Bus accidents are, thankfully, rather uncommon when compared to vehicle and motorbike accident statistics. Bus accidents account for around 4% of all motor incidents every year. However, due to factors such as vehicle size and the number of people involved in a single occurrence, the consequences of a bus disaster can be far more disastrous than those of smaller-scale automotive accidents. Victims of a bus accident may face consequences such as medical bills, auto repair fees, or lost earnings. In the unfortunate case of a bus accident, it is critical to understand how to defend your rights.

Defining a Bus Accident 

A bus accident may be described as any vehicular crash involving a vehicle defined as a "bus" by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes any bus that is used for public transportation within the United States.

Since bus accidents can involve several negligence factors, it may be helpful to understand some of the potential ways in which bus accidents can occur.

Bus Accident Causes

Bus accidents can be caused in several ways. By understanding the potential causes of a bus accident, you can better understand what may have happened to cause your collision.

The most common causes of bus accidents accident may be due to the negligence of the bus driver, such as:

●     Driving at an unsafe speed

●     Driving under the influence

●     Disregarding the traffic laws

Bus accidents may also arise from the negligence of people other than the bus driver. Potential causes of a bus accident may include, but are not limited to:

●     Poor maintenance of the bus

●     Inadequate emergency response from emergency personnel

●     A mechanical failure of the bus

●     Improper maintenance of a roadway

●     A collision with an animal

Common Injuries Sustained by Victims of Bus Accidents

Disabilities sustained in a bus accident can range from minor back and muscular soreness to serious life-altering injuries such as paralysis or amputation of limbs. Rollovers are more likely in buses, which can result in catastrophic injuries.

The following are some of the most prevalent bus accident injuries:

●     Lacerations

●     Back sprains

●     Bones that have been broken, fractured, or dislocated

●     Whiplash

●     Sprains of the neck

●     Spinal cord injury

●     TBI (traumatic brain injury)

How Lawyers Can Help

Enlisting the help of an expert attorney if you are injured in a bus accident will help speed processes that give adequate compensation and avoid further damage. A lawyer with a good track record in bus accident cases will have the knowledge to help you in various ways.

1. Determining Cause

Even if you are sure you know why you were in a bus accident, the perpetrator may not be the only person at fault. A bus accident attorney can help you make the right conclusions about who was responsible for your accident, and why it was their fault.

2. Determining Loss

Loss can be difficult to determine when you fall victim to a bus accident. An attorney can help you identify the medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage you suffered due to your collision.

3. Gathering Evidence

When you're in an accident involving many vehicles and multiple victims, it can be difficult to identify who was at fault. This is why it's so important to hire a lawyer with experience working with accident investigations. Your attorney will help you gather evidence such as witness statements and photographs to support your claim.

4. Determining Compensation

In some cases, fault maybe determined, and losses may be calculated, but you may not feel as if you are being compensated for your losses. A bus accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf to give you the compensation you deserve.

5. Ensuring a Fair and Quick Settlement

Following the accident, you may have several procedures to complete that can be complicated and lengthy. An accident lawyer will help you navigate these processes quickly and ensure that your injury claim is handled fairly.

6. Ensure Safety for Future Passengers

Since bus passengers are frequently vulnerable persons, such as school-aged children, wheelchair users, or elderly people who are unable to drive themselves, it is critical to protect the safety of all future and existing passengers. You and your lawyer can work together to promote safe, long-term bus transportation standards by assisting in detecting and eliminating carelessness and wrongdoing.

How to Choose a Bus Accident Lawyer

The task of choosing the right accident lawyer may seem difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some steps to follow if you are looking for an attorney to represent you in a bus accident.

1. Don't Wait

If you are involved in a bus-related accident, it is important to understand that the time you have to choose a lawyer is limited. Statutes of limitations exist in every state that require you to file a lawsuit within a certain period after your accident. Once this time period has passed, your right to file a lawsuit will be gone forever.

2. Ask Your Friends and Family

Ask your friends and family members if they know a good lawyer. Don't be afraid to shop around with several different lawyers before making a final decision.

3. Ask for Referrals

If other people you know aren't able to recommend their own personal lawyer, ask them if they know any other people who have had an accident and have used a lawyer. This can be a great starting point for choosing an attorney who will take your case seriously and give you a fair amount of compensation.

4. Check Out Online Reviews

Online reviews are very important for picking a lawyer. Many people use online reviews as a way to help decide which lawyer to hire for their accident. You can use online reviews to help determine which lawyer you want to give your case to.

5. Ask About a Lawyer's Track Record

A lawyer's track record is an important indicator of their capabilities. If a lawyer has a history of successfully handling bus accident cases, they are a good attorney to hire.

6. Ask About a Lawyer's Fees

A lawyer's fees are another important consideration. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, where the attorney takes a percentage of the settlement or jury award.

Conclusion

Bus accidents can be some of the most devastating auto collisions. By understanding the causes and injuries of bus accidents, and choosing an experienced bus accident attorney, you can protect your rights and help ensure that you receive adequate compensation.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, contact our experienced and caring bus accident attorney in Los Angeles for a consultation. We're a law firm that can walk you through the entire process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.