Hurt While Riding a Bus: Can You Press Charges?

Whenever a person rides public transportation, such as a subway, a train, or a bus, there is a chance of sustaining an injury because of an accident. When such incidents occur, the injured rider may have an opportunity to press charges or file a personal injury lawsuit. This article will deal with what a person can and should do if injured while riding on a bus or other public transportation. The things to do may vary depending upon the state or commonwealth in which the accident takes place.

Sustaining an Injury While Riding a Bus in California 

Since the location of the accident is important, this article will deal with what happens after sustaining a bus accident injury in California. Trustini Legal Services provides legal representation for clients in San Diego, California, and other cities in the area. One thing the client will need to consider is, if he or she has a pre-existing condition before the bus accident, is there still a possibility of pursuing a legal claim? In many instances, the injured client still may be able to sue and collect damages if the client hires an attorney who knows the legal loopholes and other information that may be helpful to the case.

More Information to Know About Bus Accident Cases in California 

A person who finds that he or she has a case when injured in a bus accident in California must remember that the statute of limitations in the state is two years from the date of the accident. If the client does not get the lawsuit filed in this time frame, any chance of having the case heard may likely be gone, as well as the chance to be awarded damages from the case. The person should also keep in mind that California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that, if the person is found to share any liability for what happened, any percentage he or she is found at fault will be reduced from any damages that may be received. The person will want to avoid this at all costs.

Continuing with More Information About Bus Accident Cases in California 

It will be important to know exactly who can be sued when a person is injured in a bus accident. For example, is it the bus line, the city (if the bus is city transportation), or the bus driver? Pursuing the wrong party in the lawsuit may result in the injured client not receiving anything. The client must realise that, if the government is responsible for his or her injuries, he or she has six months to file a formal claim against the government agency. In some cases, there may be combined liabilities because more than one person or agency is at fault. For example, the bus driver could have been texting on his or her phone and got distracted.

Final Thoughts About Bus Accident Cases in California 

When consulting with the attorney, he or she may advise the client on what can be covered in the lawsuit. For example, medical expenses, hospitalisations, any physical therapy, time lost from work, visits to the doctors, and other expenses are all parts of what may be covered. After sustaining an injury, the injured party should seek legal advice as soon as possible to get started on a lawsuit and case.