Siskiyou County Bus Accident Lawyer

Siskiyou County Bus Accident Attorney

A Siskiyou County bus accident lawyer from Barr and Mudford understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious bus accident can cause. We’re dedicated to helping injury victims and their families secure the compensation they need to move forward.

With years of experience in representing accident victims of Northern California, our firm holds a reputation for aggressive advocacy and compassionate service. A Siskiyou County personal injury lawyer from our team can navigate the legal process surrounding your bus accident and set you on the path to recovery.

Types of Bus Accident Cases

The skilled attorneys of Barr and Mudford have handled a variety of bus accident cases. Some of these include:

• Public transportation accidents. These involved Siskiyou County Transit and other public bus services.
• Charter and tour bus accidents. Collisions often involve private companies and tour operators.
• School bus accidents. We can protect the rights of injured students and concerned parents.
• Shuttle bus accidents. These can involve hotel, airport, or shuttle services.
• Interstate Greyhound bus accidents. Accidents can occur on long-haul bus trips across California.

Our Siskiyou County bus accident lawyers thoroughly understand California personal injury law. We can pursue a fair settlement, even in the most complex cases.

Causes of Bus Accidents in Siskiyou County

Bus accidents can happen anywhere and for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:

• Unsafe road conditions. Potholes, lack of signage, and roads that have not been maintained properly can contribute to accidents in the area.
• Driver fatigue. Bus drivers may work long shifts. Fatigue can impact their reaction times and decision-making abilities.
• Distracted driving. Texting, using GPS devices, eating, or talking to passengers can become dangerous distractions for bus drivers.
• Poor bus maintenance. Worn brakes, engine failure, or old tires can compromise the integrity of the bus and put passengers at risk.
• Weather hazards. Heavy rain or snow can affect road conditions and make traveling dangerous for all road users.
• Negligent hiring practices. If a bus company does not properly vet or train its drivers, it will not be safely prepared for service.
• Reckless driving by other motorists. Other drivers on the road can cause accidents through speeding, drunk driving, or ignoring traffic signals and laws.

Determining the exact cause of the bus accident is critical to the success of your case. The initial steps you take after a bus accident are just as important as the legal investigation that follows, and our Siskiyou County bus accident lawyers can manage both to uncover any negligence and protect your rights. We can then work to build a strong case for compensation to help you get on the path to recovery.

Bus Accidents: Common Injuries and Available Compensation

The U.S. Department of Transportation recorded 12,804 fatal and non-fatal accidents involving large trucks and buses. Of these accidents, 300 caused a fatality. In 2022, over 12,500 injuries occurred because of school bus accidents, which included the occupants of the school bus and other involved drivers or pedestrians.

Buses don’t generally have seatbelts, which can make accident injuries even more severe. Injuries sustained in a bus accident may include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Burns
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations and bruises
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD

Bus accident victims are entitled to various forms of compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

The economic damages may include current and future medical expenses, such as medications, physical therapy, and hospital bills. You can also recover lost wages from missed work or diminished earning capacity for serious injuries.

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and emotional distress. You can also receive compensation for the accident’s impact on your relationships, or loss of consortium.

Barr and Mudford’s Siskiyou County personal injury lawyers can work tirelessly to make sure you are fully compensated for all your losses, not just the physical ones.

FAQs

Is Honking at a Bus Illegal?

It’s not necessarily illegal to honk directly at a bus in Siskiyou County. However, California law restricts car horns to the use of warning other drivers of hazards or, when necessary, to ensure safe operation. Unnecessarily honking in frustration or impatience could result in a traffic citation. If the bus is posing a threat, the other driver is legally allowed to honk to get their attention.

How Do I Make a Compensation Claim?

To make a compensation claim, start by documenting everything related to the accident, including any necessary medical treatment, photos of the scene, and witness contact information. Report the accident to law enforcement and your insurance company. In these cases, consult a personal injury attorney. They can help you gather sufficient evidence and negotiate with insurers to improve your chances of a successful case.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Bus Crash?

The most common injuries in a bus crash include whiplash, fractures, cuts, or bruises. Head trauma, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries. In some cases, victims of bus accidents may deal with psychological trauma, such as PTSD. Because buses usually lack seatbelts, passengers are often at a greater risk of being thrown around the inside of the vehicle.

How Bad Does an Injury Have to Be to File a Claim?

You can claim compensation for any injury resulting from an accident, whether it’s minor or severe. However, the overall value of your claim depends on the severity of the injuries and how much medical treatment was necessary. Settlements may also cover time off work and compensate for the impact on your quality of life.

Contact a Siskiyou County Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t try to face the aftermath of a serious bus accident alone. We can investigate all areas of your accident and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Our attorneys can take your case to trial if that is necessary to achieve the strongest outcome possible.

Contact the experienced team of Barr and Mudford today to schedule a consultation. We can explain your legal options and fight to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.