Stockton Bus Accident Lawyer

Written by: Steven L. Brown

Although bus accident injuries are less common than car accidents, they can be extremely devastating. There are different types of bus accidents. It could involve a public bus where a government agency is liable for the damages, or the accident could involve a school bus. Other bus accidents may involve private charter buses. Regardless of the type of bus, when you or your children have been injured in a Stockton bus accident, then you will need an intrepid bus accident lawyer representing you so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.

Parents put a lot of trust into the transportation system that their school district provides and in the drivers who transport their children. So it is devastating when a parent’s worst nightmare comes true, and they find out that their child has been involved in a school bus accident. At Brown & Gessell, our personal injury lawyers have years of experience in assisting our clients in recovering compensation and protecting their rights.

Common Injuries

The common types of injuries that occur due to bus accidents or school bus accidents are similar to other injuries caused by other types of motor vehicle accidents. However, the main difference between a car accident and an accident with a bus or school bus is that the heavier, larger vehicles will cause more damage. Bus accident injuries can be severe for this reason.

Cuts and Lacerations

Lots of glass is broken from the windshield, and the windows during an accident can cause cuts. Crumpled metal can shear and tear, causing sharp edges that could injure the driver and other passengers. While some cuts and lacerations might be superficial and heal on their own, others may require stitches and immediate medical care.

Burns

Serious burns after a bus accident can lead to permanent nerve damage and scarring. The victim may also require skin grafts and a lengthy hospital stay.

Head Injuries

There are two different types of head injuries: open and closed. Open head injuries occur when the skull has been broken, and the brain is exposed. It can happen as a result of a sharp object penetrating the person’s skull during the bus accident. In a closed head injury, the person’s skull is not broken. Closed head injuries typically result when a person is suddenly thrust in any direction and the brain hits the inside of the skull, such as in a car accident. Head injuries typically lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Back Injuries

Damage to the spine, spinal cord, or vertebrae are also common injuries after bus accidents. Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries and require immediate medical assistance. Damage to the spinal cord could result in full or partial paralysis. Back injuries usually also require lengthy hospital stays and regular physical therapy.

Liability in Bus Accident

When having any discussion on who is liable for an accident, it’s important to understand what responsibilities each person has and how a breach of those responsibilities can affect a personal injury case. All drivers owe each other a duty of care, which means that when they get behind the wheel they must be sober and attentive. Bus parts manufacturers owe their consumers a duty of care to design and produce products that will work as intended and will not fail, such as in the case of life-saving brakes or tires. Lastly, a bus company owes a duty of care to the riders of that bus by hiring the best candidate for the job and conducting a thorough background check.

School bus drivers have an obligation to flash red lights and extend stop arms when students are getting on or off a school bus. Before they flash those lights, they must warn other drivers by flashing yellow lights indicating that they will be preparing to stop and that a child will be walking on the street.

When any of these standards are not met, and it leads to an accident, the negligent party can be held liable. For example, a bus driver shows up to work, and they are not sober, then they can be liable for accidents that they caused. However, if it’s discovered through an investigation that driver had DUIs in multiple states and their employer should have known, the transportation company could be held liable for hiring someone with a history of recklessness.

Our attorneys at Brown & Gessell will conduct a thorough investigation into your case, so you can receive the damages that you deserve from the liable party or their insurance company.

How can an attorney help you?

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We understand that you do everything you can to protect your children emotionally and physically, and you love them dearly. You never stop thinking about your child’s safety, but when something does actually happen to them, you need an attorney who is compassionate and will fight for you and your family.

Our bus accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and call on the help of expert witnesses to underpin and explain the injuries sustained by the victims as well as the pain and suffering those injuries inevitably caused.

At our bus accident law firm, we fight diligently and aggressively on behalf of our clients so that they get the settlement they deserve from the insurance company. At Brown & Gessell, we provide legal guidance on what you should and should not say to the insurance company, and we walk you through the entire process of filing a personal injury claim. We start each case by building trust in our clients so we can help them get the settlement they deserve.

Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation. During your free case evaluation, we will hear you and then recommend the next steps. So call now.