investigate the details of the accident, establish the parties at fault, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for your best interests. Call today to get started.

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