San Francisco Bus Accident Lawyers And Personal Injury Attorneys

San Francisco Bay Area Bus Accident Lawyers – Get The Compensation You Deserve

At The Hassell Law Group, we understand the complexities and devastating impacts of bus accidents. With The Bay Area’s bustling streets and a heavy reliance on public and private bus transportation, accidents can, and unfortunately do occur. As award-winning Northern California personal injury lawyers with over 100 years of combined legal experience, we are here to ensure bus accident victims receive the justice and financial compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Why choose our firm for your Bus Accident Injury case:

• We are top-rated and highly skilled Bay Area personal injury attorneys.
• Our award-winning legal team has over 100 years of combined legal experience, and experience matters.
• Our top-level lawyers are independently ranked among the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in San Francisco by Expertise.com, KevsBest.com, and LegalDirectorate.com
• We maximize the success of our clients’ cases through our vigorous representation and effective legal strategies.
• We work on a contingency fee basis which means if there is no successful recovery of damages in your case, there is no fee, and you owe us nothing.

Don’t settle your bus accident claim for less than it’s worth. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Free Consultation – No Fees Unless We Win. Call Us Now: (415) 334-4111.

Bus Accidents in San Francisco: Understanding the Risks

San Francisco’s public transit system, including Muni buses, is a vital part of daily life, but accidents involving buses can be severe and life-altering. Recent statistics highlight the dangers of bus-related collisions in the city:

• In 2022, San Francisco recorded 39 traffic fatalities, with a significant number involving public transportation and pedestrian accidents.
• Between 2018 and 2022, Muni buses were involved in over 500 reported crashes, with many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
• The Vision Zero SF initiative aimed to eliminate traffic deaths by 2024, yet accidents involving large vehicles, including buses, remain a major concern.

Common causes of bus accidents in San Francisco include driver negligence, mechanical failures, dangerous road conditions, and reckless driving by other motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash, The Hassell Law Group is here to fight for justice and compensation.

Navigating the Bus Accident Claims Process

Our legal team will handle every step of your bus accident case, from the claims process, to collecting evidence and in negotiating with insurance companies or public entities from a position of strength to representing you in court if necessary. We prioritize your well-being and recovery from the injuries you sustained in the accident, and we seek to secure the maximum compensation available for your damages.

Recent Personal Injury Case Results We Have Achieved for Our Clients:

• $12.5 Million+ confidential settlement for a woman who was seriously injured in a head on collision caused by a commercial truck driver
• $5,000,000 result for an injured woman in her 70s and her husband who was killed in a head on collision caused by a negligent driver.
• $4,900,000 result for our client in his mid 50’s who was seriously injured when his vehicle was T-boned by a cement truck.
• $4,600,000 result for a Bay Area Physician who sustained a dominant hand impalement injury in a trip and fall accident on a landscaping rock that protruded into the walkway at a hotel property.
• $4,500,000 settlement for a client in her 60s hit by a vehicle while crossing in the crosswalk in San Francisco who sustained a traumatic brain injury.
• $2,525,000 result for clients who were pedestrians injured by a loose trailer pulled by a commercial vehicle.
• $1,500,000 result for a retired man who tripped and fell on a box inside the entryway door of a market causing a femur fracture that required surgery. A claim for loss of consortium was made for his wife.
• $1,500,000 settlement for a rideshare driver in San Francisco injured by a reckless driver driving over twice the posted speed limit. The client required clavicle surgery.

Understanding Bus Accidents in the Bay Area

Bus accidents, due to the massive size, weight, and limited maneuverability of buses, can result in significant property damage, catastrophic injuries, and in some cases fatalities. Bay Area Bus accidents can involve public buses, school buses, private tour buses, or other large commercial buses.

Common Causes of San Francisco Bay Area Bus Accidents

Common causes of Bus Accidents include:

• Driver negligence or fatigue
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Defective bus parts or equipment
• Hazardous road conditions
• Impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol
• Inadequate training of bus drivers

Types of Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bus Accidents

Victims of bus accidents can suffer from a range of serious injuries, including:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Extreme Psychological trauma
• Cuts, Lacerations, and bruises

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accident Claims

What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Bus Accident?

If you’re involved in a bus accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:

• Call The Police– A police report documenting the accident can be extremely important for your claim.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if your injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is essential.
• Report the Accident – If the bus was a Muni or public transit vehicle, notify the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
• Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and any visible damage.
• Get Contact Information – Obtain details from witnesses, the bus driver, and other passengers.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Your Attorney – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Consult a lawyer before providing any statements.

Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident in San Francisco?

Liability in a bus accident can be complex and may involve:

• The bus driver – If driver negligence, fatigue, or reckless driving caused the accident.
• The bus company or transit authority – If improper maintenance, lack of driver training, or negligence contributed to the crash.
• Other drivers – If another vehicle’s reckless actions led to the accident.
• Bus manufacturers – If a mechanical defect played a role in the accident.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim After a Bus Accident?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if your claim is against a government entity such as Muni or AC Transit, you have only six months to file a formal claim. It’s critical to act quickly and consult a lawyer to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Bus Accident?

