Buses are a vital mode of transportation for many people in Oxnard, whether it’s commuting to work, school, or running errands. While buses are generally safe, accidents do happen—and when they do, they often cause significant injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Our Oxnard, CA bus accident lawyer understands the serious consequences that bus accidents can have on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in Oxnard, we are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We have years of experience representing victims of bus accidents. We know how complicated these cases can be, especially when dealing with large transit companies, school districts, or even government agencies. Our team is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring that you are fully compensated for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact Cohen Injury Law Group today to schedule a consultation.
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Why Bus Accidents Are Different from Other Vehicle Accidents
Bus accidents in Oxnard are often more complicated than car accidents for several reasons. First, buses are much larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road, which means accidents involving buses tend to result in more severe injuries. In addition, there are often multiple parties involved in bus accident cases, from the bus driver to the bus company, maintenance providers, and even the city or county responsible for the bus service.
We’re not afraid to take on big transportation companies or government entities, and we have the experience needed to hold them accountable for your injuries.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Oxnard
Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. In our experience representing bus accident victims in Oxnard, we’ve seen several common causes of these accidents, including:
- Driver Fatigue: Bus drivers often work long shifts, and fatigue can impair their ability to focus and react quickly to changes in traffic. If a tired driver is behind the wheel, the risk of an accident increases dramatically.
- Distracted Driving: Just like other drivers, bus drivers can become distracted by their phones, radios, or other devices. This can lead to dangerous situations where they fail to notice other vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Some bus drivers may speed, take sharp turns, or engage in other reckless behavior, putting passengers and others on the road at risk.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Buses require regular maintenance to stay in safe operating condition. When a bus company or government entity fails to properly maintain their fleet, mechanical failures—such as brake or tire failures—can lead to accidents.
- Improper Training: Driving a bus is not the same as driving a car or truck. If a driver has not received proper training, they may not know how to handle the vehicle in certain situations, increasing the risk of an accident.
Our personal injury attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the bus accident. We’ll gather evidence, review maintenance records, and speak with witnesses to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the crash and the number of passengers involved. Our firm has helped clients recover compensation for many different types of injuries, including:
- Head Injuries: Due to the lack of seat belts and the size of buses, passengers can be thrown around in a crash, leading to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or concussions. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A bus accident can cause serious damage to the spinal cord, which may result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims of spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: The force of a bus collision can easily lead to fractures and broken bones, which may require surgery and physical therapy to heal.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma during a bus accident can cause damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even in less severe bus accidents, passengers can suffer from whiplash or soft tissue injuries, which can cause pain and limit mobility for weeks or months.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of these injuries. Our goal is to help you receive compensation for all medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care you may require.
Proving Liability After a Bus Accident
Determining liability in a bus accident case can be complicated because multiple parties may be involved. Our lawyer will investigate every aspect of the accident to identify all liable parties. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the following parties could be held responsible:
- The Bus Driver: If the driver was distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent, they could be held responsible for the accident.
- The Bus Company: The company that owns and operates the bus may be liable if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle, hired an unqualified driver, or pushed their drivers to work long hours without adequate rest.
- Government Entities: If the bus involved in the accident is owned or operated by a city or county, such as a public transit bus or a school bus, the government agency responsible for the bus could be held liable.
- Third-Party Maintenance Providers: If the bus was serviced by an outside maintenance company and a mechanical failure contributed to the accident, that company may share liability.
Our legal team leaves no stone unturned when it comes to identifying all the responsible parties in a bus accident case. We’ll gather all the necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. We fight to get our clients full compensation for all the ways the accident has impacted their lives. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all current and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This also includes any loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Bus accidents can cause significant emotional trauma in addition to physical injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: If your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle or items inside the bus, you may be compensated for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the bus company or driver’s actions were particularly reckless, we may seek punitive damages to further punish the responsible party and prevent similar behavior in the future.
Our bus accident attorney works with medical specialists, economists, and other professionals to ensure that all aspects of your damages are fully accounted for.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Oxnard
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Oxnard, taking the right steps after the crash can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your case. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your first priority. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Report the Accident: Call the police and file an accident report. This report will be critical evidence in your case.
- Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, the bus, and your injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and other passengers.
- Contact CILG: As soon as you’re able, give us a call. The sooner we can start investigating your case, the better chance we have of securing the compensation you deserve.
Oxnard Bus Accident Infographic
Oxnard Bus Accident Statistics
According to national data, as many as 700 million people travel by bus each year in the United States. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize just how dangerous buses can be. One study found that in one 10-year period, 6,770 people were killed and an estimated 567,000 people were injured in crashes involving buses.
If you were injured in a bus, contact our office to speak with our skilled Oxnard bus accident lawyer. Under California law, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Oxnard Bus Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a bus accident in Oxnard?
Your first priority should be your health. Get medical attention, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Some injuries can show up later. Afterward, report the accident to the police and collect as much information as possible. Take pictures of the accident scene, get the bus driver’s and witnesses’ contact details, and call our firm. We’ll walk you through the next steps and protect your rights.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer at CILG?
Our personal injury attorney works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and our fees come out of the settlement or judgment. This allows you to focus on recovering while we handle the legal aspects.
Who can be held responsible for a bus accident?
Bus accidents can involve multiple liable parties. The bus driver, the bus company, the company responsible for maintenance, or even a government entity could be held responsible depending on the circumstances. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is liable and make sure everyone accountable is brought to justice.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Oxnard?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved (for example, a city bus), the timeline could be much shorter—sometimes as little as six months. Don’t wait; reach out to our firm as soon as possible to get your claim filed on time.
What compensation can I recover after a bus accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our lawyer will work to secure full compensation that covers both your immediate needs and future expenses related to the accident. We also fight for non-economic damages, like emotional distress and loss of quality of life, so that the extent of your suffering is recognized.
What if I was a passenger on the bus and wasn’t driving? Can I still file a claim?
Absolutely. As a passenger, you have the right to seek compensation for any injuries you suffered in the bus accident. Whether the accident was caused by the bus driver, another driver, or a mechanical failure, we’ll work to hold the negligent party responsible and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Cohen Injury Law Group, Oxnard Bus Accident Attorney
300 E Esplanade Dr, Oxnard, CA 93036
Contact Our Oxnard Bus Accident Lawyer Today
We’re committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to every client. We know how overwhelming a bus accident can be, and we’re here to help you through the legal process while you focus on your recovery. With years of experience handling bus accident cases in Oxnard, we understand the challenges you face and are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome for you.
Our track record of success speaks for itself. We’ve helped countless clients recover compensation after serious accidents, and we’re ready to do the same for you. If you have been in a crash, schedule a free consultation with our Oxnard bus accident lawyer at Cohen Injury Law Group. Call today so our experienced legal team can get started on your claim.