Our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase offer superior representation to anyone suffering injuries in a bus crash.
Accidents involving buses can be deadly. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, they have the potential to cause extreme damage in a collision. And collisions are not uncommon because buses have large blind spots and are notoriously difficult to maneuver.
If you are injured on a bus, in a collision with a bus, or if a loved one loses their life in this type of crash, you need a skilled representative to fight for you. Contact Bisnar Chase to ensure you get the support that you deserve. Our top-rated personal injury lawyers in Huntington Beach have a 99% success rate and have recovered more than $800 million for our clients.
Finding the right fit is essential when you are choosing an attorney. So, contact us today for a free consultation with no obligations. Our award-winning team of no win, no fee bus accident attorneys is ready to fight for your rights.
Huntington Beach Bus Accident Resources
What Bus Accident Cases Do We Handle?
At Bisnar Chase, we take on all kinds of bus accident claims. If a crash is caused by negligence and results in physical injuries or wrongful death, our team can help.
We have seen and handled claims involving all kinds of buses. These include (but are not limited to):
Public transport buses.
School buses.
Private bus hire.
Party buses.
Community transport vehicles.
Long-haul coaches.
Event transport.
We can help any injured party. For example, we can represent a passenger who was injured on a bus, a pedestrian who was hit, or a driver or passenger in another vehicle that collided with a bus.
Call us now at (949) 203-3814, or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
How Bus Collisions Occur
Most bus accident injuries occur due to a bus impacting another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. This can happen in several different ways.
Rear-end collisions: Buses have large braking distances due to their size and weight. A rear-end collision is likely if a driver misjudges the braking distance.
Head-on impact: The lack of speed and maneuverability means that buses can end up on collision courses with other vehicles.
Side impact: Because buses are so long, they have large blind spots along the side. This makes it very easy for sideswipe accidents to occur.
Rollover: Some buses are tall and top-heavy. In the event of a collision, or if the bus driver takes a turn with too much speed, there is a danger of the bus flipping or rolling.
These are just some of the collision types. Some refer specifically to a car accident featuring a crash between a car and a bus. When that happens, the other cars often come off worse due to the size and power of most buses. A lot of the terms can also be used to describe collisions between a bus and someone on foot or on a bicycle.
Common Causes of Bus Crashes in Huntington Beach
Our bus accident law firm handles cases caused by negligence. The following are some of the most common causes of accidents involving buses in and around Huntington Beach.
Distracted driving.
Speeding – sometimes to meet a bus schedule.
Driver fatigue, with some bus drivers required to be behind the wheel for long periods.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The behavior of bus passengers onboard the vehicle.
Hazards on the road.
Overcrowding, with the bus filled beyond capacity.
Vehicle defects or maintenance issues.
Poor weather conditions.
A lack of driver training.
The bus company’s failure to properly vet its drivers upon hiring.
Unreasonable schedules and deadlines.
Frequent starting and stopping.
Bus driver errors cause the majority of bus accidents. When the driver is negligent or is not trained correctly, it can put everyone in danger – from their passengers to other road users.
However, many accidents can also be traced back to the bus company. Perhaps they did not provide proper training or ensure their driver had the necessary experience.
If you believe your injury resulted from negligence, such as those causes listed above, contact our team at Bisnar Chase and let us conduct a full investigation.
What to do After a Bus Crash
We are here to provide bus accident victims with the best steps to take after the incident itself. These steps will vary depending on when your accident happened. Follow the steps that are relevant to you to boost your personal injury claim.
Call the police. You should call authorities and ensure an official police report is made.
Seek medical attention. If you have suffered a bus accident injury, you need to have it assessed by a medical professional. That might mean calling 911 and allowing paramedics to treat you at the scene or visiting a doctor the next day.
TIP: You should be checked out as soon as possible, even if you do not think you have sustained serious injuries. Medical reports showing physical injuries will be important if you later file a bus accident claim.
- Collect evidence. If you think to do so, you should take pictures at the accident scene of any vehicles involved, skid marks, road hazards, injuries, etc. Speak to any witnesses and take down their contact details if possible.
TIP: Getting the ideal evidence at the crash scene is not always possible. The aftermath of an accident is often a whirlwind of activity and stress. Don’t worry! You can still collect as much evidence as possible after the fact, including providing an exact location and description of the crash, documenting your injuries, and requesting copies of police and medical reports.
Avoid social media: We always advise clients to be very careful when posting on social media. Insurance companies and legal teams will often try to use social media posts to discredit a bus accident victim or minimize their injuries.
Hire the right lawyer: Perhaps the most important step you can take is to hire the right attorney for your case. Our legal team at Bisnar Chase will provide unparalleled support and maximize the value of your claim.
