Sacramento Bus Accident Attorneys

Compassionate, Aggressive Lawyers Advocating for You

Any vehicle accident can cause injury, but when a bus is involved, the results can be especially devastating. If you or someone you love has been affected, Kershaw Talley Barlow wants to help.

Our Sacramento bus accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of injured individuals, and we have the legal skills and experience necessary to represent you in your case. We have obtained over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements and always put our clients’ needs first. When you work with our firm, you get personalized representation and the benefit of more than 100 years of combined experience on your side.

If you were in a bus accident caused by someone else, reach out to our Sacramento bus accident lawyers to learn your rights. Call (916) 520-6639 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Filing a Sacramento Bus Accident Claim

Determining and acting on liability after a bus accident is typically much easier with the help of a lawyer. Unlike car accidents, which usually come down to a negligent driver, collisions involving buses likely involve companies or even local governments. Needless to say, filing a personal injury claim can become a lot more complicated when dealing with such entities, especially if they try to challenge your legal right to compensation.

In a free consultation, our Sacramento attorneys will discuss how we can help you determine liability and set up your claim. It is advisable to reach out to us as soon as possible to avoid missing any legal deadlines. The state has a two-year statute of limitations, as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, to file a bus accident injury claim.

What if My Claim Concerns a School Bus or Public Transit Accident?

If the driver was employed by the government, there are specific rules you must follow in regards to a claim. Typically, governments have what is called “sovereign immunity,” or protection against being sued for their actions. That does not mean you do not have recourse; rather, it means the process is different and more complex.

In many cases, you only have six months after the accident to begin the filing process. In addition, you must start by petitioning the court to allow you to bring a claim against the government. Only after your request is granted can you move forward.

Keeping track of the different forms and deadline requirements can easily become overwhelming, even more so when you are trying to heal from a bad accident. Our attorneys can help you through the process to ensure that every detail is correct, however.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Even though buses are largely considered one of the safest methods of transportation, fatal bus accidents occur every year. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that an average of 20,000 people are injured in bus accidents annually.

Buses require a special license to drive because their size and weight make them harder to handle. Even the slightest miscalculation on the part of the driver, mechanical failure, or road instability could cause a bus accident.

Often, bus accidents are caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Dangerous weather
• Driver intoxication
• Drowsy or distracted driving
• Failure to follow traffic laws
• Faulty or defective vehicle parts
• Hazardous road conditions or a poorly maintained road
• Inadequate driver training
• An overcrowded or overloaded vehicle
• Poorly maintained vehicle
• Reckless driving

In many cases, a driver is not directly liable for their mistakes if they caused an accident while on the job. Instead, you must argue that their employer was negligent in hiring them for a position they could not fill safely. However, in cases of extreme recklessness or driver intoxication, the employer will likely push back against a case that lists them as an at-fault party. Moreover, filing against the driver’s insurance for mistakes committed while on the job may become complicated, even if you are the only person making a claim.

Does My Injury Qualify for a Bus Accident Case?

If your injury was sustained in a bus accident caused by another party, you most likely qualify for a claim. A few examples of injuries that bus accident victims often file claims for include whiplash, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, contusions, lacerations, broken bones, internal injuries, or other catastrophic injuries. Such injuries may result in extensive medical work, costly bills, and pain and suffering. Sometimes the trauma from the experience might even result in psychological damage, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is essential for anyone involved in a bus accident to seek medical support, even if you do not think that you have been injured. After you have been examined, it is equally important to seek legal counsel to determine any next steps.

Let Our Lawyers Fight for You

Our bus accident attorneys understand what you are going through, and we are here to help. After dealing with a serious injury and traumatic experience, it can be extremely difficult to figure out how to best protect yourself and your family in the future.

Kershaw Talley Barlow provides our clients with trustworthy, supportive legal counsel throughout every step of their journey. We will help you file insurance claims, investigate liability, and, if necessary, take your case to trial. If you were seriously injured in a crash, or someone you love was killed in a bus accident, we want to help you seek justice and receive compensation.

Contact a Kershaw Talley Barlow attorney online to discuss your Sacramento bus accident case.