Bus Accidents

Bus Accidents

Bus accidents fall into several types that also have unique laws depending on who caused the accident. A review of the types of legal and evidentiary issues involved with bus accidents are as follows:

COMMON CARRIER LAW:  If a passenger is injured due to the fault of the bus driver's negligence, there is a special standard of care under California law called the common carrier. California law provides that “[a] carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.” (Civ. Code, § 2100.)

 

In other words, there is a special duty to attend to the care and safety of passengers under California law. Make certain you discuss your case with an attorney to get the full impact of how this will affect the value of your case, and help you obtain the maximum settlement or award before attempting to navigate the case yourself.

COMMON EXAMPLES OF DRIVER NEGLIGENCE FOR COMMON CARRIERS:  Buses, trains, taxis, Uber, Lyft, minibus, vans, touring wagons, horseless carriages, bicycle tours, ferries, taxi boats, etc., are all subject to the common carrier law under California. When they are in accidents, a seasoned attorney will look into the rules, regulations, training, policies and procedures, checklists, safety guidelines, and all other aspects of the accident to determine liability and fault. Establishing a heightened standard of care for the "utmost duty" in each of these cases is essential in any common carrier case, and will help you obtain the fair amount and value as determined by a reasonable jury when properly presented by a skilled trial attorney.

Share by: