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Bus accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and even death. In the event of a crash, the passengers inside the vehicle are incredibly vulnerable because they’re not restrained. Pedestrians and cyclists also tend to get seriously hurt when buses careen out of their designated lanes, as do the occupants of the vehicles in the vicinity.

If you’re recovering from injuries that you sustained in a bus accident, you’re probably wondering who’s to blame and what kinds of damages you can seek from them. While the liable party will depend on the circumstances of the crash, the damages you’re entitled to are determined by state law.

In California, for example, personal injury claimants may seek compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

It’s probably no surprise that ambulance fees, hospital bills, office copays, and other medical expenses add up fast for those who sustain unanticipated injuries. While your health insurance carrier might cover a significant portion of these costs, chances are they won’t handle all of them. Thankfully, you can include all the injury-related expenses you incur out of pocket in your tort claim.

2. Lost Income

If your injuries keep you out of work, you may soon find yourself struggling to cover the essentials, let alone your mounting medical bills. As long as you track every missed shift, though, you should be able to include the wages you’ve lost in the settlement negotiations. What’s more, if your condition keeps you from returning to the workforce, you can also pursue funds for lost earning capacity.

3. Objectively Verifiable Losses

Getting seriously hurt in a bus accident can result in all kinds of objectively verifiable losses. Examples include property repairs, alternative transportation, domestic help, and home and/or vehicle modifications needed to accommodate permanent disabilities.

If you can demonstrate that these and other similar losses were reasonably necessary, you can seek reimbursement for them from the liable party.

4. Non-Economic Damages

California tort law recognizes the fact that serious injuries can affect your mental health just as much as your physical health. As such, plaintiffs can pursue compensation for damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.

If your condition is hurting your marital relationship, your spouse or domestic partner is also entitled to file a claim for loss of consortium.

5. Punitive Damages

Most bus accident claims don’t warrant punitive damages. If it turns out the liable party acted with malice, however, and was intentionally trying to hurt you, you may be entitled to a punitive award on top of the standard compensatory damages.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Discuss Your Case with a California Bus Accident Attorney

If you’re recovering from injuries you sustained in a bus accident, you don’t have to go up against the liable party alone. For help at every stage of the claims process, you can count on Harris Personal Injury Lawyers.

Our tenacious team has secured more than $300 million for injured parties and their families. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or fill out our Online Contact Form to set up a free initial consultation with a bus accident lawyer in California.