Bus accidents are complicated personal injury matters because of the number of people involved. Victims and their families must understand their legal rights if involved in a bus accident. The attorneys at Napolin Accident Injury Lawyer use their extensive experience to represent the victims of bus accidents. Our attorneys' skills and knowledge are vital to conducting a thorough analysis of your case's details.
Public vs. Private Bus- Understanding the Difference
Public vs. Private Bus: Understanding the Difference
When you sustain injuries on a private bus, or a tour bus, for example, you will be filing a personal injury claim against a private company or individual. The statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is two years, and if you don't file your lawsuit within two years from your accident, you could legally lose your right to compensation.
When you are injured because of an accident on a public bus due to the bus driver's negligence or the bus owner, you will need to file a lawsuit against a government agency. Public buses belong to the local government, and personal injury claims filed against public accidents are claims against the government. The statute of limitations for claims against government agencies is only six months.
The Common Carrier Rule in California
The common carrier rule is a California law stating that we should expect bus drivers to use a higher duty of care when providing transportation for citizens. Under California law, common carriers are required to transport passengers safely. Common carriers must exercise the highest care and vigilance to reasonably avoid harm to passengers.
All drivers are responsible for a duty of care to passengers, but they only have to exercise reasonable care. That's why the common carrier rule differs from the duty of care owed in the average personal injury claim.
Liability in a Bus Accident
Liability in a Bus Accident
Many parties could be held responsible for your bus accident injuries. Bus drivers are an obvious suspect, but other parties may be liable. Bus companies are responsible for having their vehicles routinely maintained, and the failure to do so is considered negligent.
Bus companies can be found liable because of respondeat superior, which states that a company is liable for its agents and employees' negligent actions, which are performed according to their duties and responsibilities. Bus mechanics could also be held liable for the work they provide if their negligence in maintaining part of the bus leads to an accident. Bus part manufacturers could be responsible for injuries caused by design defects in the manufacturing process.
Seeking Legal Help: When and Why
If you were injured in a bus accident, discuss your case with a bus accident lawyer in California right now. Contact Napolin Accident Injury Lawyer online or give us a call at (866)-NAPOLIN to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation. Our firm has extensive litigation experience in representing bus accident victims in California, and we are committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation.
Bus Accidents in California- What You Need to Know and How to Seek Legal Help
Conclusion to Bus Accidents in California: What You Need to Know and How to Seek Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in California, understanding your legal rights and seeking professional legal help is crucial. Don't wait until it's too late. Call us at (866)-NAPOLIN and secure a free consultation. With our extensive litigation experience in this area, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
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