Who May Be Liable for a Bus Accident?
Bus accidents can be more complex than typical car crashes because several different parties may share responsibility. Depending on how the crash happened, liability may extend beyond the bus driver alone. Determining who is legally responsible often requires a close look at maintenance records, driver training, safety procedures, and company policies.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Bus driver
- Private bus company or charter operator
- Public transit agency or government entity
- Maintenance or repair contractor
- Manufacturer of defective bus parts or equipment
- Another negligent driver who contributed to the crash
Because these cases can involve commercial policies or public agencies with specific rules and procedures, it is important to work with attorneys who understand how to investigate thoroughly and identify all available sources of recovery. Our team takes the time to examine every angle, so you are not left navigating a complicated system on your own.
Don’t settle for less. Fight for full compensation.
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$2,000,000 Truck Accident
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$1,850,000 Pedestrian Accident
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$1,800,000 Motorcycle Accident
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$1,750,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
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$1,495,000 Premises Liability
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$1,410,000 Premises Liability
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$1,300,000 Pedestrian Accident
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$1,000,000 Rollover Accident
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"Mr. Kuvara and his team are truly amazing! He is the most kind hearted and will do everything he can to win your case."
They are very prompt with responses and follow up. The entire process was stress free (especially going through this during the middle of the pandemic) and seamless! He heard, understood my pain and had the most sincerest empathy for me. This review has been LONG overdue. He took care of me in 2020 and has left an everlasting impression in my life. I recommend everyone to Mr. Kuvara and his outstanding team! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
- Kay M. -
"From the first moment I contacted the Kuvara staff and lawyers, I felt protected, informed, and very well legally represented"
I had an accident on 12/2022, and my life and all the projects I had for the future had to change drastically, but even with all the sacrifice and pain that it entails, I decided to face it and do everything necessary to overcome this stage in my life, I was fortunate to be represented by the Kuvara law firm. I am very happy and satisfied with the way my case was resolved, the professionalism on the part of the firm and the monetary compensation I received, it was fair and I only have gratitude on my part to all the members of the Kuvara law firm.
- Monica V. -
"They really are a best in class firm who will fight for you."
I would highly recommend Kuvara Law Firm to anyone who has been in an accident. Colby Kuvara was an excellent attorney who went above and beyond in guiding me through the legal process and really advocating for me in a time that was extremely stressful. Her team was very responsive and thorough through the duration of the case.
- Jessica B. -
"They were kind, understanding, and extremely helpful in every conversation."
Beyond grateful with the service and support the professionals at Kuvara Law Firm offered me every step of the way in this process. I know being in a situation of need and not knowing where to begin is overwhelming and quite frankly a bit scary.
- Esmeralda M.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents are often caused by:
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes
- Poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failures
- Dangerous road conditions
- Neglect by other motorists sharing the road
What’s technically more important than how the bus accident happened is being able to prove that it happened that way. That’s where our San Rafael bus accident attorneys can step in and lend a professional hand. With our resources and insight, we know how to investigate bus accidents to determine the cause and who should be liable.
We Make Legal Processes Less Stressful
After a bus accident, you should be able to focus on your health and your family, not paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations with insurance representatives. Our role is to step in and shoulder the legal burden for you. From the beginning, we prioritize clear communication, so you always know where your case stands and what to expect next.
With decades of experience and Neal Kuvara’s background as a former insurance adjuster, we understand how claims are evaluated and how to address common challenges before they become obstacles. We handle the details carefully and professionally, allowing you to move forward with greater peace of mind.
- We offer FREE legal advice to injury clients: During your free, initial consultation, our lawyers will sit down with you to discuss what happened and who may have caused the accident. We’ll learn more about your injuries and how they impact your life, whether you’re able to return to work, and whether you’re expected to return to your pre-accident state. Next, we’ll talk about your legal options and how best to proceed with your injury claim.
- We’ll gather and evaluate evidence: At our law firm, we don’t settle for the evidence provided in police reports or insurance company investigations. Our team conducts its own investigation into your case. We review photos and videos of the accident scene. We look at dashcam footage and footage from nearby security cameras. We talk to witnesses who saw the accident happen. In some cases, we may even consult with accident reconstructionists and other experts to determine liability for your injuries.
