Santa Maria Bus Accident Attorneys

It goes without saying that a bus accident can result in devastating injuries that affect the victim’s career, relationships, and enjoyment in life. The personal and financial consequences of such an event can make every day seem like a struggle. Our Santa Maria bus accident lawyers know what you’re going through, and we are ready to help you fight for the highest settlement possible. You may be entitled to compensation for healthcare, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our attorneys can gather evidence, help you avoid critical mistakes, calculate your damages, and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. You won’t have to pay anything for the consultation, and we won’t charge attorney’s fees unless we win your case through a settlement or trial verdict. To speak with one of our lawyers, call our 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Kinds of Bus Accident Claims Does Harris Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?

• Accidents involving tour buses
• Accidents involving public buses
• Accidents caused by equipment malfunctions
• Alcohol-related bus accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Speeding-related accidents
• Claims filed by bus passengers
• Other bus accident claims

What Damages Might Be Recoverable in a Santa Maria Bus Accident Claim?

Even if you have strong evidence to prove who caused the bus accident, you won’t be able to recover compensation unless you can prove the kinds of damages incurred and their value. In the state of California, personal injury victims may be able to seek compensation for the following damages:

• Medical Bills: Everything from the ambulance fees to diagnostic imaging to medical treatment might be a recoverable expense. In other words, your claim can account for any reasonable and necessary medical costs you incur as a result of the accident, and that includes future medical bills.

• Lost Income: Being sidelined from work is one of the most stressful aspects of suffering an injury. This is especially true if you’re a primary income-earner for your family. Our Santa Maria bus accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for any wages you’ve lost due to the crash.

• Loss of Future Earnings: If you’re reasonably certain to lose income in the future as a result of your injury, it may be possible to recover compensation for loss of future earnings. Approximating the value of such damages can be complicated, but at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have many years of experience helping clients pursue compensation for lost earning capacity. If necessary, we can bring in an economic expert to assist with the calculations and to provide deposition and testimony.

• Property Damage: If your vehicle was hit by a bus, the liable party’s insurance carrier may have to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages like pain and suffering often account for a significant portion of the financial recovery in a bus accident claim. Our attorneys can review the facts of your case, compile evidence, and approximate a fair value for pain and suffering.

• Emotional Distress: If you witnessed a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury or die, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a physical disorder after a severe physical impact or shock, it may be possible to recover emotional distress damages.

• Loss of Life Enjoyment: Some injuries affect a person’s ability to enjoy social activities and favorite hobbies. Serious injuries can even cause feelings of inadequacy or humiliation. Such damages fall under the umbrella of “hedonic damages,” which are also called loss of life enjoyment.

California law also recognizes that the consequences of a serious injury can ripple through an entire family. Under some circumstances, the spouses of injured parties may be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium. This refers to the loss of moral support, intimacy, society, affection, care, companionship, love, and protection. If the at-fault party acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, punitive damages might also be available. In the context of bus accident cases, the most common justification for a punitive award is malice, which can be established by proving one of the following:

• The defendant acted with the intent to cause injury; or
• The defendant acted with “despicable” behavior involving a willful or conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others.

For example, punitive damages may be recoverable if the at-fault driver was drunk and had a prior DUI conviction. They may also be available if the at-fault motorist fled the scene of the crash.

Get Legal Advice Today: Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Bus Accident Lawyer in Santa Maria

Our bus accident attorneys will provide aggressive and tactful representation through every stage of the claims process. With many decades of combined experience, our lawyers have the knowledge and resources to win substantial settlements and verdicts in even the most complex cases. To schedule a free consultation, send us a message or call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.