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Orange County Bus Accident Attorneys

Orange County Bus Accident Lawyers

When you or a loved one have been injured in a bus crash, you need the experienced and skilled Orange County bus accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase in your corner.

Bus companies and governmental agencies will have their people on-site within minutes of an accident to protect their own interests. You need an honest, aggressive, committed bus injury attorney to fight for your rights.

Our law firm has recovered hundreds of millions for our clients and has been honored with hundreds of awards for our work in personal injury.  Don’t settle your bus accident claim without consulting an attorney to maximize compensation.

There are a number of reasons why buses crash; typically, it’s driver error, an auto defect, or poor maintenance of the vehicle.

Bus accidents can cause major damage and significant injuries. Victims deserve to be compensated appropriately, and our team can help anyone injured in Orange County. Contact us for a free consultation to find out if you have a case.

Orange County Bus Accident TOC

Typical Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are a major cause of injuries and fatalities in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated 520 deaths from bus accidents in 2016. This number has been rising for the past decade, with bus fatalities increasing by 50% since 2006.

When a bus is involved in an accident, it can have disastrous consequences for everyone involved. This can include serious injuries and cases of wrongful death. Bus accidents in Orange County can occur in a variety of ways. They include:

  • Bus colliding with a car or truck in an auto accident
  • Bus striking a pedestrian
  • A bus crash involving a motorcycle or bicycle
  • Bus crashing into an inanimate object
  • Bus rollover accident
  • Bus crashed from auto defects or poor vehicle maintenance 

These incidents can involve injuries to passengers on board the bus in question and drivers of other vehicles and nearby pedestrians. Bus passenger injuries can be attributed to many factors, including poor maintenance, speeding, and driver error.

Bus drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles so they are safe for passengers to ride in. Bus drivers should also follow all traffic laws and drive at safe speeds while driving through city streets or rural areas where pedestrians might be present.

Bus drivers should never drive while intoxicated or fatigued, as this could lead to an accident which could result in injuries or death to themselves or other people on the road.

Causes of Orange County Bus Crashes

There are all kinds of reasons for a bus to crash, causing a serious accident and injuries. These include:

➤  Careless driving: If a bus driver is not paying attention when they merge lanes or pull into an intersection, it can have deadly consequences.

➤  Distracted driving: Accidents happen when bus drivers are not fully focused. Examples include operating a bus while eating, drinking, or using a phone.

➤  Driver fatigue: Some bus drivers are expected to work through long shifts with frequent stops, making fatigue (and a loss of concentration) more likely.

➤  Poor maintenance: A lack of proper bus maintenance can cause a bus to have a dangerous blowout, suffer a brake failure, and more.

➤  Vehicle defects: Manufacturing defects, such as structural, mechanical, or safety failures, can result in serious accidents and injuries.

➤  Lack of experience or training: Handling a bus is not the same as driving a smaller vehicle. Accidents occur when a driver is not properly trained to drive a bus.

➤  Aggressive driving or excessive speed: Driving a bus can be stressful. With frequent stops and tight schedules, bus drivers have to force their way through traffic. Sometimes they fail to do so safely.

➤  Driving under the influence: Bus drivers are strictly prohibited from operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The blood alcohol limit for drivers of passenger vehicles is 0.08, according to California law.

Bisnar Chase is a personal injury law firm that works on behalf of injured plaintiffs to ensure they are properly compensated.

We can take legal action when an injury has been caused by negligence. The bus accident causes listed above all involve some form of negligence. Contact our Orange County bus accident attorneys for a free case review with no obligations.

Public Transportation in Orange County

Public transportation accidents are a major cause of death and injury in the United States. These accidents can happen to anyone, at any time, and in any place. In 2016 alone, there were more than 4,400 public transportation-related fatalities.

This section will explore the different types of public transportation accidents, how they happen, and what causes them. We will also explore the safety measures that have been taken to reduce the occurrence of these accidents in the future.

A vast number of people across Orange County rely on buses to get around daily; to get to work, school, appointments, and much more.

OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) runs Orange County public transportation. OCTA buses include community routes, Metrolink routes, city shuttles, and more. In contrast, school buses in Orange County are typically run by individual school districts, while some are subcontracted to independent operators.

Different types of buses operating in OC include:

➤  Public transportation: Public transit buses run throughout all cities in Orange County, providing a valuable resource to residents for everyday transportation.

➤  School bus: School bus drivers are responsible for safely transporting children to and from school. Orange County school bus accidents are shocking because they can involve serious injuries to youngsters.

➤  Private hire shuttles: Some private-hire buses come with drivers to operate the vehicle, while others defer to the renter. In either case, private-hire vehicles – from party buses to low-key shuttles – can serious damage the roads if they are involved in an accident.

➤  Tour bus accidents: Tour buses can be used for tourism ventures or transport to entertainment venues such as resorts and casinos.

The type of bus involved in an accident will impact the legal process if a lawsuit is filed. If you have been an accident victim, contact our bus accident injury lawyers in Orange County for immediate help. We will handle every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on recovery.

What to Do After a Bus Accident

Whether you are a passenger on the bus or the driver of another vehicle involved in a collision with a bus, there are several steps you should take after a bus crash.

  1. Contact the authorities.
  2. Follow the instructions of EMTs and police at the scene.
  3. Seek medical attention. If you have sustained serious injuries in a bus accident, this should be done at the scene of the accident. Even if your injuries are minor, you should always visit a doctor afterward.
  4. Collect as much evidence as possible. Take pictures and videos at the scene of the crash if it is safe to do so. Record damage to vehicles, road conditions, and your own injuries. Write a first-hand account of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
  5. Contact the Orange County bus accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase. Our team can help you build a strong case and maximize your compensation through a personal injury claim.

Being in a bus accident is traumatic, and the aftermath can be a blur. It can be hard to take the right steps immediately after a crash, especially if you have been seriously hurt or are in shock.

There’s no need to worry if you did not follow the steps above to the letter. Contact our team and let us guide you through your legal options. You do not have to fight for justice alone.

Who is Liable for Your Bus Crash Injuries?

If you have been injured in a bus accident in Orange County, one of the key questions we need to answer is: who was to blame?

Legal action can be taken against liable parties that caused the accident through some form of negligence. Liable parties can include:

➤  Bus company: In many cases, the company running the bus route will share some level of responsibility for an accident involving its vehicle. The bus company must provide proper training and screening for its drivers.

➤  Bus driver: A bus driver might be personally liable for causing an accident.

➤  School district: A school district is responsible for the operation and maintenance of its school buses.

➤  Maintenance company: If a company is subcontracted for vehicle maintenance and does sub-par work that creates a dangerous situation, it could be liable for any injuries.

➤  Bus manufacturer: If an accident is caused by a defect in the design or construction of the bus, the manufacturer could be held accountable.

➤  Another driver: When the accident is caused by the reckless actions of another driver on the road, in turn causing the bus to crash, that third-party driver would be at fault.

➤  City authority: In some cases, a crash is caused by poor road maintenance (such as dangerous potholes) or poor road layouts. In these scenarios, the city may be negligent.

You do not need to worry about taking on the insurance company or legal team representing the at-fault party on your own. That is what we are here for. Our bus accident attorneys based in Orange County will provide expert help.

Did you know…?

You can sue a defendant over your bus accident injuries, even if you were partly at fault for the accident. California’s comparative negligence laws mean you can still be compensated as long as another negligent party was involved.

Bus Accident Statistics

Thousands of people are injured or killed in accidents involving buses every year in the United States. The following facts and statistics show how common bus accidents are:

  • There are nearly 100,000 buses operating in California
  • More than 990,000 buses are running across the U.S.
  • In excess of 63,000 buses are involved in accidents every year
  • 13,600 people (average) are injured in school buses accidents annually
  • 117 people died in school bus collisions in 2018
  • About 55% of people who are injured or killed in bus accidents are driving or passengers in other vehicles
bus accident statistics US

Do not become just another statistic. If you are among the thousands of people injured in bus accidents every year, contact Bisnar Chase to make sure you are properly compensated.

Bus Safety

Buses are unlike cars in many ways. For example, they are often not equipped with common safety devices such as seatbelts and passenger airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that seatbelts are not required in buses, as these vehicles are designed to provide compartmentalization protection for passengers. 

The safety of the passengers on buses is a major concern for transit authorities and bus operators. 

Bus Safety:

1) CCTV Cameras: — The installation of CCTV cameras on buses has been a controversial topic over the past few years. There are two sides to the argument and both have valid points. One side argues that CCTV cameras on buses are needed to prevent crime and help identify reasons for bus accidents, while the other argues that installing CCTV cameras on buses is an invasion of privacy.

2) Bus Design: – many public transportation vehicles have design flaws that can lead to accidents. 

3) Bus Seatbelts: –  An ongoing fight with public transportation is the need for seatbelts on all buses to reduce injury.

Buses are robust vehicles. The classic transit bus design is 40 feet long and typically weights 20,000-33,000 lbs. This can rise to 44,000 lbs. when it is fully loaded with passengers. In the event of a bus accident, pedestrians and people in smaller vehicles will be much more vulnerable to injury than the passengers aboard the bus.

However, bus passengers can still suffer injuries, particularly in the event of a violent collision or rollover crash. Anyone injured in a bus accident can contact Bisnar Chase for expert representation.

Bus Accident FAQs

This page is a resource for anyone who has been injured in a bus accident in Orange County and needs legal advice.

Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below. If you have a question that has not been answered here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

You may only have up to six months to file a claim for damages against a bus company, or two years from the date of the accident for an injury lawsuit. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Bus accident compensation varies by case. It can be awarded for a variety of factors, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, rehab and care costs, punitive damages, emotional distress, lost wages, and much more.

A bus accident lawsuit can be filed by anyone who has suffered an injury in a collision involving a bus. This can include bus passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, people in other vehicles, family members, and more.

You can still file a claim if you were partly to blame for causing the accident, according to the comparative negligence laws in California.

Bisnar Chase has a ‘No Win, No Fee’ policy. We advance the costs required to win your case to protect you from bills and expenses. Contact our intake team now for more information.

Hire the Right Bus Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in an accident involving a bus, you need representation from an experienced law firm with a track record of success and care.

Based in Newport Beach, we have helped thousands of clients in the Orange County area. We believe in serving our community and work on contingency to make sure everyone can afford our services.

We serve cities across OC, including:

IrvineCosta MesaNewport BeachAnaheim
Santa AnaHuntington BeachLake ForestLaguna Niguel
Laguna HillsMission ViejoPlacentiaFullerton
Garden GroveCypressBuena ParkFountain Valley
Dana PointSan ClementeLa HabraTustin

We know that many personal injury attorneys in Orange County are vying for your business. But we also believe Bisnar Chase is the best choice for bus accident victims.

We have more than 45 years of experience in handling claims ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic damage. Our team of trial attorneys knows the Orange County court system inside out and can win your case.

Our numbers speak for themselves: we have a 99% success rate and have won $750 million in verdicts and settlements.

Do not suffer in silence after an accident. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Orange County bus accident lawyers now for expert advice. Call (949) 203-3814 for immediate help, or send a contact form through our website to arrange a free consultation.

Bus Accident Lawyer in Orange County

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an Orange County bus accident, you should immediately speak to an experienced bus accident injury lawyer. An attorney can help you build a case against the driver who caused your injuries and pursue total compensation for your damages.

  • Over $800M recovered
  • 99% success rate winning cases
  • Familiar with all Orange County courts
  • Serving Orange County since 1978

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Other Nearby Service Areas

Case Results

  • 1

    $117,500,000

    Consumer Class Action

  • 2

    $38,650,000

    Motor Vehicle Accident

  • 3

    $32,698,073

    Auto Defect – Seat Manufacturers, Johnson Controls

  • 4

    $30,000,000

    Motorcycle Accident

  • 5

    $24,744,764

    Defective Seatback

  • 6

    $16,444,904

    Bicycle Accident

Client Reviews

Bisnar Chase Google Review - Lena

I wasn’t sure if I needed a personal injury attorney because I’d never been in a car accident before. I assumed I’d just go straight through the other driver’s insurance but that quickly became a nightmare. I spent months fighting over the simplest of issues about my case, which was 100% the other driver’s fault. I hired Bisnar Chase to see if they could just take it over for me. I was really impressed with how much they communicated everything to me! I suddenly started getting calls from the insurance company, imagine that. My final settlement was 6 times what I asked for to begin with. Everyone I dealt with was really involved in what was best for me, not the insurance.

Lena Murillo
Bisnar Chase Google Review

I had an attorney for my truck accident who wanted almost 60% of what my case was worth. Worse than that, he was willing to settle for $5,000.00 with the insurance company even though I was still treating for whiplash and back pain. I contacted Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys because a friend recommended them. My case was handled exceptionally well! I was being kept notified throughout the whole process and only when I was comfortable with the settlement figure, did my attorney Gavin Long, accept it. I felt like we were working together and I felt listened to. I would refer Bisnar Chase to anyone who wants quality over quantity!

Lauren B
Bisnar Chase Review - Natalie

I’m so impressed with this law firm. I lost my mother because of a seat defect when she was rear-ended in an auto accident and Bisnar Chase stepped up and took our case. The staff is wonderful and Brian Chase took his time explaining everything via phone with me. I’m honored to have the best of the best working on our family’s behalf, trying to get justice for my Mom, because of a negligent car company still manufacturing faulty seats. I look forward to working with this firm and am hopeful for a positive outcome. Thank you so much, Brian Chase. I know you will work your hardest on this case. God Bless you.

Natalie C.
Bisnar Chase Google Review

Bisnar Chase is a model #veteranowned business that is purpose-driven — showing the power of patriotism in action! Because of Bisnar Chase, low-income veterans will be able to forge new futures at home through pro bono legal care. Team Veterans Legal Institute is grateful to have Bisnar Chase as a sponsor for Lawyers for Warriors — supporting the promise to be there for our veterans when they need it most.

KellyAnn Romanych

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP

1301 Dove St. STE 120, Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 203-3814

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