- We’ll deal with the insurance company: When you hire our bus accident lawyers to handle your case, you won’t need to worry about those harassing calls from the insurance company. Our legal team will deal with the insurer on your behalf. We’ll manage all correspondence with their representatives, and we will negotiate with their adjusters to get you a full and fair settlement that covers all your losses.
- We’ll represent you in court: Our attorneys will do our best to settle your claim out of court, but sometimes, doing so just isn’t fair to you. If the insurance company refuses to pay you what your bus accident claim is worth, we will go to trial and let the judge and jury decide your case.
What Damages Are Available in Bus Accident Cases?
The damages that are available to you if your bus accident claim is successful will depend on the losses you suffered, the parties responsible for the crash, and the sources of recovery that exist.
To provide you with an estimate of how much your bus accident case is worth, our attorneys will consider:
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Your Economic Damanges
Economic damages are financial losses that you’ve incurred, or that you will incur, because of the accident. They include things like your medical bills, the cost of future medical care, and your lost wages and earning capacity.
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Your Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are a bit more complicated, because they are not linked to a monetary amount. They include things that are subjective in nature, like your physical pain, emotional trauma, and the inability to enjoy life the way you did before you were hurt.
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Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as “exemplary damages”, are less common in bus accident cases in California. Designed to punish the wrongdoer, they are not based on the victim’s losses, but on the outrageousness of the defendant’s behavior.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule for Bus Accident Claims
Not every bus accident is caused solely by the bus driver or company. In many situations, another motorist’s mistakes, such as cutting off a bus, running a red light, or driving distracted, may contribute to the collision. California follows a comparative negligence system, which means fault can be shared among multiple parties.
Under this rule, you can pursue a claim against multiple parties if needed. Importantly, this rule also allows you to still file a claim even if you are found to be partially responsible for the crash.
Time is Limited to File a Bus Accident Claim
California limits the amount of time injured victims have to take legal action in bus accident cases. This rule is known as the “statute of limitations” for personal injury cases, including those involving bus accidents. Generally, you only have just two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit if the defendant is a privately-owned bus company or another non-government entity. For cases involving city or county transit authorities, you have just six months to file an administrative claim against the government agency in question.
Talk With a San Rafael Bus Accident Attorney Today
Bus accident claims can feel complicated, but getting answers should not be. At Kuvara Law Firm, we have spent more than five decades guiding injured clients through challenging situations with professionalism, integrity, and personal attention. We take pride in being accessible, straightforward, and committed to doing what is right for the people we represent.
If you were injured in a bus accident in San Rafael, reach out to us for a free consultation. Dial (628) 240-1014 now.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in San Rafael
If you were involved in a crash in San Rafael or a surrounding community, our injury lawyers recommend that you do the following:
Taking the right steps after a bus accident in California helps protect your wellbeing and your right to recover compensation for your losses.
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Move to SafetyYour safety and the wellbeing of other people is priority. If you are able, move to a safe location near the accident to avoid further injury. Then assess your injuries.
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Call 9-1-1Immediately after the accident, call 9-1-1 and report the crash to authorities. Stay on the line with the dispatcher and fill them in on the status of your own injuries and the number of additional victims. This helps prepare emergency responders, and it gives the dispatcher an idea of how many ambulances to send.
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Gather EvidenceIf your condition allows, try to take photos or videos of the accident scene. Capture anything that may be related to the crash, such as vehicle damage, skid marks, or accident debris. Get contact information from other drivers, passengers, and anyone who may have seen the accident happen.
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Get Medical TreatmentAllow paramedics to check you over and treat any injuries you’ve suffered. If they recommend a trip to the hospital, accept. If your injuries do not appear to require immediate medical care, get evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible after the crash. The symptoms of severe injuries are not always apparent right away.
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Watch What You SayWhen talking with the police, stick to the facts. Don’t offer any additional information. Do not discuss fault with the bus driver, any other drivers or passengers, or the insurance company. Don’t apologize, even if you think you caused the accident.
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Contact Our Bus Accident LawyersGet in touch with our experienced bus accident attorneys as soon as possible after the crash. We’ll make sure evidence is preserved, and your rights are protected.