Costa Mesa Bus Accident Lawyer
In the Orange County area, many of us would rather use public transportation than fight the traffic congestion and parking hassle that is common in our area. For the environment, for ease, and for speed, public transportation often trumps driving your own car through the city. Most of us take advantage of these services without any issues to visit popular destinations like Irvine Spectrum and South Coast Plaza.
When a bus accident does occur, the consequences can be severe. In a recent incident in Santa Ana, an OTCA bus was involved in a high speed collision, tossing the passengers inside around and sending nine to the hospital with injuries.
Bus accidents differ from traditional car accidents because of the number of people involved and the process of determining liability. In California, the driver of a car is held to a standard of “reasonable care,” meaning he or she must exercise appropriate caution when driving. Bus drivers and other public transit authorities, by contrast, are held to a standard of “utmost care,” likely because they are responsible for the lives of many passengers. Because of this higher standard, it is generally easier for a bus accident victim to get compensation when the operator is at fault.
How We Handle Bus Accident Cases
If you have been injured in a bus accident and want compensation for your medical bills and emotional distress, we can help. At the Law Offices of Mann & Elias, we generally pursue cases against the public transportation authority, rather than the operator of the vehicles themselves. Bus drivers may not have the assets to help you recover, so often the best option is to seek a settlement from the city’s liability insurance company.
Cases filed directly against the government typically follow a different path than those between two private parties. The government has a completely different set of rules for filing a claim than it does between two drivers. That is why it is essential to enlist the help of a legal team. From meeting deadlines to following proper protocol, experience in this unique area is vital. Consider, too, that the statute of limitations on claims against public entities is also different, so enlist help as soon as possible.
When you meet the Law Offices of Mann & Elias, we will review the facts of your case and decide if you have one worth pursuing. We know your time and money are valuable to you, so we do not want to waste them if we do not think a case is going to pan out in your favor.
Hiring the Right Irvine Bus Accident Attorney
If you have been a victim in a bus accident, you may be facing steep medical bills and a loss of wages due to missed work days as you struggle to recover. Whether you are a pedestrian who was struck by a bus or a passenger in a bus when it collided with another car, we can help you recover compensation to pay off your medical bills, make up for missed work days, and provide you with a settlement for emotional damages.
Serving Costa Mesa | Mission Viejo | Irvine
Going up against a governmental entity can be tricky, and it is never something you should try to do by yourself. Hiring an experienced legal team like the one at the Law Offices of Mann & Elias is the first step in achieving the outcome you are looking for. Let us review your case. For a free evaluation and more information, call our office to schedule an initial consultation. We are standing by to answer any questions you may have.