Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:
When a pedestrian or motor vehicle driver is hit by a bus, he or she will have little chance of escaping without serious injuries that could last for the rest of his or her life. Buses weigh thousands of pounds, and the result can be disastrous when they are involved in a collision. It is essential to speak with a Long Beach personal injury attorney from the firm today if you have been injured in an accident involving a bus.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Long Beach
In the moments and days after a bus crash, it can be difficult to know what to do first, especially if you are dealing with pain, shock, or concern for family members. Taking a few practical steps can protect both your health and your ability to bring a strong claim later. If you are able, try to stay calm, focus on immediate safety, and remember that you do not need to figure out fault at the scene; that will come later through investigation and legal guidance.
As soon as it is safe, seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor or you were a bystander rather than a passenger. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away, and emergency rooms or urgent care centers in and around Long Beach can document your condition from the start. You should also report the incident to the bus driver or responding authorities, gather contact information for witnesses, and take photos or notes about what you remember before details fade.
Simple steps you can take to protect your rights after a bus crash include::
- Get prompt medical care so that injuries are diagnosed, treated, and documented from the beginning
- Collect basic information such as the bus route, location, time, and names of any companies or agencies involved
- Preserve any evidence you have, including photos, torn clothing, damaged personal items, or written notes about your symptoms
- Avoid detailed statements to insurance adjusters until you have had a chance to talk with a lawyer about your options
- Consult a Long Beach Bus Accident Lawyer who can explain how local rules, such as claims procedures against government entities, may affect your deadlines
In more serious cases involving Long Beach Transit, school districts, or tour companies operating between Long Beach and nearby cities, there may be specific notice requirements and shortened timelines for bringing a claim. A bus accident attorney in Long Beach can help you understand which entities need to be notified, how to document lost income and medical care, and how to move forward without jeopardizing your right to seek compensation under California law.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Because of their sheer size and limited safety restraints, buses can cause devastating harm in a collision. Passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles are all vulnerable to serious injuries when involved in a bus accident. Some of the most common injuries sustained include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma caused by impact or sudden jolts during the crash
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage that can lead to partial or permanent paralysis
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Often involving arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding from blunt force trauma
- Severe Lacerations and Contusions: Cuts, bruises, and abrasions from shattered glass or metal
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the neck and back caused by abrupt force or impact
- Emotional and Psychological Distress: Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions that may be particularly severe in young victims
Injuries from a bus accident can result in long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional distress. Seeking proper care and legal guidance early can help protect your health and your right to compensation.
Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?
The party responsible for a bus accident will depend mainly on the type of bus involved and who or what caused the accident.
In a bus accident case, any of the following could be found liable for the accident:
- The bus company or owner
- The bus driver
- The bus driver's employer
- The city or company in charge of maintaining the road where the accident happened
- Bus manufacturers or mechanics
Because bus accidents involve so many variables, managing a case like this on your own can be confusing. That's where our legal team comes in.
How Much Compensation Can You Get from a Bus Accident?
Similar to other personal injury lawsuits, when filing a claim, you may be able to obtain compensation for any of the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Punitive damages
Factors that can influence the compensation available in your case include:
- The severity of your injuries and whether you will need ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or assistive devices in the future
- The impact on your ability to work, including time you have already missed and any long-term changes to your earning capacity
- The extent of your pain and emotional distress, such as anxiety, sleep disruption, or loss of enjoyment of daily activities
- Whether a public entity is involved, which may affect available insurance coverage and the procedures required to pursue a claim
The actual amount of compensation you may be eligible for will depend on the severity of your injuries and the type of negligence involved.
The Importance of Preserving Evidence After a Bus Accident
Bus accident claims often require strong supporting evidence to establish liability and prove damages. Acting quickly after an accident is crucial, as vital records and details can easily be lost over time. Essential pieces of evidence that can strengthen your case include:
- Driver’s Logs and Records: Documentation of hours driven, rest periods, and compliance with regulations
- Maintenance and Inspection Reports: Proof of mechanical issues or failure to maintain the bus
- Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage: Video evidence capturing the accident and surrounding events
- Eyewitness Testimonies: Statements from passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers who saw the crash
- Accident Scene Photos: Images of vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs
- Police and Incident Reports: Official documentation that can support your case
- Expert Accident Reconstruction: Professional analysis to determine how and why the collision occurred
Maintaining this evidence is crucial to the success of your claim. An experienced bus accident lawyer can assist in collecting and evaluating the essential information needed to strengthen your case.
Contact Our Long Beach Bus Accident Attorneys Today
Our firm offers free consultations to those injured in a bus accident. Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer are a husband and wife team of personal injury lawyers focusing on serious injury and death cases. If you already have a lawyer but have lost confidence in your law firm and would like a second opinion, we offer legal second opinions at no charge. We genuinely want to help those injured and have kept our firm small to help our clients personally.
When you call our firm, you will speak directly with an attorney. We believe that in this way, we can effectively help more people. With our combined forty years of experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to compete against a bus company. The stakes can be high when dealing with a bus accident case. You want the best bus accident lawyer in Long Beach to represent you to obtain the compensation you are due. Please call our firm today if you have any questions.
Don’t wait to get the legal representation you need. Reach out to our Long Beach bus accident lawyers by calling (562) 270-0546 now to schedule your free consultation and start fighting for the justice you deserve!
