Public transportation is supposed to be fairly reliable, with a certain duty of care to the passengers who decide to use it to get around. Bus accidents are fairly common, and they can result in sudden, unexpected injuries to passengers, drivers, and/or passersby who happen to be in the area of the accident in question. If you have been involved in a bus accident and are looking to make a claim, you may be wondering what the average bus accident settlement in California is.
What Determines a Bus Accident Settlement?
Simply put, there is no average bus accident settlement, as every case is different and brings with it certain circumstances unique to that particular situation. The specifics of that case will determine the amount of compensatory damages that you can seek. You may want to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer before pursuing a claim just to ensure that you are doing everything correctly and in a timely manner.
Several important factors will directly impact your claim and influence just how much you can seek in compensation. These include:
- The party that is actually found liable for the accident itself
- The severity of the injuries you sustained in the accident
- The insurance policy of the potentially negligent party
- The degree of liability that all parties involved share
What Causes a Bus Accident?
Buses, much like other large vehicles, such as trucks, pose quite a potential threat on the road. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the possible damage should an accident occur. It is important to be aware of some of the potential causes of a bus accident:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains the most common cause of accidents across the United States, regardless of the type of vehicle that the person in question is driving. Bus drivers especially need to stay vigilant at all times. They are driving a very powerful vehicle that holds a lot of passengers, all of whom are endangered when the bus driver becomes distracted.
Distractions include talking on the phone, texting, playing with the radio, talking to passengers, road rage, and eating or drinking while behind the wheel.
Incorrect Passing
A bus can take up quite a bit of road. It is already frowned upon to pass a vehicle on the right, but when you are passing a bus, take extra caution. The bus driver may not immediately see your vehicle and could attempt to merge, which could cause a serious accident. Bus drivers have a duty to practice extra caution when deciding to pass a vehicle. They must remember how large the bus is and the possible damage it could cause.
Overcrowding
Buses can get overcrowded, especially during high-volume traffic hours. Having to stand in a sea of people all crammed together can be frustrating. People don’t often take into account just how so many people at once can affect the vehicle itself. Overcrowding can shift the weight distribution of the bus and make it considerably harder for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. That can lead to severe accidents.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in California?
A: There is no official average for personal injury settlements in California. Every case has different circumstances surrounding it, and those circumstances can cause the settlement number to vary widely. A motorcycle accident may cause much more severe injuries than a slip and fall accident therefore, the settlements might be very different. The only significant method of estimating what your case may be worth is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
A: Putting a number on the average car accident settlement can be tough, as there is no guarantee that you will receive that number in your own settlement. Every car accident case is different, and certain factors always determine what that number will be, such as the severity of your injuries and who is mostly liable for the accident. Our research puts the average car accident settlement anywhere between $20,000 and $30,000, but that number can change completely with your case.
Q: How Much Can You Get for Pain and Suffering From a Car Accident in California?
A: Since California does not have a cap on how much you can seek in damages for pain and suffering, you can get quite a lot for it. The only real caveat comes from the jury, who has to award an amount that they deem to be fair and reasonable. Seeking compensatory damages for pain and suffering after a car accident is a normal thing to pursue. You should consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer who can help you build your case.
Q: What Is the Average Payout for a Personal Injury Claim in the United States?
A: The average payout for a personal injury claim in the United States can vary greatly depending on the details of the claim. Every case has its own specific circumstances surrounding it. Settlements can range from $5,000 to $150,000, with the average being between $21,000 and $26,000.
Personal injury claims can originate from such a wide range of scenarios, from dog bites to commercial truck accidents, so consulting a personal injury attorney is wise to determine how much you can potentially be awarded in your case.
Reach Out to a Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Being involved in a bus accident as a passenger can be a traumatizing event. Being a driver who was injured in an accident caused by a bus can be frustrating and enraging. It is important to document your accident and pursue accountability from the responsible parties. You can do that by filing a personal injury claim and seeking compensatory damages.
At Easton & Easton, we are determined to help you succeed in your case in any way we can. We can help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, save the proper documentation, and advocate for you in court if it comes to that. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team. We look forward to discussing your case.
ES