Bus Accident Lawyer in Oxnard

If you were seriously injured in a bus accident in or near Oxnard, California, you have the right to sue those responsible. Time is of the essence, so it’s important to contact an experienced bus accident lawyer right away. They can navigate the legal process for you and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience fighting for the rights of bus accident victims. In that time our personal injury attorneys have achieved a 96%* success rate and over $1 billion* recovered for our clients in all types of accidents. Call us for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818 today.

Types of Bus Accidents In Oxnard

It is essential to understand what types of bus accidents are common in Oxnard so that you can take steps to protect yourself while using public or private bus transportation. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Oxnard. 

Driver Negligence 

Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of bus accidents in Oxnard. Bus drivers are responsible for ensuring that their passengers arrive safely and efficiently. Unfortunately, carelessness on the part of a driver can lead to devastating collisions. Bus companies must adequately screen and train their drivers before allowing them behind the wheel. 

Many bus accidents are also caused by drivers of other vehicles. Driver negligence can extend to them also and include speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, or failing to follow safety protocols. 

Unsafe Road Conditions 

Road conditions are essential in keeping motorists and passengers safe while traveling by bus. Unsafe road conditions can range from potholes to slippery surfaces caused by rain or snow. Poorly maintained roads can cause buses to veer out of control or even crash into other vehicles if not addressed promptly by local authorities. 

Bus Malfunction 

Bus malfunction could also result in a severe accident if not corrected quickly enough by maintenance staff or mechanics. This could include mechanical issues such as brakes going out or door malfunctions that prevent passengers from disembarking when necessary. Bus companies must regularly inspect their buses for potential maintenance issues and take timely action when needed. 

What Damages Can I Claim?

Damages, which is simply the legal term for financial compensation, can be economic, non-economic, and punitive. Examples of which damages you could be entitled to for your Oxnard bus accident are listed by category here:

Economic Damages 

Economic damages refer to losses for which there is an exact dollar value, such as: 

• Al medical expenses related to your bus accident injuries
• Property damage
• Lost wages 

The amount of economic damages for which you may be eligible will depend on the specifics of your case; however, it generally includes any past or future medical expenses related to the accident, property damage resulting from the incident such as a broken laptop due to your bus accident, and lost wages if you have had to miss work due to your injuries. 

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages refer to losses that do not have an exact dollar value attached. These are meant to compensate you for the emotional toll of your accident injuries on your life.

They can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Anxiety
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages 

If the defendant’s actions were particularly malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. While rare, they are sometimes given to make an example of the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?

Who’s liable, also known as who’s to blame for a bus accident depends on the particulars of the accident. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to hold multiple parties liable, such as the driver, bus company, or another motorist.

One note on liability; if you were injured while riding as a passenger on a bus that got into an accident, in the great majority of cases you can’t be blamed for it. The exception would be if you caused the crash while committing a felony on the bus. So if you were injured as a passenger on a bus, call a personal injury attorney immediately to sue those responsible.

The Driver’s Responsibility 

In most cases, a driver involved in an accident will be held responsible for any resulting damages. This applies both to drivers of passenger vehicles and commercial buses alike. So, if the bus driver was speeding or texting while driving at the time of the crash, they may be deemed liable for any damages resulting from the accident. Conversely, if the driver of a car ran a red light and hit the bus, they would be responsible.

The Bus Company’s Liability 

In some cases, you may be able to hold a bus company liable for injuries sustained in an accident involving one of its vehicles. Suppose it can be proven that negligent hiring practices were used when selecting and training employees or that neglected maintenance led directly to the crash. In that case, you could recover compensation from them as well. Additionally, if inadequate safety features were installed on the bus that contributed to your injuries in any way, shape, or form, you could also recover compensation from them. 

Other Parties Involved 

If your Oxnard bus accident was caused by poorly maintained roads or inadequate construction zone signage, the local municipality would be named as a defendant.

What To Do After A Bus Accident?

After a bus accident, you may be unsure what to do next and how to protect your rights as an injured victim. If you live in or near Oxnard, California, and have been involved in a bus accident, here are some steps you should take.

Seek Medical Attention 

If you were involved in a bus crash, the police will most certainly be called to the scene. If they don’t arrive right away, call 911 or have someone do it for you. You will be asked if you need medical attention. You should be seen by a doctor even if you think you’re fine. You could have dangerous internal injuries or injuries that haven’t manifested themselves yet. Also, turning down medical attention can greatly harm your case.

Hire an Experienced Attorney 

You should seek compensation for your medical expenses and other damages following an injury from a bus accident. A qualified bus accident attorney will know how much compensation you should receive and how best to obtain it from the liable parties. They will also help guard against any attempts by the other party’s insurance company to get you to take a low offer by negotiating with them for you.

How Can A Lawyer Help With Your Bus Accident Case

Bus accident cases are complex and require extensive knowledge of state and federal transportation laws. An experienced lawyer will ensure that all necessary paperwork is accurately filled out and filed on time so your case can move forward quickly.

They will also assess any evidence relating to the accident, such as police reports and witness statements, to determine who was at fault for the crash. This can help strengthen your case by providing you with a better understanding of what happened leading up to the accident. 

An Oxnard-based lawyer will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation for your losses. They will provide sound legal advice throughout every process so that you understand your options and make informed decisions about what is best for your particular situation. 

Most cases settle before going to trial. However, if the insurance company for those responsible for your bus accident injuries refuse to make a fair offer, The Dominguez Firm is not afraid to go to trial. We have our own team of award-winning litigation attorneys ready to fight for your rights if needed. Not every law firm can say the same. Put our legal knowledge and financial resources to work for you.

Get Help From The Dominguez Firm

Bus accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injury or death. If you have been injured in a bus accident and live near Oxnard, California, it is vital to take the steps outlined above, such as contacting The Dominguez Firm and seeking medical attention right away. 

The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience with a 96%* success rate and has recovered over $1 billion* for its clients. Call (800) 818-1818 today for a free consultation. We can travel to your home or hospital as needed.