When you’re in an accident involving another car, it’s relatively easy to determine fault and pursue legal action. However, determining who is responsible is not as easy when you are the passenger of a chartered bus that gets into an accident. Is it the bus driver or the company that owns the bus? Is the person or organization that hired the bus service responsible? Or is it the fault of another driver that hit the bus? In some cases, the maintenance company in charge of the upkeep of the bus can also be found liable.
As an injured victim, you are entitled to compensation no matter who is at fault. Injured passengers or their loved ones have the right to sue the negligent party responsible for the crash. Bus accidents can result in traumatizing and even fatal injuries that carry a heavy financial burden in addition to pain and suffering. Compensation for your injuries and losses may not only be desired but is often necessary to pay for any damages incurred.
In cases involving a chartered bus, working with a California attorney who has experience in this particular practice area is often necessary. While every state has common carrier laws, understanding them isn’t always easy, and trying to determine fault and prove negligence can be a challenge. However, seeking guidance from an attorney can make a huge difference in the amount of compensation you receive and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
What Are Common Carrier Laws?
In the United States, including California, the Common Law system has what is referred to as “common carrier” laws. These laws pertain to individuals or entities who are in the business of transporting passengers in exchange for compensation. Chartered buses and tour buses are considered common carriers in the United States. A charter bus can be anything from a large and luxurious coach bus to minibusses and sprinter vans. School buses can even be rented for use as charter buses.
Common carriers must exercise care and safety to protect the well-being of their passengers. Additionally, anyone or any organization that hires a charter bus is responsible for ensuring that the bus company they are hiring is safe and has insurance. If the bus company itself, or anyone else involved with the company, including the person who hired them, fails to uphold their duty of care and are found to have been negligent in some way, they can be held liable.
Who is Liable in a Chartered Bus Crash?
In incidents involving a chartered bus, it is possible for more than one person or party to be found liable. Whether it is one individual, one company, or multiple parties, working with an experienced personal injury attorney may be wise if you want to receive the full compensation that you deserve and hold all parties accountable. All potentially liable parties include:
- The bus company or owner/operator of the bus
- The bus driver
- The bus manufacturer
- Any aftermarket suppliers or installers of parts for the bus
- The person or company responsible for the bus maintenance
- The person or company that hired or sponsored the charter bus
- Other negligent drivers that caused the bus to crash
- State or local government agencies responsible for maintaining safe road conditions and repairs
Pursuing Legal Action as a Chartered Bus Accident Victim in California
Whether you are simply interested in filing a personal injury claim or want to file a lawsuit to seek further compensation and hold all guilty parties accountable, it is your right to do so. You are entitled to recover compensation for any damages incurred as a result of the accident, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses related to the injury or therapy for emotional distress
- Loss of wages
- Loss of future income or earning capacity if the injuries affect your ability to return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket-expenses
In cases where the victim dies, family members and loved ones can pursue compensation for wrongful death, which can help cover some of the above in addition to funeral and burial costs.
Bus accidents can result in severe physical injuries as well as lasting emotional trauma or even death. The pain and suffering you or your loved ones experience following the crash are often devastating. Recovery can be a long and difficult road; you should not have to worry about financial responsibilities as well.
After a chartered bus accident, call 877-380-8852 or get a FREE online case evaluation now. You’ll be talking to a law firm with decades of experience investigating bus crashes and helping injured victims like you gain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
After a personal injury, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of the law, including chartered bus accidents. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details.
We truly care about the people of California. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation
