Who Is Liable if a Bus Hits Your Car?

Most people have a general idea of what to do after a car accident—pull over, check for injuries, exchange information, and let the insurance companies handle the rest. But when the vehicle that hits you is a bus, the situation can feel far more overwhelming. The size and weight disparity between a bus and a car can result in much more severe damage. Who’s to blame? Was the bus driver at fault, was there a mechanical failure, or did a passenger cause the distraction? This article will explain what to do when a bus hits your car and outline the essential steps to protect your rights.

What To Do After a Bus Accident

Getting hit by a bus can be a traumatic experience, especially in Los Angeles, where traffic is always chaotic. The first thing you should do is call 911. If anyone is injured, the police can ensure that medical help arrives quickly. Additionally, having a police officer on the scene is crucial for documenting the accident with a detailed report, which will be essential if you decide to file a claim to recover any losses.

It’s also important to understand that a bus and car accident may involve multiple parties, particularly if a public bus rather than a privately owned one hits your vehicle. The significant difference lies in dealing with the public transit system, which often involves dealing with government agencies that move at a frustratingly slow pace. These types of cases can take years to resolve, so having the patience of a saint is key. You’ll also need to identify which transit system to file your claim with—was it a county-owned or city-operated bus?

Regardless of the agency involved, be prepared for significant delays. You may find yourself jumping through various bureaucratic hoops, getting passed from one department to another with little clarity. This can become an overwhelming hassle, and we strongly advise against navigating these complexities on your own after being hit by a bus.

Why You Need Legal Representation

A personal injury attorney can be incredibly valuable if you were involved in a crash involving a bus. As we mentioned above, public transportation agencies tend to move slowly, and claims against them can involve a lot of red tape. An attorney can cut through the bureaucratic hurdles, handling the paperwork, deadlines, and multiple departments, so you don’t have to. They’ll also know the specific timelines for filing claims, which often differ from standard accident claims.

A personal injury attorney will help gather crucial evidence, including the police report, medical records, and witness statements. They can also request bus surveillance footage or maintenance records to determine whether negligence on the part of the bus driver or transit agency contributed to the accident. If the bus company or transit authority’s insurance provider tries to minimize or deny your claim, an attorney will know how to counter these tactics.

Lastly, if the responsible parties refuse to offer a reasonable settlement, a personal injury attorney can take your case to court. They will represent your case effectively, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Remember, insurance companies are not going to fight for your rights and will not have your best interest in mind.

Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in North Hollywood or Glendale?

Dealing with the aftermath of a car and bus accident can take a serious toll on your mental health, especially when you’re already trying to recover from any physical injuries. While car accident laws are meant to help victims secure the compensation they deserve, the process itself can be anything but simple.

If you were hit by a bus in North Hollywood or Glendale, call Yepremyan Law Firm for legal help. As an established personal injury law firm in North Hollywood, Yepremyan Law has helped thousands of people recover millions of dollars. Since 1998, our firm has represented clients all throughout Southern California.

Call our office today to book a free consultation with one of our North Hollywood car accident attorneys or request to speak with a personal injury attorney in Glendale. We work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.