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Bus Accident Attorneys in Orange County

Representing Bus Accident Victims for Over 40 Years

Getting in an accident with any vehicle can be devastating. But some are worse than others. Many people think that because buses are larger and more visible on the road, it is more difficult to be involved in a collision with one. This, however, is incorrect. Due to a bus’s massive size and weight, it can be difficult for bus drivers to turn their vehicles as sharply as other drivers. And when the worst does happen, the significant difference in size can make any collision a recipe for disaster.

Injuries from Bus Accidents

When someone is involved in a bus accident, it can upend that person’s life. Whether the accident is with a school bus, a city bus, or a private bus, the results are almost always the same: severe injury. Among the many possible injuries that can result from a bus accident, some of the most severe include:

In the worst possible cases, you might experience the horrible situation of losing a loved one in an accident with a bus. While no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a family member, seeking financial compensation following a wrongful death can help ease the burden of things like funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship, and more.

Liability in a Bus Accident

As the victim of a Costa Mesa bus accident, one of your first thoughts after recovering from your injuries may be to hold the right parties accountable. This brings up a potential problem, and the question of liability can’t be answered until we consider what type of bus was involved in the accident.

School Bus: While there are many laws surrounding school buses that affect the behavior of other cars on the road, accidents with school buses still occur. If the school bus is owned by the school district, then that school district could be liable for a crash with one of their vehicles, even when it was solely due to the negligence of the driver. If the bus is owned by a third party, then it is the private company rather than the school district that could be liable.
Public Bus: Similar to school bus accidents, a collision with a public bus typically involves a government entity. While many state governments follow a principle known as “sovereign immunity,” which is the idea that states are exempt from civil cases, California allows victims to file lawsuits in cases involving employee negligence.
Private Bus: An accident with a private bus is most likely near tourist attractions, sporting events, and other popular places in southern California. Rather than the government being liable for any injuries, it’s the company that owns the vehicle that would be responsible.

In personal injury cases, it is the responsibility of the plaintiff to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, and breaching that duty was a primary factor in causing injury. In essence, it must be proven that the bus driver, manufacturer, or bus company acted in a negligent manner.

It can be frightening to face large companies head-to-head in the courtroom. Often times, filing a lawsuit against any large organization will involve going up against teams of lawyers employed by the state or insurance companies, to defend their own interests. That’s why it’s important to get help from seasoned Orange County mass transit accident attorneys who have the talent, knowledge, and experience to provide the most effective representation for your case.

Our firm takes cases on a contingency fee and that means we only get paid at the end of your case when it is settled. We also advance all costs necessary to prepare your case. If we don't recover for you, you pay no fees.

Get Help from an Experienced Legal Team

At Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, we understand that unexpected tragedies can occur at any time. It can be devastating enough to have a loved one become the victim of a debilitating car accident, but when the accident is with a bus, the risks increase dramatically. Our legal team is dedicated to giving you the legal guidance you deserve and guiding you on the path toward healing.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in Orange County, you could seek financial compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost income, and even the emotional pain that comes with such a difficult experience. Don’t hesitate to start getting help. Give us a call at (949) 752-7474.