Accidents involving large vehicles like buses or 18-wheelers have tremendous potential to cause catastrophic injury. As Costa Mesa personal injury lawyers, we can’t prevent these accidents from occurring, but we can work to make their victims whole. 

How Much Compensation Can You Get from a Bus Accident?

bus turning on road in Orange County in California

We tend to think of buses as safer than other vehicles on the road, perhaps because they’re operated by professional drivers who’ve undergone special training. 

Although there is evidence to suggest that bus passengers may be safer than other travelers on the road, our Costa Mesa auto accident lawyer explains the reality is that when these vehicles do wreck, the damage can be catastrophic

What’s worse is that bus wreck victims often struggle to secure compensation from the at-fault party or insurance company and are left to fend for themselves. And if you’ve never tried to pursue compensation while you’re injured, out of work, and financially strapped, let us tell you—it’s not easy.

Luckily, there’s another way for bus accident victims to get the help they need. By partnering with an experienced bus accident lawyer in Orange County, they may be able to receive the compensation they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about the types of damages you may be able to include in your settlement amount. 

Ready to learn how much compensation you’re eligible to receive? Instead of Googling, “How much can you get from a bus accident,” save yourself some time and contact Case Barnett Law to schedule your free consultation. 

What Makes Bus Accidents Unique?

Like any other type of vehicle accident, bus accidents occur for a wide variety of reasons. However, these cases tend to be more complex than other vehicle accident cases because bus drivers aren’t simply traveling from one place to the next—they’re being paid to transport others. As a result, determining the at-fault party can be difficult. 

Determining Liability in Bus Accidents

If you were injured by a bus, the first thing you’ll need to determine is what caused the accident. This information will help you determine the at-fault party. Here are some of the most common causes of bus accidents:

  • Bus owner negligence. Bus companies are responsible for maintaining their buses according to industry safety standards. Unfortunately, this industry isn’t always sufficiently regulated, resulting in bus fleets that are in dire need of service, repairs or updates. Similarly, school bus accidents can occur when a school district fails to properly maintain their fleet or hire trained drivers.
  • Driver negligence. Sometimes these accidents are simply the bus driver’s fault. They can cause accidents when they drive recklessly, while intoxicated or distracted or otherwise compromised.
  • Hazardous road conditions. Hazards like bad weather, poorly maintained roads and construction zones can cause normally safe roads to become dangerous and result in accidents. 
  • Defective parts. If a parts manufacturer produces a defective product (knowingly or unknowingly), they could be the cause of the accident. 
  • Other drivers. As with any other type of accident, bus collisions can happen as a result of other negligent drivers on the road. 

After you determine the cause of your accident, you can pinpoint the liable party. For example, if the bus wrecked because of debris that a construction company left on the road, the company or individual workers may be liable for your damages. Similarly, if the bus’ brakes failed as a result of never receiving maintenance, the bus company may be to blame. 

Regardless of which party is ultimately responsible, figuring it out will be much easier with the help of an experienced bus accident attorney. This is especially true when there are multiple at-fault parties. 

How Much Can You Get from a Bus Accident?

The amount of compensation you receive after a bus accident will depend on the specifics of your case. In other words, it will be determined by the extent to which your injury affects your life and job, how permanent it is and the emotional toll it takes. That’s why two people with the same injury may be awarded different amounts. 

Here’s an example: 

A bus crashes and causes two passengers—an Olympic runner and a receptionist—to break their legs. Although their injuries are nearly identical, the runner receives a larger settlement in court. That’s not because they’re an Olympian, though; it’s because the runner’s life (and livelihood) is more profoundly affected by the event than the receptionist’s. 

Types of Compensation

Without knowing the details of the event, it’s impossible to say how much a bus accident victim will receive. However, it is possible they’ll receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including the following: 

  • Medical bills and future medical treatments
  • Lost wages and future income
  • Destroyed property
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability
  • Disfigurement

This is by no means a comprehensive list; any serious loss resulting from the accident may be included in the settlement amount. To get an idea of how much compensation you’re owed, you will need to work with a skilled bus accident attorney. 

Top Bus Accident Lawyers in Orange County

If you suffered serious injuries in a bus accident that you didn’t cause, you shouldn’t be footing the bill for your recovery. Full stop. 

As premier bus accident lawyers in Orange County, the attorneys at Case Barnett Law have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims of all kinds. If you suffered serious injuries in a bus accident, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review the details of your case and offer our expertise on the best way forward. 

Join The Conversation
Post A Comment