Costa Mesa Bus Accident Attorneys
When Mass Transit Fails Riders and Drivers
As much as we rely on public transportation in Orange County, we are often at the mercy of it. Large buses can be major road hazards that make wide-turns, have larger blind spots, and take significantly longer to brake when compared to passenger vehicles. Coupled with the busy roads and highways around Costa Mesa, these vehicles come with a high risk of catastrophic injuries, such as head trauma. When a negligent driver is behind the wheel or the bus company fails to properly inspect these high-powered vehicles, tragic accidents can occur.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury as a result of a negligent bus driver or transit company in Costa Mesa, please reach out to Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie to secure the legal representation of a Costa Mesa auto accident attorney. We offer free consultations to any potential client and can review your case to determine liability and proper compensation. Call us at (949) 752-7474 to ensure you receive fair treatment under the law.
Bus Services for Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is home to multiple transit services that provide both local transportation and connecting routes to other parts of Orange County, such as Newport Beach, Santa Ana, and Tustin. Public buses are overseen by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), a local government organization that is responsible for overseeing routes, hiring and training drivers, and maintaining a large fleet of buses. Among the many routes that they offer, Costa Mesa residents commonly encounter:
- ART Costa Mesa, a dedicated bus line between The Lab, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and Experian
- Route 35, Fullerton to Costa Mesa
- Route 47/A, Fullerton to Balboa
- Route 55, Santa Ana to Newport
- 150/A, Santa Ana to Costa Mesa
In addition to the above routes, your accident could have been the fault of a third-party bus company, such as Greyhound or other such coach companies. Travel agencies also provide charter bus services for tour companies and large groups looking to visit Disneyland or travel long distances throughout the Southwest. These drivers work long hours and have to stick to strict schedules, which can result in speeding, driver fatigue, or other reckless behavior and lead to an accident. When you file a claim against these companies, you will need to follow the standard procedures for a personal injury claim, including the California statute of limitations, which allows you up to two years to file a claim against another driver or company.
However, public transit is a different matter altogether. Most of the public buses that service Costa Mesa are owned and operated by OCTA. As a result, your claim will be against a government agency, which has a different procedure than a standard car accident claim. To ensure proper compensation, you will need to follow strict rules and regulations when filing a personal injury claim.
Filing a Claim Against a Transit Agency
Unlike a personal injury claim against a third-party company or another driver, a claim against a public mass transit agency, such as OCTA, must be filed within six months of the accident. This shortened window makes it difficult for victims of bus accidents to hold government agencies and bus drivers accountable for injuries, especially if you are busy with getting treatment or your symptoms take longer to notice.
Your claim will also need to include your personal information, your losses, the reasons behind your claim, why the transit agency is liable, and evidence to prove liability. This is why it is important to contact a Costa Mesa bus accident attorney as quickly as possible after a traffic collision with a public bus. We can begin preparing your claim, calculating your losses, collecting evidence, and ensure all deadlines are met on time, letting you focus on recovering.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
Whether your injuries are the fault of a negligent OCTA bus driver or a third-party bus company, you do not deserve to suffer under the weight of your injuries and medical bills without compensation. Filing a claim is your best bet at making a full recovery or, if your injuries are debilitating, building a new life for yourself after an accident.
At Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, our law firm has over 40 years of experience fighting on behalf of Costa Mesa residents. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients, both in third-party claims and suits against government agencies, and will not rest until you receive the fair and proper compensation you deserve after a Costa Mesa bus accident. Call us today at (949) 752-7474 to schedule a free consultation and begin a personal injury claim.
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