Sacramento Bus Accident Attorneys

California lawyers fight for injury victims

Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries, but pursuing compensation presents complex legal challenges. Victims often must cope with high medical bills and lost income following a crash. However, it is critical to start the legal process as soon as possible because there might be questions about whom to hold responsible and an accelerated deadline for filing a lawsuit. At Mastagni Holstedt, APC in Sacramento, we have the knowledge and experience to fight effectively for your rights. Whether the crash involves a city transit bus, school bus, charter bus or private shuttle, our Sacramento bus accident attorneys can investigate the incident and identify the at-fault parties. 

Common causes of bus accidents in Sacramento and surrounding areas

One of the leading causes of bus accidents is driver negligence, which might take the form of distracted driving, speeding or failure to yield. Bus operators often work long shifts, and fatigue can significantly impair reaction time and judgment, so that is another possible reason why a crash occurred.

Poor vehicle maintenance is another common factor in these cases. Buses require regular inspections and repairs to ensure brakes, tires, steering systems and safety equipment function properly. When companies and governments cut corners, the risk of mechanical failure increases.

Roadway conditions also contribute to collisions. Construction zones, poorly marked intersections, heavy traffic on highly used routes, such as Interstate 5 or Highway 99, and inclement weather can create hazards to which drivers must adjust. In some cases, the negligence of passenger car motorists can also lead to a bus collision.

Injuries frequently sustained in California bus collisions

As buses often lack seat belts for passengers, riders can be thrown from their seats or struck by other passengers following impact or a hard brake. Injuries suffered by bus passengers can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures
• Internal bleeding

Pedestrians and cyclists struck by buses frequently suffer catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight imbalance between the vehicles. Occupants of passenger cars and trucks can also sustain significant harm. In some cases, victims require long-term rehabilitation, surgery and permanent lifestyle adjustments.

Liability in public and private bus accident claims

Determining liability in a bus accident case can be complicated, since multiple parties might bear fault for the crash. If the bus driver acted negligently, the employer might be found liable under the legal principle of respondeat superior.

Bus companies and school transportation systems can be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training or failure to maintain vehicles. In multi-vehicle accidents, other drivers might share responsibility. Additionally, a government entity responsible for road design or maintenance could be partially liable if unsafe road conditions contributed to the crash.

Our Sacramento personal injury lawyers thoroughly investigate the accident, review driver records and maintenance logs, and consult with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to identify all liable parties.

Filing claims against government entities in Sacramento

Special rules apply for a case stemming from a passenger injury on mass transit. Lawsuits against government entities in California are subject to strict procedural requirements under the California Government Claims Act.

Before filing a lawsuit, injured parties must submit a formal administrative claim within six months of the date of injury. The agency has a limited time to respond. If the claim is denied or not resolved, the victim may proceed with a lawsuit. Missing deadlines or failing to comply with required procedures can jeopardize the claim.

Compensation available after a bus accident in Northern California

Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include present and future medical expenses and lost income. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

In cases involving particularly egregious misconduct by a defendant, punitive damages might also be available. Every case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries, long-term impact and degree of fault.

Contact a Sacramento bus accident attorney for a free consultation

Mastagni Holstedt, APC represents clients injured in bus accidents throughout California. To schedule a free consultation, please call or contact us online. We have offices in Sacramento, Rancho Cucamonga, Pleasanton and Redwood City.