Riverside Bus Accident Attorneys

Thousands of people in California use buses every day expecting to reach their destinations unscathed. Sometimes, though, a negligent driver, poor road maintenance, or mechanical defect leads to a devastating crash. Our bus accident attorneys in Riverside have seen just how tragic these collisions can be for victims and their families, and we are ready to help you fight for the compensation you need to get your life back. We have recovered more than $300 million in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our lawyers have extensive experience in lawsuits filed against bus companies, government entities, and private citizens. To discuss your claim in a free consultation, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What to Bring to Your Free Consultation at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers

One of our primary jobs as your legal representative is to gather the evidence needed to strengthen your claim. As such, you don’t have to spend an excessive amount of time compiling evidence before the initial consultation. In fact, you should schedule the consultation right away because valuable evidence may be time-sensitive. If you already have certain documents or evidence in your possession, however, be sure to bring them with you to your first meeting with a Riverside bus accident lawyer. Examples include:

• Any Insurance Information Gathered at the Scene: Did you write down the insurance information of the drivers involved? Your lawyer will need those details to file the claim. Your attorney will also want to find out the amount of insurance coverage available to determine the most strategic way to approach your case. If, for example, the coverage limits are too low to pay for your damages, your attorney might have to investigate other potential avenues for pursuing compensation such as the defendant’s assets.

• Any Contact Information Gathered at the Scene: Your Riverside bus accident attorney will likely want to contact the individuals involved in the crash as well as eyewitnesses.

• Eyewitness Statements: If you recorded any statements from the people who saw the crash, bring them with you to the consultation. When interviewing eyewitnesses, your lawyer might remind them of previous statements to refresh their memory.

• Police Officer Names and Badge Numbers: This information can help your lawyer get a copy of the accident report. It is also possible that your attorney will want to speak with the responding officers to clarify any ambiguities in the report.

• The Accident Report: If you’ve already obtained a copy of the accident report, bring it with you to the free consultation.

• Photos and Video Footage: Dashcam footage and photos of the scene can provide a tremendous amount of insight into what happened.

• Insurance Policies: Your lawyer will want to review any insurance policies you’ve purchased that might pay out benefits.

• A Description of What Transpired: No matter how clearly you remember the accident, it’s a good idea to write down everything you recall so you don’t overlook pertinent details during the legal consultation.

• Any Correspondence from the Insurance Company: Has the insurer reached out to you? Your lawyer will want to review any correspondence you’ve received. If you’ve spoken to the claims adjuster, your attorney will want to know what you said in order to determine whether your statements might lead to a dispute. Once you’ve hired a lawyer, be sure to direct all correspondence from the insurer to your attorney.

Important Terms to Know Before Bringing a Bus Accident Claim

Chances are you’ve never had to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim before. You may, therefore, be apprehensive about the proceedings. While this is entirely normal, you might find that learning about the proceedings can greatly reduce the associated stress and anxiety. Below are a few terms you might encounter:

• Duty of Care: Most bus accidents are caused by negligence, which refers to one party’s breach of the duty of care owed to another party. When drivers break traffic laws or behave carelessly, for example, they breach the duty of care owed to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
• Vicarious Liability: If the crash was caused by a negligent bus driver, it may be possible to hold his or her employer vicariously liable for your damages, meaning you would be able to pursue damages from the employer (and/or their liability insurance company) rather than just the at-fault driver.
• Maximum Medical Improvement: If your injuries are serious or your diagnosis is complicated, your lawyer might suggest holding off on the settlement negotiations until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. This is the point where your medical team does not expect your condition to improve any further.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Riverside Bus Accident Lawyer

If you need legal advice after a serious bus accident, contact Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. We will answer your questions for free and help you plot the way forward. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message to speak with a member of our team.