From local school buses to vehicles operated by Sacramento Regional Transit (SACRT), Sacramento residents see buses on our roads every day. Though less common than other types of vehicle crashes, bus accidents can and do happen, resulting in serious injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
Victims are often left facing painful injuries, extensive medical bills, and long recovery periods. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you deserve the opportunity to seek justice and full compensation for your losses.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we have over 40 years of experience helping accident victims in Sacramento and throughout Northern California. We know how complex bus accident cases can be, especially when multiple parties may be involved, such as bus companies, drivers, and government entities. Our team is dedicated to putting our decades of experience and proven track record to work for you, ensuring that you get the compensation you need to move forward.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can occur for many reasons, but most are preventable and stem from negligence or other avoidable factors. Understanding the common causes of bus accidents can help establish liability and strengthen your case for compensation.
- Driver Negligence: Bus drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers, but negligence behind the wheel can lead to devastating accidents. Common examples of driver negligence include speeding, driving while distracted, and operating the bus while fatigued.
- Mechanical Failure: Buses are large, complex vehicles that require regular maintenance to operate safely. When parts such as brakes, tires, or steering systems fail due to improper maintenance or defective manufacturing, it can result in catastrophic accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions or Improper Signage: Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or missing signage, can contribute to bus accidents. In these cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may share liability for the accident if it’s proven they failed to address known hazards.
- Inadequate Training of Bus Drivers: Driving a bus requires specialized skills and knowledge. If a bus driver hasn’t received adequate training or doesn’t possess the proper qualifications, they are more likely to make critical errors that can lead to accidents. Employers may be liable if inadequate training contributed to the crash.
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Types of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can involve various types of vehicles, each posing unique risks and legal considerations. Here are some of the most common types of bus accidents:
- School Bus Accidents: School bus accidents are particularly devastating because they often involve young children. School districts or private school bus companies may be held responsible if their negligence contributed to the accident.
- Public Transportation (City Bus) Accidents: City buses are a common mode of transportation, but when an accident occurs, passengers and others on the road can suffer severe injuries. Whether the bus is operated by Sacramento’s public transit system or a regional provider, passengers and victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries.
- Private Charter Bus Accidents: Charter buses, hired for private transportation to events or trips, can also be involved in accidents. Companies operating these buses must ensure their vehicles are safe and their drivers are properly trained, or they could be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Injuries Resulting From Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can result in a range of severe injuries, leaving victims with long-term health complications and significant medical bills. Some of the most common injuries from bus accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The impact of a bus accident can cause head injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries may lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and permanent disabilities. Victims often require long-term rehabilitation to manage these life-altering conditions.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A severe bus collision can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can affect a person’s mobility and independence, often requiring lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs or home modifications.
Broken Bones
Bus accidents frequently cause bone fractures. Depending on the severity, victims may face surgeries, lengthy recovery periods, and physical therapy. These injuries can prevent individuals from returning to work or participating in their regular activities.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent. Victims of bus accidents who experience internal injuries may face emergency surgeries, extended hospital stays, and significant recovery periods.
Compensation for Bus Accident Victims
Bus accident victims often face a combination of economic and non-economic damages. Understanding the difference between these two types of damages is essential to pursuing the full compensation you deserve.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for the direct financial losses that arise from your injuries. These damages are tangible and can be calculated based on actual costs.
Medical Expenses (Immediate and Long-Term)
Victims often require immediate medical attention, including emergency treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Long-term care, such as physical therapy or ongoing treatments, should also be included in your compensation.
Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Potential
Injuries sustained in a bus accident may force you to miss work, resulting in lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or force you into a lower-paying position, you may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of future earning potential.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged in a collision with a bus, compensation should cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle, as well as any related expenses such as rental car fees.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible consequences of an accident, such as emotional and physical suffering, which can’t be easily quantified.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical discomfort and emotional trauma you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. This may include chronic pain, anxiety, and the overall reduction in your quality of life.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Serious injuries can limit your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed. Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life aims to address these diminished life experiences.
Proving Liability in Bus Accident Cases
Establishing liability in bus accident cases often involves multiple parties. The following factors can help determine who is responsible for your injuries:
- Driver Negligence or Misconduct: If the bus driver was speeding, distracted, or fatigued, they could be held liable for the accident.
- Negligence of the Bus Company: Bus companies may be responsible if they failed to properly maintain their fleet, train their drivers, or adhere to safety regulations.
- Mechanical Failure and Product Liability: Defective parts or mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions—may point to the manufacturer’s liability.
- Government Entities in Cases of Public Buses: If a public transportation bus was involved, local or state government entities may be held accountable if safety standards were neglected.
Why Choose Our Sacramento Bus Accident Lawyers?
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully handling complex bus accident cases. Our extensive knowledge of state and federal transportation laws allows us to navigate the complexities of these claims with precision.
With over 40 years of experience, we take a client-first approach, offering personalized service and unwavering dedication to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries. When you choose our Sacramento bus accident lawyers, you’re choosing a team that puts your needs first every step of the way.
Contact Our Sacramento Bus Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t wait to seek the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team at Berg Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.
