Pasadena Bus Accident Lawyer

If you were involved in a bus accident in Pasadena, you may be dealing with severe injuries, growing medical bills, and constant calls from insurance company representatives. We know how stressful this time can be for you, but you do not need to handle everything yourself. The bus accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti have extensive experience dealing with bus accidents. Let our Pasadena personal injury lawyer take care of everything for you. Call us today for a free, no risk consultation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit?

In California, there are important time limits, called the statute of limitations, for filing bus accident lawsuits. You have to file your claim within two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your case is probably over and you won't get any compensation. For accidents involving public entities or employees, the deadline is even shorter. Under the California Tort Claims Act, victims must file within six months of the incident.

A bus accident law firm, like the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, can help you ensure that all deadlines are met, and we can guide you through your legal options. You need to act quickly to make sure you don't lose out on receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Call our law firm today.

How Much Does a Pasadena Bus Accident Lawyer Charge?

The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay any money upfront or even if your case doesn’t go well. Instead, we takes a percentage of the money you receive if you win a settlement or a court case. This system is good for you because it means there’s no financial risk—if we doesn’t win, you don’t owe us anything. It allows you to get the legal help you need without worrying about paying fees if things don’t work out.

What are Common Harms from Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can cause serious injuries because passengers often don’t have protection from things like seat belts or airbags. One of the most common types of injuries is broken bones, which happen because passengers are more vulnerable during crashes. Head and brain injuries are also a major issue, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries occur due to the bus's large size and weight. Neck injuries, including spinal cord injuries are very common too and can lead to life-changing problems such as paralysis or constant pain. These injuries can really impact your quality of life.

Other common injuries include:

• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Abrasions
• Internal organ damage

Besides physical injuries, you may also face emotional trauma. This emotional pain can negatively affect your mental health and slow down your recovery.

Different Types of Bus Accidents and How They Affect Your Injury Claim

Bus accidents can happen in many ways, and each type has its own challenges for the victims. These accidents usually occur due to driver negligence, but liability isn't limited to just the bus driver—it may also extend to private bus companies, public transit services, and vehicle manufacturers, depending on their contribution to the cause of the crash. As common carriers, bus services and drivers are legally bound to a higher standard of care to drive safely.

School Bus Accidents

These accidents are very sensitive because they often involve children. They usually happen during school hours when kids are getting on or off the bus. There are strict laws to protect school bus passengers, like the requirement to stop when the bus's lights are flashing.

Private Charter Bus Accidents:

Charter buses are used by groups for trips or events. These companies are usually private and responsible for their own safety practices. If a charter bus is not maintained properly or the driver isn't well-trained, the company can be held responsible. Victims of bus accidents like these might have to deal with complicated insurance policies, so having a skilled lawyer is important.

City and Transit Bus Accidents:

City buses follow different rules than private buses. Accidents with these buses can affect many people and often involve claims against public agencies. Because of this, it might take longer to get compensation. Plus, with so many passengers, figuring out who is responsible can be complicated. In all these situations, victims face unique problems that can slow down their recovery. Having a knowledgeable lawyer from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can help you get through the legal process and get the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

The main reason for bus accidents is driver negligence, which can happen when a driver is not paying attention or is making poor judgment calls. Fatigue is also a big issue for bus drivers, slowing their reaction times and decision-making skills, which raises the chances of accidents. Other reasons for bus accidents include reckless driving behaviors like speeding and distractions, such as texting or eating while driving. Issues with the bus itself, like poor maintenance and lack of regular inspections, can also lead to dangerous crashes. Environmental factors, such as bad weather and potholes, can add to the risk. Understanding these causes is key to making travel safer for everyone. If you or someone you know has been in a bus accident in Pasadena, California, hiring a specialized bus accident lawyer can help a lot. An experienced bus accident lawyer from our office can help you on your path to recovery.