Contact us now for expert legal guidance and find out how we can help.
Who Do You File a Claim Against?
Who is ultimately responsible for your accident, and who do you file a claim or lawsuit against? In the case of bus accidents in Huntington Beach, liability can be tricky to pin down. There are several potentially liable parties, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Orange County Transportation Authority: OCTA is responsible for running public transit services across the Orange County area. That means that the organization might bear liability for some public transportation accidents.
Private bus companies: When private companies operate buses, that company may be responsible in the event of an accident.
School districts: Huntington Beach has several school districts that run their own school bus fleets and employ school bus drivers, including Huntington Beach Union High School District, Huntington Beach City School District, and Ocean View.
Government entity: Some bus services are run by government entities. They are also often responsible for road upkeep and maintenance.
Bus operator: In some cases, it might come down to negligence on the part of the person operating the bus. They might be personally liable if they do not work for a larger company.
Vehicle manufacturer or mechanic: Sometimes accidents are caused by design or manufacturing faults with the vehicle or by sub-par maintenance.
Trust your Huntington Beach bus accident attorney to review your case, identify all liable parties, and hold them accountable for their actions.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents frequently cause severe injuries. A bus can weigh up to 50,000 lbs, and any collision involving such a vehicle will feature a significant impact. In many cases, injuries are catastrophic or life-changing. They can include:
Broken bones.
Whiplash.
Head and neck injuries.
Spinal cord damage.
Crush injuries.
Burns.
Amputations.
Death.
Even minor injuries can leave you facing significant costs and losses, and a serious accident can have a devastating impact on your life. Contact our Orange County bus accident attorneys at Bisnar Chase to take legal action today.
Compensation for Bus Accident Victims: What is Your Case Worth?
One of the most common questions asked of our team is what the settlement is likely to be for an average bus accident claim. But the truth is that there is no such thing as an average bus accident claim.
Every case must be taken on its merits, and every accident is different. Whether we negotiate a settlement for you or take your case to trial, the compensation will depend on several factors. They include:
Your level of pain and suffering.
Medical expenses.
Lost wages.
Future medical care.
The cost of physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation.
Punitive damages.
At Bisnar Chase, our bus accident injury attorneys have a track record of recovering the maximum amount possible for our clients.
We will argue for every cent you are owed and will not rest until you receive fair compensation. That includes covering your medical bills to securing punitive damages to ensure a negligent bus company is held accountable.
Settlements vs. Trials: How Will Your Case Be Resolved?
A personal injury claim can progress in a few different ways, depending on the facts of the case.
For example, the claims process often starts with a claim against the bus company’s insurance company. This is known as pre-litigation. But if it does not yield a fair offer, our team can file a lawsuit with the courts.
Once a lawsuit has been filed, we can still agree to a settlement with the defense. This is often the preferred option, as it removes the unpredictability of a jury verdict. It also saves on the considerable expenses involved with going to trial.
However, sometimes going to trial is the best option. It puts the decision in the hands of a jury of your peers. Our skilled team at Bisnar Chase is made up of brilliant trial lawyers with plenty of courtroom success. A jury verdict can potentially bring higher monetary compensation than a settlement.
What Do You Need to Prove?
To win your case, we must build a case that establishes a few important points.
Identify the liable party.
Show that the liable party owed you a duty of care.
Prove that negligence was involved and the responsible party failed in its duty of care.
Show that physical injuries and damages occurred.
Prove that your injuries were directly caused by negligence.
Trust our expert injury attorneys to build an airtight claim for you, and contact us now for a free case review.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Bus Accident in Huntington Beach?
While you can file a claim independently, it takes a lot of work, knowledge, time, and resolve to get a good outcome. Working with an attorney is proven to produce better results. Our team will:
Assess the merits of your case and provide expert guidance free of charge.
Complete all necessary paperwork and hit court deadlines.
Negotiate with the insurance companies.
Assemble evidence.
Help arrange medical treatment in some cases.
Conduct depositions, conduct investigations, and arrange for expert testimonies.
Prepare for trial and take your case to court if necessary.
Assist with compensation collections after we win.
Why Choose Bisnar Chase?
We believe that our numbers speak for themselves. But we also put an emphasis on client care. With our law firm, you will be represented by top-tier attorneys who genuinely care about your case.
We have an office located in Newport Beach and are always accessible.
Our firm has handled cases just like yours and has had a 99% success rate since 1978.
We believe in building a strong attorney/client relationship.
Free consultation and a no win, no fee promise to protect you from any upfront cost.
You can read our reviews online or visit us in person to get a feel for our firm.
We are passionate about what we do and take great pride in helping people in and around our local community in Huntington Beach. Our firm is a member of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, and every member of our team takes our responsibilities seriously.
