San Francisco Bus Accident Attorneys
San Francisco Bus Accident Attorneys
A serious injury or wrongful death in the family can instantly turn your life upside down and make every day seem like a struggle. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a bus accident, nothing can undo the trauma you’ve experienced, but by bringing a claim against the liable party, you may be able to recover the funds needed to maintain your financial security. Our San Francisco bus accident attorneys can help you navigate every step of the proceedings and fight for the highest settlement possible. There are several parties who might be liable for damages after a bus crash. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine all potential avenues for pursuing compensation. With many decades of combined experience, our attorneys have won more than $300,000,000 for accident victims and their families. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-GO-HARRIS. The consultation is free, and you won’t owe any attorney’s fees unless we win.
Bus Accident Cases We Handle in San Francisco
- Tour and public bus accidents
- Accidents involving defective automotive equipment
- Claims against government entities
- Claims against bus companies
- Claims involving drunk or distracted drivers
- Speeding-related bus accidents
- Other bus accident claims
Important Facts to Know Before Bringing Your Bus Accident Claim
Many bus accident victims make critical mistakes early in the proceedings that lead to unnecessary disputes and complications down the road. The more knowledge you have about the claims process and the factors that will influence the outcome of your case, the better prepared you will be to make informed decisions. The best way to gain insight into the proceedings is to speak with a bus accident lawyer in San Francisco. Your attorney can explain what you should and should not do to protect your claim. Below, we’ve outlined a few important facts you should know from day one:
- Time is of the Essence: Putting off your consultation with a lawyer could prove to be a costly mistake. Important evidence may only be available for a few days or weeks after the crash. For example, property damage may be repaired before it can be properly examined by your attorney and an accident reconstruction expert. Dashcam footage and surveillance recordings may be overwritten. Eyewitnesses might forget pertinent details about the crash. The sooner your attorney can conduct the investigation, the higher the chance that such evidence can still be gathered. Also, letting your lawyer take over correspondence with the insurance company from day one could prevent you from providing statements that bring liability or the severity of injuries into question. There are also deadlines for bringing bus accident cases to court.
- The First Settlement Offer Might Not Be Fair: It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer settlements before the claimant has had a chance to speak with a lawyer. This settlement, however, may not account for all the damages incurred. If you accept the first settlement offer and sign a release, you won’t be able to pursue further compensation even if you find out the offer was unfair.
- Your Statements Matter: If it seems clear that another person caused the accident, you may be convinced that your statements won’t affect the outcome of your claim; however, the insurance adjuster may ask you leading questions to elicit statements that bring liability or the severity of injuries into question. As such, you should let your San Francisco bus accident attorney handle all such correspondence.
- You Have a Duty to Mitigate Your Damages: You might assume that missing a doctor’s appointment or failing to fill your prescriptions won’t affect your case. But if the insurance company finds out that you haven’t been taking your healthcare seriously, they may argue that you shouldn’t be compensated for 100 percent of your damages. To avoid such a dispute, you should do everything in your power to facilitate your recovery. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s orders exactly, even if that means taking time off work. This can be difficult when medical bills and other expenses are adding up, but mitigating your damages is essential to give your case the best possible chance of success.
- Social Media Content Is Usually Admissible in Court: What you post online could have a profound influence on the outcome of your claim. For instance, if you publish a photo of you going out with friends, it might be used by the insurance adjuster to challenge the severity of your injuries. It’s best not to post anything about your accident, injury, or claim on social media. Also, be sure to enhance your privacy settings so only your connections can view what you post.
Contact Us Today to Speak with a San Francisco Bus Accident Lawyer
With many decades of combined experience representing personal injury victims and their families, the attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers know what it takes to win substantial settlements and verdicts in bus accident cases. To set up a free consultation, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or message us via our Contact Page.