Fresno Bus Accident Attorneys

Our bus accident attorneys in Fresno have the resources, knowledge, and trial experience to take on even the largest bus companies and their insurance providers. We also handle claims against government entities and negligent drivers. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a bus crash, we will assess your case in a free consultation and help you make informed decisions. Determining fault after a bus accident can be challenging since there are so many parties to consider. In California, it is often advantageous to pursue compensation from multiple defendants due to the state’s joint and several liability law. Our attorneys can perform a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties and gather the evidence needed to build the strongest claim possible. For a free consultation, contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Is the Potential Value of My Bus Accident Case?

If the medical costs and other expenses are adding up, it can be difficult to sleep at night as you contemplate how your claim might unfold. Will the insurance company refuse to cooperate? Did I make some kind of mistake that will affect my recovery? Will I collect enough compensation to afford the healthcare costs and loss of income? Will I be able to provide for my family? It’s only natural to ask yourself these questions, and the anxiety of not knowing what will happen can add a tremendous amount of stress to your life. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we consider it our responsibility to lift that stress off your shoulders. Although we cannot guarantee a particular outcome—no attorney can—we will be able to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the factors that influence settlements and verdicts, and how your case might unfold given the facts. The list below provides an overview of just a few factors that affect the settlement calculations in bus accident claims:

• The Damages Incurred: One of the reasons why settlements and verdicts can vary dramatically from one case to the next is that not all accident victims incur the same kinds of damages. If your injuries are permanent and will affect your income-earning capacity, the potential value of your claim will likely be higher than if you suffered only minor injuries and will make a full recovery. The severity of your injuries can impact not only the value of economic damages (past and future medical bills, past and future loss of income, property repairs, domestic help, childcare, etc.) but also the value of non-economic damages like pain and suffering and lost enjoyment in life. These may account for a considerable portion of the potential settlement. Our bus accident lawyers in Fresno will make sure that none of the damages you have incurred is overlooked. In some cases, it is even possible to obtain punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the defendant for malice, oppression, or fraud and to deter similar misconduct in the future. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience helping clients obtain punitive damages.
• The Amount of Insurance Coverage Available: It is an unfortunate fact that accident victims sometimes incur damages that exceed the available insurance coverage. Fortunately, bus companies tend to have high insurance coverage limits. Also, it is common for more than one party to be held liable for a bus crash, so there may be several insurance policies in play. Pursuant to California’s joint and several liability law, a single defendant can be held liable for 100 percent of a plaintiff’s economic damages even if that defendant was less than 100 percent at fault. That means if one defendant does not have enough coverage to pay their share of your damages, it may be possible to pursue the remainder from another defendant.
• The Plaintiff’s Own Percentage of Fault: What were you doing just before the accident? The opposing party will take advantage of any possible opportunity to blame you for the crash. Even if another party was clearly at fault, you may still be found partially liable, in which case your award of damages would be reduced.

• Whether the Case Proceeds to Litigation: Litigation comes with added legal expenses that can be avoided if a settlement is reached without having to file suit. Our bus accident attorneys in Fresno will help you make the most strategic decision based on the facts of your case. We will not advise you to accept an unfair settlement if we believe your potential recovery would be greater if a lawsuit is filed.

Speak with a Fresno Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Navigating the legal system can be an arduous endeavor, but with one of our skilled and highly experienced attorneys by your side, you will be able to enter the proceedings with confidence. To discuss your claim in a free consultation, Contact Us or call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.