Experienced Bus Accident Lawyers Serving in Oakland, CA
Many Oakland residents rely on the AC Transit bus lines on a daily basis. Visitors, long distance travelers, and others also frequently use private and party buses to get from point A to point B. When these buses get into accidents, passengers and involved drivers often wonder how they should proceed. At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, an Oakland Brain Injury Attorney can answer all of your questions about bus accidents in Oakland.
Liability in Oakland Bus Accidents
One of the first questions in any bus accident case is – who is at fault? The state of California relies on a pure comparative negligence rule to determine fault in motor vehicle accident cases. According to the rule, investigators/juries can assign a percentage of fault to each driver and reduce any settlement or verdict amount based on that percentage.
Every driver who gets behind the wheel in California is responsible for using a certain standard of care on the roadways. Bus drivers, as professional drivers, must generally adhere to a higher standard of care than the average motorist. While passenger vehicles do cause accidents, the parties involved will scrutinize the behaviors of professional drivers. Bus drivers, passenger vehicle drivers, bus driver employers, and auto manufacturers are just some of the parties that may share fault in an Oakland bus accident.
Our firm understands the nuances of bus accident law in Oakland. We know where the city and county have mounted traffic cameras, and we frequently use them to build irreproachable personal injury cases. If you are an injured bus passenger, passenger vehicle driver/passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist involved in a bus accident, consider reaching out to our lawyers for a free case evaluation.
We have successfully resolved many cases involving Bay Area buses in our practice. Among our numerous multi-million dollar results, we secured a $3 million settlement for a senior who suffered an injury because of a negligent transit bus driver. You can trust our team to investigate and defend your right to compensation.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
Bus accidents may involve dozens of people causing the accident scene to feel very chaotic. The good news is that we live in the age of technology. We highly recommend that everyone involved in a bus accident take pictures and video of the scene, injuries, and surrounding traffic/weather conditions. This type of evidence often proves invaluable in accident claims.
After the initial commotion of the scene passes, follow three rules:
- Go to the doctor. Always go to the doctor following a bus accident. A physician may recognize subtle signs of a serious injury and will create a record of the incident.
- Speak carefully. Bus company insurers will start working quickly to protect their revenue streams. Focus on the facts that you know to avoid exaggerating or undermining your claim.
- Talk to a lawyer. A serious injury may impact your financial, emotional, and social well-being. Speak to our attorneys about your case before you make any major decisions about treatment or a settlement offer.
The attorneys at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger are here to represent you at every stage of your bus accident claim. From finding qualified medical care to negotiating with the liable party, we will put our reputation and our resources to work for you.
Discuss Your Claim with an Oakland Bus Accident Attorney
Bus accidents in Oakland can leave you wondering how you will pay for treatment or if you can ever work again. At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, we understand. We can’t eliminate your pain and suffering, but we will fight for your right to full compensation. Reach out to us today to learn more about our bus accident practice in Oakland.
