Santa Monica Bus Accident Lawyer

Dangerous Driving by Big Blue Bus Drivers in Santa Monica

YouTube.com is replete with videos shot by bus passengers and people on the street that show dangerous driving by Santa Monica Big Blue Bus drivers, including texting while driving, eating while driving, unsafe lane changes, running red lights, and even check writing while driving. The fact that bus drivers would engage in this reckless behavior while they have a busload of passengers entrusted to their care and safety is shocking, to say the least.  

Have you been injured in a bus accident in Santa Monica? Call McGee Lerer Ogrin today at (310) 231-9717 or contact us online to a consultation and get the compensation you deserve!

Understanding Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Santa Monica

Bus accidents in Santa Monica are often caused by various factors that extend beyond driver error. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Distraction: Texting, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving can lead to a lack of focus.
• Mechanical Failures: Poor vehicle maintenance, including brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions.
• Weather Conditions: Fog, rain, and slippery roads create hazardous driving conditions.
• Driver Fatigue: Overworked or sleep-deprived drivers failing to react quickly or maintain full attention on the road.
• Unsafe Driving Practices: Reckless behaviors like speeding, unsafe lane changes, or running red lights.
• Improper Loading or Overcrowding: Buses that are overfilled or improperly loaded can cause instability and increase the risk of accidents.

Combined with other elements, these factors significantly increase the risks to passengers and other road users. If you've been involved in an accident caused by one of these issues, it’s essential to investigate the underlying factors to establish liability and pursue proper compensation.

Bus Driver Duty of Care

California law imposes a heightened duty of care on bus drivers, who are considered "common carriers."

The California jury instruction which applies to common carriers, CACI 902, states:

"Common carriers must carry passengers safely. Common carriers must use the highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person. They must do all that human care, vigilance, and foresight reasonably can do to avoid harm to passengers.

While a common carrier does not guarantee the safety of its passengers, it must use reasonable skill to provide everything necessary for safe transportation, given the transportation used and the practical operation of the business."

Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims in California

California's statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including bus accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. If you've been injured in a bus accident, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the incident to preserve your right to seek compensation.

However, exceptions extend this period, depending on factors such as the defendant's identity and the government involved (e.g., a municipal bus). For example, if you're suing a government entity, you may be required to file a Notice of Claim within six months of the accident, and failing to do so can bar your claim altogether.

Do I Need an Attorney if I've Been Injured in a Bus Accident?

If you have been injured in a bus accident, you are urged to seek compensation with a bus accident attorney. Whether you have been injured due to the negligence of the bus company or another party, you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Bus accidents can be complex. You need a strong and capable attorney experienced in investigating the causes of bus accidents and proving liability.

How McGee Lerer Ogrin Can Help 

Attorneys Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer and a husband and wife attorney team have over 40 years of combined legal experience. What sets us apart? We are not a "mill" that takes every case through the door. We are selective in the cases we take on to provide the individualized attention that each of our clients deserves. Since opening our office, we have built a successful practice based on referrals from prior clients and other attorneys seeking our expertise.

Meet with a Santa Monica personal injury attorney at our firm for a free consultation. We will review your case and let you know what to expect and how we can assist you. If an attorney already represents you but are unhappy with your lawyer, we can provide a second opinion at no charge. You can change attorneys at any time at no extra charge. We pay your previous attorney out of our portion of the settlement.

Skilled Negotiation for Full Settlement of Bus Accident Claims 

We are skilled in negotiating settlements for full compensation. We settle 98% of our cases before trial. If the defendant is unwilling to be reasonable, we are ready and able to take the case to court to achieve what is right.

Medical treatment after a bus accident is recommended. We recommend that our clients contact a doctor they know or one referred by friends. However, if you are unable to obtain medical treatment (whether you can't afford it or don't know who to treat with), we can refer you to an excellent physician near you who will treat you and wait until your case is resolved before payment.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to our skilled Santa Monica bus accident lawyers now to discuss your case and explore your legal options!