Filing a Lawsuit If You Slip or Fall in a Public Bus

According to a data report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, slipping and falling on a bus is one of the most common causes of injuries, particularly ones that result in death. Injuries from these events made up 48% of all bus injuries from 2008-2016 and caused 7% of all bus deaths. They were found to be more frequent per mile during the same period.

Table of Contents

1. How Do You Define a Bus Accident?
2. The Usual Slip and Fall Injuries on Buses
3. Filing a Lawsuit after a Bus Accident
4. Tips in Gathering Evidence for a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
5. Conclusion

After being injured in a bus accident caused by the negligence of the people in charge, you have the right to hold them responsible for your injuries and losses. You can sue the city or county that operates the bus and demand compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other losses. Negotiating a settlement is best conducted by an experienced attorney who can help secure the compensation you deserve.

How Do You Define a Bus Accident?

When people hear the words 'bus accidents,' they may picture a car colliding with a bus and injuring the passengers. However, according to the CDC, this type of accident only happens about 2,700 times yearly. That may seem like a lot, but it's lower than the number of non-fatal injuries that occur annually due to car crashes; around 3 million people are injured by cars every year.

While injuries related to rollovers and other bus accidents are rare, more frequently, injuries happen when people slip or fall on bus property, such as inside or even off of a bus; indeed, the EPA states that you are 30 times more likely to slip and fall on a bus than you are to be involved in any sort of bus accident. In this article, we'll talk about how slip and fall accidents occur on buses and what you can do if you find yourself in this situation.

The Usual Slip and Fall Injuries on Buses

A slip or fall on a bus can lead to serious injuries. The older you get, the more likely a fall is to cause: fractures, brain trauma, spinal cord injury, soft tissue damage, nerve damage, lacerations, muscle strain or tear, a dislocated shoulder, a torn ligament or tendon in the knee, a torn ligament or tendon in the hip, a sprain to your wrist or ankle.

Even if you do not get hurt right away, you could suffer later health problems such as chronic pain. A fall can also harm other passengers if you hit them with your body or your purse as you are falling down.

The floor of a bus is not safe; it is full of obstacles that could trip you up. It might be crowded with passengers and luggage. Outside, rain and snow may make the ground wet and slippery. Inside the bus, broken handrails could give way if you grab them for support during a fall, and wet carpeting could make your feet slip on the floor.

If the bus doors do not shut properly or move out of place, they might cause you to slip and fall as they open and close while the bus is moving. The driver could also be a factor; a driver who speeds or takes corners too quickly might is definitely a hazard to their passengers.

Filing a Lawsuit after a Bus Accident

If you suffer an injury after slipping on public transportation, the fact that the wreck occurred on a bus is only half of your problem. Most people underestimate the seriousness of their injuries following an accident, and brain injuries are no exception. Your initial reaction may be more pain than swelling, but that doesn't mean you're not developing a serious issue.

Brain and head injuries often undergo a latency period in which they do not cause sufficient symptoms to be recognized by the patient or medical professionals. The result is that many patients wait until the severity of their injury becomes readily apparent before seeing a doctor or reporting the accident, making proof of injury during the latency period essential to any settlement.

Injuries sustained while boarding or disembarking a public bus can quickly add to a significant amount of money, especially given the medical expenses you might have to cover during your recovery. A successful personal injury lawsuit might cover those costs, depending on the severity of your injuries. You might be able to defer some medical expenses.

Tips in Gathering Evidence for a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

1. Take Pictures of Your Accident Scene

In the first few hours after the accident, take pictures of the areas of the bus you fell on before you move anything around. If you are hurt, take pictures of where you are bleeding.

Suppose you were wearing a Bluetooth headset or similar device and were able to capture audio at the time of the accident. In that case, you might want to record any conversations with the bus driver and other passengers during the trip.

2. List Down the Details of the Bus and the Location Where It Happened

Use as much description as you can when you write down the details of the bus: make and model, color, approximate age, license plate number, and the bus number. Location is important, too: where did you get on or off the bus, and where did it happen? Write down or take pictures of the date, time, and other passengers on the bus with you. The more details and information you have, the easier it is to prove your case and get compensated.

3. Gather the Information of Your Witnesses

When you think of witnesses, you might only think of those sitting near or with you, but you may also have witnesses that can prove your case. For example, if you were injured while on a city bus and the driver parked near a store, you might find employees or security cameras inside the store that can prove your case.

In the same way, you can get the names and contact information of other passengers on the bus. This way, you have the chance to take pictures of them for better evidence and have an opportunity to ask for their testimonies later.

Conclusion

Injuries due to slips and falls account for the majority of injuries to bus passengers, and anyone who is injured in this way has the right to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against the bus driver, the city, or county that operates the bus, and the bus manufacturer if applicable.

If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident on a bus, it is best to contact an experienced lawyer to analyze the situation. A lawyer will help you receive what you deserve for your damages by gathering evidence and negotiating with the responsible party for the maximum compensation possible.

If you are looking for well-trusted bus accident lawyers in Los Angeles, CA, look no further than our expert practitioners here at Mendez & Sanchez Law. Our attorneys and team members are here to help you through the difficult legal landscape as we pursue the compensation you deserve. Feel free to contact us for your Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Worker's Compensation, Slip and Fall, or other legal needs today!