What are Common Carrier Laws in California?
Common carrier is a term in California law. It refers to a company transporting people or items in exchange for a fee. Common carriers can include everything from buses to planes and taxis.
CA Civ Code § 2100 (2017)
The law states: “A carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.”
This spells out the duty of care owed by any company operating a bus service. When this law is flouted, our attorneys will hold those responsible to account.
Bus Accident Statistics
The following statistics provide a small indicator of why bus accidents are so frequent in California.
More than 100,000 buses are registered and operating in California – the most of any state in the U.S.
City buses weigh between 25,000-40,000 pounds, while the average Greyhound bus weighs about 35,000 lbs when empty and nearly 50,000 lbs when fully loaded.
Heavier vehicles such as a bus or truck will have greater braking distances than cars, making it harder for them to stop quickly.
In 2018, there were more than 65,000 bus crashes across the U.S.
More than 200 people die every year due to collisions involving buses. In 2018 there were more than 15,000 reported injuries.
- The most common types of bus accidents are: public transit (36.3%), school buses (36.3%), van (11.1%), other (8.5%), coach (6.4%), unknown (1.4%).
Bus Accident FAQs
We have tried to cover all of the most frequently asked questions about bus accidents on this page, including a selection below. But if you have a question that we have not answered, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How long after a bus accident can you sue in California?
The California statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. You may have less time to file if the claim is against a government entity. Don’t leave it to the last minute – contact us right away.
Is the bus company liable for passenger injuries?
If the bus company is in any way negligent, it would be liable for passenger injuries. Examples of company negligence include driver error or vehicle conditions.
Can I sue if I fall on a bus?
You may be able to file a claim over a slip and fall on a bus, depending on the circumstances. Contact us to find out.
Can you claim whiplash on a bus?
It is possible to suffer whiplash in a bus accident, either as a passenger or as someone in another vehicle in the collision. When you suffer whiplash symptoms, contact Bisnar Chase to explore a claim.
What is the 'Danger Zone'?
The ‘Danger Zone’ is a term commonly used with school buses, referring to the areas around the bus where a child might dart out without warning.
What can I do to help my case?
You can help your case by documenting everything, keeping your medical appointments, being wary of what you post on social media, and hiring a top-rated lawyer without delay.
What will a lawyer cost?
At Bisnar Chase, we offer a no win, no fee promise. You pay nothing unless we win for you. When we win, a percentage of the recovery comes to us, so you never have to pay out of pocket. This makes top-quality legal representation available to everyone.
What is OCTA?
OCTA is the Orange County Transportation Authority. This organization is responsible for running transit in Huntington Beach and the surrounding cities, covering all of Orange County.
It works in partnership with federal agencies to provide about 60 routes, several of which start or end in Huntington Beach. OCTA is one of the top bus transportation providers in the area, providing a public bus service for commuters, travelers, and everyone in between.
If you suffer an injury on an OCTA vehicle, document the incident and contact Bisnar Chase as soon as possible.
Bus Defects Can Cause Accidents
Some accidents are caused by auto defects. That means a fault with the vehicle itself. Faults can occur at many stages throughout production and can include:
Design faults.
Component issues.
Manufacturing problems.
Assembly issues.
Sub-par quality control.
A failure to provide proper instructions or warnings.
Examples of vehicle defects that can cause significant bus dangers include braking problems, over or under-inflated tires, improperly fitted safety devices, and much more.
You would be shocked to learn how often vehicles have issues and are subject to recalls. Bisnar Chase is a national leader in auto defect cases. We have won millions of dollars for clients in cases involving seat back failures, seat belt issues, tire separation, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and more.
Wrongful Death Cases Involving Buses
Unfortunately, a bus crash can often result in fatalities, especially when it involves a collision with a pedestrian or a cyclist.
If you have lost a family member or a loved one in such a crash, you need a legal team behind you with experience specific to wrongful death cases.
No amount of money can bring back a loved one, but you can win compensation for the loss of companionship, love, support, mentorship, and earning power that you have suffered through this type of unspeakable tragedy.
Perhaps just as importantly, a wrongful death lawsuit can also hold the negligent party accountable for their actions and hit them where it hurts – with financial penalties and by hurting their reputation.
Contact the Best Bus Accident Lawyers Near Me
At Bisnar Chase, we help people injured in bus accidents with great success. We have a 99% success rate and have won more than $800 million for our clients. A bus accident can turn your world upside down, but our team can help you get back on track.
We have handled thousands of cases across Southern California and further afield over more than 45 years in business.
Contact us now for a free consultation with no obligations. Call (949) 203-3814, use our live chat, or send us an email to secure superior representation with a Huntington Beach bus accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase.
