A school bus accident can have multiple involved parties, so if you or a loved one have suffered injuries in such an accident you may be wondering who should be held responsible. A San Mateo County, California bus accident lawyer can look at the facts of your case and determine who should be held liable, and that could mean that you will be pursuing multiple people or entities for damages.
Who is the Liable Party in My School Bus Accident Case?
Who can be held liable in your personal injury case depends on who contributed to the accident and caused a dangerous situation in the first place. Potentially liable parties include:
- A bus driver who acted irresponsibly or negligently
- The employer of a bus driver who did not properly screen or train drivers
- A government entity or a company responsible for making safe bus routes
- The owner of a bus who did not properly maintain it
- A manufacturer of a faulty part that contributed to the accident
- Another motorist who created a dangerous situation
Your personal injury attorney can look at your case and figure out who needs to be held accountable.
What Are Some Laws That Could Apply in My Bus Accident Case?
We can also figure out who is liable by looking at California laws and seeing if anyone blatantly disregarded them. There are laws about:
- How long a school bus driver can drive for
- The maximum speed at which a bus can travel
- Passing a stopped school bus when the lights are flashing
If we can show that someone broke a law, that can make it easier to build your case.
Can I Sue for Compensation After My Accident?
Yes, in many cases you can. The first settlement offers you get from an insurance company or another party is rarely adequate. You may need to sue to ensure that you receive compensation that addresses both kinds of damages.
Economic damages: Your compensation needs to help out with the bills and other costs that have arisen due to your accident. So your offer should cover things like the cost of medical care, the cost of repairs or replacement of your car and other damaged property, and the wages you lost out on while you were recovering from your injuries.
Noneconomic damages: Compensation also has to be calculated with the emotional distress an accident can cause in mind. A settlement offer should help make up for the loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and any other pain and suffering resulting from your bus accident.
One important thing to remember is that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to pursue a case. The personal injury statute of limitations gives you just two years to get the legal process started. If the liable party is in the government or public sector, then that shortens to just six months.
Contact a California Bus Accident Lawyer
So it is important to contact a school bus accident lawyer as soon as you can. Reach out to the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao and get your free case consultation today.