How a Pasadena Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Afer a bus accident you need to deal with insurance claims, medical bills, and potential legal proceedings—all of which can be overwhelming. A knowledgeable Pasadena bus accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can help you in several ways:

Legal Representation

Our skilled lawyers will represent your interests when dealing with the other party’s insurance company. We will make sure you are not taken advantage of during negotiations.

Building a Strong Case

Our legal team will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, gather important evidence, and hire experts if necessary to prove fault.

Maximizing Compensation

Bus accidents often result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, taking into account all aspects of your injuries and how they impact your life.

Navigating Complexities

With different laws and regulations governing public transit and private bus companies, having a lawyer who understands these legal issues can be invaluable in achieving a favorable outcome. You cannot just hire any law firm for a case like this.

What Types of Damages Can You Get After a Bus Accident?

When someone is injured in a bus accident in Pasadena, CA, they may need a lawyer to help them get the compensation they deserve. Here are the different types of damages that may be available to you.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are easy to measure. They include costs like:

• Medical expenses: Bills for hospital stays, doctor visits, and medications.
• Lost wages: Money lost due to missing work while recovering.
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace personal belongings damaged in the accident.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are harder to measure because they deal with the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of an accident. They might include:

• Physical pain: Suffering from injuries.
• Emotional suffering: Feelings of anxiety, depression, or fear after the accident.

Loss of enjoyment of life: Not being able to do things you once loved. In California, there is no limit on the amount that you claim for noneconomic damages, so you can seek fair compensation based on your unique situation.

Loss of Consortium

If the injured person is married, their spouse can claim compensation for Loss of Consortium. This means the injured party's spouse can seek damages for the loss of companionship, support, and comfort due to the other person's injuries.

Punitive Damages

If the bus driver acted recklessly, then you can claim punitive damages. This is not common, and only occurs where the conduct is reckless and shows an extreme disregard for safety. For example, if a bus driver has multiple drunk driving offenses, and the bus company knew about it and did nothing, punitive damages might be available. The purpose of this kind of damage is to punish and deter the bad behavior in the future.

Proving Negligence and Liability in Bus Accident Cases

To prove who is responsible for the accident, you need to show that the bus driver, the bus company, or anyone else involved had a responsibility to take care of the people around them. If they did something wrong, like driving while drunk or not keeping the bus in good condition, that needs to be clearly shown. You have to connect these wrong actions to the accident and the injuries that happened.

Challenges with Municipal Buses

Municipal bus accidents can be tough to handle because they involve government agencies.

• Government agencies have strict rules for filing claims, making the process complicated
• You also have less time to file a personal injury claim against a government entity, so it's important to act quickly.

The Elements of Negligence in an Injury Claim

Successfully establishing negligence in a bus accident case requires demonstrating four elements:

• That a duty of care was breached. This requires showing that the negligent actions of the at-fault party, such as the bus company or the bus driver, contributed to the accident.
• That the driver's actions lead to your injuries and damages.
• And that you suffered damages.

FAQs About Bus Accident Claims

Dealing with a bus accident can be stressful and raise a lot of questions in your mind. Here are some common questions our firm gets regarding bus accident claims in California:

1. What compensation can you seek?
2. • You can recover compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering.
2. What is the time limit for filing a lawsuit?
3. • Generally, victims have two years to file a claim. However, if a governmental entity is involved, the deadline is reduced to six months.
3. Who might be responsible?
4. • Liable parties can include the bus driver, bus company, or even a governmental body. This often involves multiple insurance companies.
4. What common negligence leads to accidents?
5. • Common causes include driver error, lack of training, intoxicated driving, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance.
5. What if the accident results in wrongful death?
6. • Family members like spouses or children may file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Understanding these basics can help bus accident victims, but consulting an experienced bus accident attorney is all-important for getting fair compensation and making sure you explore all the options available to you.

Our Pasadena Bus Accident Attorneys are Ready to Help

If you or a loved one were injured in a bud accident, the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchett is ready to help you with your case. We offer a FREE initial consultation. And when you hire us, you don't owe us a dime unless we win.

Call us or fill out our online contact form and we can start working on your case today.