Bus travel is a convenient way to get where you need to go without spending much money. Hundreds of buses run through San Francisco each day.
Not surprisingly, San Francisco and the surrounding areas have their share of bus accidents. Due to their enormous size and weight, lack of seat belts, and maneuverability challenges, buses can result in serious injuries.
Being involved in a bus accident can be devastating whether you are a bus passenger, driver, or passenger of another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist.
Bus accident cases are unique, and pursuing compensation for injuries can be complicated. You may benefit from speaking with an experienced San Francisco bus accident attorney who has handled these types of claims.
Our San Francisco accident attorneys have the experience and skill to investigate accidents, determine possible causes, and identify potentially liable parties. At Jacoby & Meyers, we have represented injury victims for over 50 years.
Contact us today at (415) 855-4289 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation. We can listen to your situation, answer your questions, explain your legal rights, and discuss possible next steps.
Who is Responsible for My San Francisco Bus Accident Injuries?
Proving liability in a bus accident case can be complicated. There are numerous potentially liable parties, including:
- The bus driver
- The owner of the bus
- The driver and owner of another vehicle that was involved in the accident
- The bus maintenance company
- The manufacturer of defective equipment or parts
- A government entity responsible for hazardous road conditions
Multiple parties could be at fault for the accident. For example, if the driver was speeding but the brakes failed due to negligent maintenance, both the driver and the maintenance company could share liability.
At Jacoby & Meyers, our San Francisco injury attorneys investigate accidents to determine possible causes and identify potentially responsible parties.
California follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means multiple parties may be assigned responsibility for an accident. If you believe you were partially to blame in the accident, you may still recover damages from other at-fault parties.
However, your compensation would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000 because your 20% share of fault is deducted from the total.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
The statute of limitations for most California personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident or incident that caused your injuries. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and these exceptions may apply in some bus accident cases.
For example, if you have a claim against a government entity, you may face a much shorter deadline for filing your claim. Claims against public entities are governed by the California Government Claims Act, which establishes how and when claims must be filed.
It is important to be aware of these deadlines because city or other government entities own or operate many buses. In addition, bus accidents could involve conditions that a government entity is responsible for, such as road hazards.
Another reason to act promptly is to preserve important evidence. Evidence can be lost, destroyed, or diminished over time, so gathering documentation and information early can help support a claim.
When handling a case, personal injury attorneys may investigate the accident, identify potentially liable parties, and use discovery tools to obtain evidence relevant to the claim.
Common Types of Injuries in San Francisco Bus Accidents
Bus accident injuries can range from minor to severe. Some of the more common San Francisco bus accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Back and neck sprains and strains
- Broken and crushed bones
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Some injuries may require long-term medical care and could result in lasting disabilities or chronic pain. In some cases, bus accident injuries may be fatal. If you have lost a loved one in a bus accident, you may wish to speak with a San Francisco wrongful death lawyer about possible legal options.
Before accepting a settlement offer, it may be helpful to understand the potential value of your claim. A San Francisco bus accident attorney can review the circumstances of your case and discuss factors that may affect the value of a claim.
What Damages Can I Recover in a San Francisco Bus Accident Case?
The type and amount of damages you may recover depend on the specific facts of your case. Generally, there are three types of damages that may be available: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are objective and usually easier to document. They may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Current and future therapy expenses
- Cost for necessary modifications to your home or vehicle because of your injuries
- Other necessary expenses caused by your injuries
Non-economic damages are more subjective and can be more challenging to prove. However, they may represent significant losses. They may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Both economic and non-economic damages are intended to compensate an injury victim for losses related to the accident.
Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are intended to punish certain types of misconduct and deter similar behavior. This type of damages is rarely granted.
Only a jury may award punitive damages after finding that the plaintiff has proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or oppression.
Contact a San Francisco Bus Accident Attorney
Bus accident cases can be complex. If you have been injured in a bus accident, you may wish to speak with an experienced San Francisco bus accident attorney about your legal options.
The bus accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers have represented personal injury clients for more than 50 years.
Contact us at (415) 855-4289 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation. We can answer your questions, explain your rights, and discuss potential next steps based on your situation.