Avalon Bus Accident Attorneys

Whether it’s a quick commute to the store or a long-distance trip to another city, taking the bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around. However, with thousands of buses on California’s roads at any given moment, accidents involving these vehicles are not uncommon. Due to their immense size, buses can cause untold property damage and catastrophic injuries when they collide with another vehicle or pedestrian. If you were hurt on the road, turn to our Avalon bus accident attorneys for assistance.  Our legal team has decades of collective experience representing personal injury victims. While it can be intimidating going up against a charter company and their insurer, our legal team can help level the playing field. To find out more, call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Should I Do While My Claim Is Pending?

With your financial future at stake, it can be agonizing to sit on the sidelines as the claims process runs its course. You’re likely willing to do anything in your power to ensure you get hold of a financial award. However, the claims process is—mostly—out of your hands. During this time, your number one priority should be your health and well-being. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take that might help lower the risk of facing disputes, such as:

• Attend Follow-Ups: If you’re in considerable pain, it can be difficult to drag yourself out of bed and visit the doctor. However, if you were instructed to attend follow-ups, consult with specialists, take prescription medication, avoid physical activity, or perform daily stretches, you should never deviate from your treatment plan. Missing just a single appointment could put you in the crosshairs of the claims adjuster, who may assert that your negligence caused your condition to deteriorate. In such scenarios, you may be held partially liable for your damages.

• Stay Away from Social Media: If you’re sitting at home recovering from your injuries, sites such as Facebook and Twitter may be your only connection to the outside world. However, anything you post online could affect the outcome of your claim. There’s always a chance that the insurer is monitoring your social media feeds for any evidence that could be used to challenge your case. From comments to pictures to reviews, insurance companies have become adept at turning a seemingly innocent post into a smoking gun. At HPIL, our attorneys will ask you to disable your social media profiles until your claim is resolved. If you are unable to do so, you should set your accounts to “private” and abstain from posting pictures of yourself or discussing anything related to the claim, the accident, or your injuries.

• Gather and Compile Evidence: Whether it’s receipts documenting your repair costs and medical expenses, or pictures of your injuries taken immediately after the bus accident, you should make sure that all evidence related to the wreck is preserved to share with your lawyer during your consultations. It might help to start a dedicated folder to compile this information in a single, easy-to-find place.

Who Might Be Liable For a Bus Accident?

A bus crash can be devastating, often leading to extensive property damage and catastrophic injuries. If you were hurt in a wreck involving one of these giant carriers—as a passenger onboard, another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian—you may be able to take legal action. You may be wondering who is to blame for the collision. While no two bus accidents are the same, there’s a high chance that at least one of the following individuals or entities may be liable for your damages:

• The Transportation Company: If the bus was owned and operated by a charter company, the charter company could be held responsible for your losses. While the bus driver may have caused the accident, in most situations, their employer is liable for any damage their employees cause while on the clock. As long as the driver was operating within the scope of their employment when the accident happened, it’s likely you will be able to file a claim with the charter company’s insurance provider.

• The Municipality: If you were struck by a school or city bus, you may be able to pursue a claim against the government entity that manages it.

• The Parts or Vehicle Manufacturer: If a mechanical fault or defective part caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable for your losses.

• Another Motorist: While bus drivers are responsible for many of the state’s bus crashes, it’s often other road users who are to blame. As such, you may have to file a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance carrier.

Speak to a Bus Accident Attorney in Avalon Today

If you were hurt in an accident involving a bus—either as a pedestrian, passenger, or another motorist—our personal injury lawyers can assist with almost every aspect of your claim. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or visit our online form to secure a date for your free consultation.