How to Prove Negligence in a Bus Accident Claim

Posted in Personal Injury on November 16, 2024

It only takes a matter of seconds for a bus accident to turn your life upside down. Maybe you were on your way to work, or perhaps you were taking a long-distance bus to visit family when you were left grappling with physical pain, medical bills, and missed work. You know someone else could be to blame, but proving it feels like an uphill battle. However, seeking justice and the support you need to get back on track is only fair.

At Soofer Law Group, we understand how challenging these situations can be, and we put everything we have into helping you find the answers and compensation you deserve. When we accept your case, we work tirelessly to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for you. We know insurance companies often try to take shortcuts, offering low settlements that don’t reflect your true losses, but our proactive approach means we’re prepared to push back and advocate for what’s right.

How to Prove Negligence in a Bus Accident

When you’ve been injured in a bus accident, proving negligence is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s how to establish negligence:

Gather Evidence at the Scene

One of the first steps to building a strong case is collecting evidence immediately after the accident. This evidence can be used to demonstrate that the bus driver or another party was at fault. 

Establish the Duty of Care

In California, bus drivers and bus companies owe a heightened duty of care to their passengers and other road users. This means they are expected to take reasonable precautions to avoid accidents. Examples of this duty include:

• Properly maintaining the bus and ensuring all safety equipment is functional.
• Following traffic laws and speed limits.
• Conducting thorough background checks and providing training for drivers.

To prove negligence, it’s essential to show the responsible party had a duty to act carefully but failed to do so.

Demonstrate a Breach of Duty

Once the duty of care is established, the next step is proving the bus driver or company breached this duty. This could involve:

• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Improper maintenance or inspections.
• Hiring unqualified drivers
• Failing to provide adequate training

By proving these failures breached the duty of care, you lay the groundwork for a successful negligence claim.

Link the Breach to Your Injuries

To succeed in your claim, you must show causation, which means showing that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, can analyze the evidence and provide professional opinions on how the breach caused the accident. At Soofer Law Group, we work with trusted experts to strengthen our clients’ cases.

Prove the Damages You Have Suffered

Finally, you need to prove the injuries and losses you suffered are a direct result of the accident. Common damages in bus accident cases include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as projected costs for long-term medical care and reduced earning capacity. To effectively prove these damages, you will need medical records, employment documentation, and expert testimony to demonstrate the impact of the accident on your life.

Choose Soofer Law Group for Your Bus Accident Claim

Proving negligence in a bus accident case can be a complex and challenging process, but it’s not something you need to handle alone. Soofer Law Group has a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, including bus accident claims. With over a 98% success rate, we are dedicated to putting our heart and soul into every case we accept, ensuring our clients receive the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t wait. The sooner you seek legal guidance, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Call Soofer Law Group today at (310) 861-4058 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.