LEARN ABOUTBus Accidents

SAN FRANCISCO BUS ACCIDENT LAWYERSHit By A Bus?

Call (415) 352-6264 To Discuss Your Case

Accidents involving buses are unique. Products defects issues, improper maintenance issues, and issues involving driver negligence, must oftentimes be analyzed in each case. Obtaining the justice you deserve requires a thorough analysis by qualified San Francisco bus accident lawyers. If you have been involved in a personal injury accident involving a bus in California, or elsewhere, you contact Scarlett Law Group for experienced and reliable representation.

We are able to assist with a variety of bus accidents, including:

  • Metro buses
  • School buses
  • Private buses
  • Tour buses

Who Is Responsible In A Bus Accident Case?

It is generally undisputed that most bus companies for hire for the transportation of passengers are common carriers. Where a bus carrier maintains a regular place of business for the purpose of transporting passengers or property, and where the carrier advertises its services to the general public, and charges standard fees for its services, a common carrier may be found. In fact, a carrier can be a common carrier even if it does not have a regular schedule of departures, a fixed route, or a transportation license.

Top Causes Of Bus Accidents

Determining the cause of a bus collision is important to your claim. When you know the cause and liable parties, you are able to build a more effective claim when pursuing damages. A bus accident attorney from our team can review your case at no cost.

The common causes of bus accidents can include:

  • Driver error – Bus drivers have a big responsibility when transporting their passengers. If they drive recklessly or fail to observe traffic laws, serious accidents can occur. Texting and driving, distracted driving, speeding, and right-of-way violations are examples of driver negligence.
  • Bus company negligence – Bus companies must provide frequent inspections to ensure that their vehicles are safe for everyone. If a mechanical failure occurred due to a defective part or lack of maintenance, the bus company can be responsible for your injuries.

DUTY OF CARETo Passengers

If you are a passenger in a bus, and are injured as a result of an accident, special rules apply. For example, in California, a bus, (which is a common carrier), must use the highest care for its passengers safety, while the passengers need only use reasonable care for their safety. The degree of care which a bus must therefore utilize is higher than that duty owed through a negligence analysis. In other words, while automobile operators need only utilize “reasonable care”, the operator of a common carrier must use the “highest care” toward its passengers.

Common carriers have the following obligations to passengers in their care:

  • Common carriers must carry passengers or property safely, using the highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person. While a common carrier does not guarantee the safety of its passengers or property that it transports, it must use reasonable skill to provide everything necessary for safe transportation.
  • Where minor children are injured as passengers on a bus, special rules apply as well. In California, if a common carrier voluntarily accepts a child as a passenger, it must use as much additional care as is reasonably necessary to ensure the child’s safety. What this means is there is a further heightening of the care owed by the bus company above that involved for adults.
  • Where ill or disabled persons are injured as passengers on a bus, special rules will likely apply as well. In California, if a common carrier voluntarily accepts an ill or disabled person as a passenger, and is aware of that person’s condition, then it must use as much additional care as is reasonably necessary to ensure the passenger safety. Again, this is a further heightening of the care owed by the bus company above that involved for the non-disabled or healthy individual.
  • Common carriers must use the highest care in constructing, servicing, inspecting, and maintaining their vehicles and equipment. This means that common carriers are responsible for any defects in their vehicles and equipment.

FIGHTING FOR JUSTICEOn Your Behalf

Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that you contact qualified San Francisco bus accident lawyers if you have been involved in a bus accident as a passenger, pedestrian, or operator of other vehicle. Oftentimes, bus companies vigorously defend actions brought against them. This results due to the catastrophic nature of the injuries that usually result when a bus is involved in an accident.

Do I Have A Case?

If you’d like to speak with an attorney, fill out the form below or call us at (415) 352-6264 or (800) 262-7576 (Toll Free)

    To learn more about how we can protect your rights, please contact our San Francisco office.

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