Bus Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield

When you’ve been involved in a bus accident, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. You may have sustained significant injuries and be faced with medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident. The Dominguez Firm is here to help victims of bus accidents in Bakersfield get the justice they deserve.

We understand that these cases can be complex and require experienced legal representation from a qualified attorney who understands how to navigate the system. With our 96* success rate, A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and over $1 Billion* recovered for clients – we are confident that we will fight hard for your rights every step of the way! Call us today at (800) 818-1818 for a free consultation

Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle

There is a vast array of bus accident cases that our experienced personal injury lawyer can help you with. Here are a few of the most common. If you were injured in a bus accident, don’t hesitate to give The Dominguez Firm a call.

Driver Error/Negligence 

Bus drivers are expected to adhere to certain safety protocols and regulations, including obeying traffic laws, adhering to speed limits, and avoiding reckless behavior while driving. When these protocols are not followed and a driver acts negligently or recklessly behind the wheel, they may be held liable for any resulting damages or injuries caused by their mistakes. Some examples of driver negligence include distracted driving, texting while driving, speeding, or failing to obey traffic signals. 

Defective Equipment/Parts 

In some cases, equipment failure or defects are responsible for causing a bus accident. This could involve faulty brakes, bald tires, broken lights, or defective steering systems that cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. If this is found to be the case with your accident, then you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer of the defective part or from the bus company that failed to maintain proper maintenance on their vehicles. 

Poor Road Conditions 

Poor road conditions can also result in serious accidents involving buses. Potholes and cracks in the pavement can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles which can lead to devastating collisions with other cars and pedestrians alike. In these cases, victims need to seek out an experienced lawyer to hold government agencies responsible for maintaining safe roads liable for any resulting damages or injuries caused by their negligence. 

Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and emotional trauma that can last long after the incident has occurred. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence while riding a bus in Bakersfield, you must contact an experienced lawyer right away so that you can understand your legal rights and options moving forward. Taking action now will ensure that you get the justice and compensation you deserve following your unfortunate experience!

Common Injuries From Bus Accidents

Head Trauma 

Head trauma is one of the most common injuries sustained in bus accidents. The force of a collision can cause your head to strike any number of surfaces, including other passengers or the surface you are sitting on. This type of injury can range from minor concussions to more serious brain damage, depending on the severity of the accident and how hard your head strikes something. If you have suffered head trauma after a bus accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. 

Spinal Cord Injuries 

Spinal cord injuries are another common result of bus accidents. These types of injuries occur when there is damage to any part of your spine or spinal cord due to a traumatic event such as a car crash or fall. Depending on the severity, a spinal cord injury can cause paralysis or even death if not treated properly and promptly. Victims must seek out medical treatment right away if they experience any signs or symptoms following a Bakersfield bus accident. 

Broken Bones

Broken bones are also very common in bus accidents, especially those that involve high speeds or hard impacts with another object such as another vehicle or road debris. They usually require surgery and physical therapy for recovery, which could be costly and time-consuming for victims who may already be dealing with other expenses related to their accident such as lost wages due to missed work days or mounting medical bills. For this reason, victims need to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident so that they can get proper compensation for their losses and suffering resulting from their accident-related injuries.  

FAQs About Bus Accidents and the Legal Process

What Should I Do After Being Involved In A Bus Crash? 

The very first step you should take after being involved in a bus crash is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think that your injuries are severe, it’s still important to get checked out by a doctor. This will not only help ensure that you are okay, but it will also provide valuable documentation of any injuries or illnesses that occurred as a result of the accident. 

Do I Need To File A Claim Against The Bus Company? 

Yes. Filing an insurance claim against the bus company is important because it will help cover any damages or losses caused by the accident that are not covered by your own insurance policy. In most cases, this includes property damage and medical expenses, including hospital bills and lost wages due to time off from work for recovery or rehabilitation purposes. It’s important to remember that filing an insurance claim does not guarantee compensation, even if you suffered serious injuries. It’s best to contact an experienced attorney who can help with this process right away.

What Kind Of Evidence Do I Need To Win My Case? 

It depends on the specifics of your case and what type of compensation you are seeking. Generally speaking, though, evidence such as photos from the scene of the accident, eyewitness testimony, police reports and medical records can be used to prove liability and win your case. It’s always best to consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on what kind of evidence is necessary for your particular situation.  

Common Causes of Bus Accidents and Who is Liable for Damages

Common Causes of Bus Accidents 

Bus accidents are typically caused by one or more of the following factors: driver negligence, mechanical failure, improper maintenance, poor road conditions, or inadequate safety protocols. 

• Driver negligence includes distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), speeding, failure to yield right-of-way, or impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol. 
• Mechanical failure could include defective brakes or tires that are not properly inflated; these types of problems could lead to an inability to stop the vehicle in time to avoid an accident. 
• Poorly maintained vehicles can also lead to serious crashes due to worn-out brake pads or broken headlights which limit visibility at night.
• Poor road conditions and inadequate safety protocols (such as a lack of seatbelts) can also increase the risk of bus accidents occurring in Bakersfield and throughout California. 

Who is Liable for Damages? 

The party liable for damages and injuries resulting from a bus crash will depend on the particular circumstances involved in each case. Generally speaking, if a driver’s negligence was a contributing factor in causing a crash then he or she may be held liable for any resulting injuries and damage caused by the crash. 

Similarly, if a vehicle malfunctions due to improper maintenance or manufacturing defects then the manufacturer may be held liable for any resulting harm caused by that malfunctioning part or system on the vehicle. 

If a government agency failed to adequately maintain roads then it may also be held liable for damages caused by poorly maintained roads leading up to an accident. Depending on the facts surrounding your particular case you may have legal claims against more than one party arising out of your accident involving a bus in Bakersfield. 

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident Occurs

From insurance claims to getting the compensation you deserve, there are several important steps to take following such an accident.

Remain at the Scene of the Accident 

The first and most important thing you must do after a bus accident is to remain at the scene until instructed otherwise by law enforcement officers or medical personnel. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic so as not to cause any further accidents or delays. 

It is also important that you obtain contact information from all parties involved in the crash, including any witnesses or passengers on board the bus. This information can be used later when filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation for damages and injuries sustained during the accident. 

Gather Evidence 

It is also important that you gather as much evidence as possible following a bus accident. Take pictures of the scene of the crash and any damage caused by it. Photos can serve as valuable evidence when filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation from a third party if they are found liable for your damages. Additionally, make sure that you keep records of any medical treatment needed due to injuries sustained in the crash and obtain copies of all relevant police reports related to it. These documents will help support your case.

Contact An Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured in a bus accident, it is crucial to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help evaluate your case and determine what legal action to take if necessary. They will be able to guide you through the entire process from filing claims with insurance companies to helping you fight for the compensation you deserve.  

An attorney can also help ensure that all applicable deadlines are met when filing legal papers and represent your interests both inside and outside of court should a trial become necessary. 

Get Help Now From The Dominguez Firm

The Dominguez Firm is the right choice for you if you or someone you know has been injured in a bus accident. Our experienced attorneys have successfully recovered over $1 Billion* and boast an impressive 96%* success rate. Plus, we don’t charge any out-of-pocket fees as we work on contingency, meaning that our clients don’t pay us anything unless they win their case. Contact The Dominguez Firm now at (800) 818-1818 for a free consultation. Let us help you with your Bakersfield bus accident claim.