Orange County Bus Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a bus accident anywhere in or around Orange County, you should seek legal assistance as soon as you can. Unfortunately, California personal injury claims involving buses typically lead to unforeseen complications for injury and property damage victims. At DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, we’re here to help if you need an Orange County bus accident lawyer by your side. Let us offer a free consultation of your vehicle accident claim and examine the facts of your case so we can get started as soon as possible.

Who Decides Liability After an Orange County Bus Accident?

Determining liability after a bus accident happens in Orange County can be complex, often involving multiple parties and factors. Several parties could be liable in a bus accident, including:

• Bus driver. If the bus driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving, contributed to the accident, they might be held liable for the injuries and damages caused.
• Bus company. The bus company may be held liable if it failed to maintain the bus properly, did not adequately train its drivers, or was negligent in hiring or retaining unsafe drivers. Companies are also generally responsible for the actions of their employees while on the job.
• Other drivers. If another driver’s reckless or negligent actions, such as running a red light or making an unsafe lane change, caused or contributed to the accident, that driver might be held responsible.
• Municipalities or government entities. If the accident involved a public transit bus, such as those operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), a government entity could be liable if poor road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or other factors contributed to the crash.
• Bus or vehicle manufacturer. If a mechanical failure or defect, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts, contributed to the accident, the bus manufacturer or parts manufacturer could be held liable for damages.

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident in Orange County

Taking the right steps immediately following the bus collision can positively impact the outcome of your case. Here are some important steps to follow:

1. Seek medical attention. Your health needs to be the top priority, not just for the medical purposes, which are paramount. Seeking prompt medical attention also helps bolster your eventual injury claim.
2. Report the accident. Make sure the accident is reported to local police so you can obtain a copy of the accident report later on.
3. Document the scene. If you are able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any visible injuries, damage to the bus and other vehicles, road conditions, and traffic signs. This evidence can help establish liability.
4. Gather contact information. Collect contact information from the bus driver (if you’re able to do so), other drivers involved, passengers, and any witnesses to the accident. Witness statements can be valuable in corroborating your account of the events.
5. Consult with a bus accident attorney. Contact an experienced Orange County bus accident lawyer to discuss your case. 

What Compensation Can Injury Victims Receive?

If you have been involved in a bus accident in Orange County, you may be eligible for different types of compensation based on the details of your situation. This compensation can cover a range of costs and losses.

First, you might be able to recover medical expenses. This would include the costs for emergency medical care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future treatments needed as a result of the accident.

Another area where compensation might be available is lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, you could be entitled to recover income you lost during your recovery period. This compensation can also account for any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work at the same level as before the accident.

You could also receive compensation for pain and suffering, which addresses not only the physical pain but also the emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the accident. The amount awarded for pain and suffering usually reflects the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your overall quality of life.

Additionally, if the accident damaged any of your personal property, such as your vehicle or other belongings, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

Call a Bus Accident Lawyer in Orange County Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Orange County, it is crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, our experienced bus accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. You can contact us for a free consultation by completing our contact form or calling our office today. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.