Lake Forest Bus Accident Lawyer

While buses are considered to be safe forms of transportation, they are not immune to accidents. In situations where a bus driver or other driver fails to carry out their duty, innocent people may be harmed and serious injuries.

If you are suffering from the results of a crash, you may benefit from speaking to a Lake Forest bus accident lawyer. Through consultation and careful examination, a seasoned personal injury attorney could help you better understand your rights and the legal options that may be able to get you the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Laws Governing Bus Accidents

Whether the plaintiff was a passenger of the bus or a motorist affected by the collision, they might be entitled to compensation. In the case of fatal accidents, a bus accident lawyer could help surviving family members in Lake Forest file a wrongful death suit on the plaintiff’s behalf. In order to receive compensation, plaintiffs may need to prove in court that the bus crash was due to the negligence of another.

Negligence may take many forms, which could include:

• Speeding
• Failing to provide seatbelts
• Distracted driving
• Poor bus maintenance
• Aggressive driving

Whether the injury took place on a private or public bus, the driver must provide a safe environment for passengers and adhere to the common carrier law as per California Civil Code § 2100. All motorists typically must provide a safe environment for anyone they may encounter on the road. When they fail to and cause a bus crash, they could also be held liable by injured passengers.

Proving Liability in Lake Forest

As per California law, both public transportation and private bus companies must comply with Common Carrier Liability, which means they are held liable for passenger injuries. In order to prove liability, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant was negligent. To do so, the plaintiff may also need to prove:

• The defendant breached the duty that they owed them
• The breach was the event that caused the injury
• The victim suffered damages, such as physical injury or emotional distress, due to the breach

To prove that the carrier breached their duty, the plaintiff typically needs to present a case with evidence of the chain of actions listed above. Doing so alone may be difficult to prove, as it requires a combination of expert witness testimony, eye-witness testimony, images, and an overview of regulation breaches that support that plaintiff’s case. As per the California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, individuals must file personal injury lawsuits for bus accident damages within two years. California Government Code § 911.2 sets the time limit to just six months for claims involving government agencies, which could include Lake Forest public transit. Due to the complexity of these claims, it may be important to work with a Lake Forest bus accident lawyer who knows how to navigate the applicable bus collision laws.

Talk to a Lake Forest Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are typically owned by local governments and schools. There are various types of buses that may include coach buses, tour buses, and charter buses that are owned privately. While the accident may occur in various places, plaintiffs could be approached by representatives of local government or insurance companies that are working on their behalf.

After a traumatic accident, it might be difficult to know how to approach these situations. With an attorney looking out for your best interests, you could rest easy knowing you have an experienced professional ensuring that they are not being taken advantage of.

If you were injured in a public or private bus accident, contact a Lake Forest bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. Putting together your case with a seasoned legal representative could help you avoid common pitfalls in the legal process and may gain you compensation for your suffering.