Hiring a San Francisco bus accident lawyer ensures you have an advocate fighting for your rights. Our legal team can:

• Investigate the accident to determine liability.
• Gather evidence and witness statements to strengthen your case.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair compensation.
• Take your case to court if a settlement is not reached.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bus accident, The Hassell Law Group is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Remember, while the moments following a bus accident can be traumatic, taking the right steps next can protect your rights and legal claims and give you the clarity you need. If in doubt, always reach out to our experienced personal injury attorneys for guidance.

Poor Maintenance or Defective Equipment in Bus Accidents

Buses, due to their extensive size, weight, and the large number of passengers they carry, have a legal responsibility to maintain high safety standards. One of the primary causes of bus accidents is the poor maintenance of the vehicle or the use of defective equipment.

Understanding how these factors play a role can shed light on the gravity of the situation and the accountability required from involved parties.

The Importance of Bus Maintenance In Accident Claims

Safety Protocols: Buses require regular documented mechanical inspections to ensure their brake systems, lights, tires, and other essential components are in proper working order. Skipping or delaying these checks can lead to malfunctions, making accidents more likely.

Regulatory Requirements: There are strict federal and state regulations governing the regular maintenance and inspection of commercial vehicles, including buses. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in severe penalties for the bus operators and can support and be indicative of negligence.

Manufacturing Flaws: Sometimes, the components of a bus, such as brake systems, engine parts, or even seat belts, may have manufacturing defects that can lead to catastrophic failures.

Ignoring Recalls: Manufacturers occasionally issue bus recalls for defective parts. It’s the responsibility of bus operators to stay informed about these recalls and act promptly. Neglecting to replace or repair these parts can endanger passengers as well as other motorists and pedestrians.

Liability and Fault In Bus Accidents

Bus Owners and Operators are primarily responsible for ensuring that their fleet is operated safely, receives regular documented maintenance, and is free from defective equipment. Failing to do so can make them liable for any accidents resulting from these oversights.

If an accident occurs due to a defective part, the manufacturer of that part may also bear some liability, especially if they were aware of the defect and failed to notify bus operators.

If you believe your bus accident was caused by poor maintenance or defective equipment, it’s essential to have your attorney gather evidence. Maintenance logs, recall notices, and expert evaluation and testimony can be invaluable in building a strong case.

Different Types of Bay Area Bus Accidents

In the diverse urban landscape of the Bay Area, buses play a pivotal role in transporting thousands of passengers daily. Given the varied environments and scenarios they operate in, several types of bus accidents can occur, causing serious injuries. These include: commercial bus accidents, school bus accidents, city bus accidents, county bus accidents.

Collision with Other Vehicles:

These are the most common types of bus accidents. Due to the size and excessive weight of buses, even minor bus collisions with motor vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries to bus passengers, drivers of the other vehicles, and their passengers.

Single-Vehicle Accidents:

Buses can sometimes get into accidents without involving another vehicle. This can be due to road conditions, mechanical failures, or driver error. Examples include a bus going off the road or colliding with a stationary object.

Pedestrian Accidents:

Given the bustling streets of the San Francisco Bay Area, buses can also collide with pedestrians. Bus versus pedestrian accidents can result in extremely severe injuries or even death given the sheer size and momentum of a bus.

Bicycle Accidents:

With an emphasis on green transportation, many Bay Area residents opt to use bicycles as a primary method of transportation or commuting to work. Buses navigating tight streets alongside cyclists can sometimes result in bicycle collisions with serious injuries.

Rollovers:

Though less common, certain situations like sharp turns at high speeds, collisions with obstacles, or unstable road conditions can cause a bus to roll over, leading to significant harm to passengers and others nearby.

Accidents During Boarding or Departing:

A bus driver has a duty to stop their bus at a safe location for passengers to board and also exit the bus from. They also have a duty to control the stopping and starting of their bus in a manner that avoids injury to boarding and exiting passengers. Slips, trips, and falls can happen when passengers are getting on or off the bus, especially if the bus moves prematurely, stops in an unsafe location such as over a pothole in the street, or if a mechanical malfunction with the bus doors or steps occur.

Window or Door Accidents:

Defective or sudden closing doors, shattered windows during collisions, or abrupt door closings can also result in serious injuries to passengers.

Understanding the specific type of bus accident that you’ve been involved in can provide clarity when seeking legal advice or pursuing a claim. Each accident type might involve different stakeholders, evidentiary needs, and legal strategies. Therefore, working with our skilled bus accident attorneys familiar with the intricacies of each type can be invaluable in ensuring victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

We Offer Bus Accident Victims a Free Consultation 

We understand that attorney’s fees are a leading cause of victims not seeking the legal representation they desperately need. That’s why we handle our clients’ cases on a contingency fee arrangement. Clients pay nothing upfront.

Our legal fees are calculated based on a percentage of the compensation you recover. That means that if there is no successful recovery of damages, there is no fee, and you owe us nothing.

We want everyone who has been seriously injured to be able to access high-quality legal counsel for their personal injury case, and we have helped countless accident victims recover compensation for their injuries.

Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.