Santa Clarita Bus Accident Lawyer
While bus travel throughout Valencia, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and the rest of California is convenient and inexpensive, bus accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. It’s not unusual for people injured in bus accidents in the Santa Clarita and Los Angeles areas to be left with permanent disabilities and financially ruined as a result of their ordeals.
The Mason Law Firm represents those injured in bus accidents in court. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients in personal injury cases, including bus accidents, which account for a significant portion of our practice. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, we will fight for you to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to move on from this traumatic experience.
About the Common Carrier Law in California
Buses, trains, taxis, and airplanes fall under the category of a “common carrier.” In Southern California, there are numerous entities that can be labeled as common carriers, including, but not limited to:
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
- Metrolink
- Dash (buses)
- (City of) Santa Clarita Transit
- Antelope Valley School Transportation Agency
- Greyhound
- Laidlaw
- Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
- Glendale Bee Line
- San Gabriel Transit
- Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System (ARTS)
- Riverside Transit Agency
- Culver City Bus
- Amtrak
Common carrier duties in California
California law requires common carriers to use the utmost care and diligence of a very cautious person when transporting passengers. Sometimes, these carriers, especially bus companies contract with outside vendors for the operation of their buses. This simply means that a bus company may own the bus, but the bus is operated by another party such as MV Transportation, First Transit or Veolia Transportation.
Transit accidents, especially those involving buses
Accidents involving common carriers, especially bus accidents, are common and occur frequently. For example, a bus may take off or stop abruptly and unexpectedly, causing a passenger to fall. A bus may get into an accident with a car. There are even examples of passengers getting injured because the bus driver closed the bus doors on an entering or exiting passenger.
The severity of the injuries caused by bus accidents
A bus accident can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, back pain, broken bones, cuts and bruises, and internal organ damage. Furthermore, a claim form may have to be submitted within six months from the date of the accident. If you are involved in an accident with or involving a common carrier, such as a bus, it is very important to get the name of the driver (write down his/her description for future use), badge number, route number, and write down the exact date and time of the accident. Also, look for witnesses and get their information.
Get legal advice if you’ve been hurt in a bus accident
Needless to say, if you have been involved in a bus accident, you need an attorney who can protect you and your rights. Before opening his own law practice, Mr. Rashtian used to defend bus companies who were involved in bus accidents. Hence, he is very familiar with bus accidents and is in the unique position of assessing and analyzing accidents from different points of view. If you have been involved in a bus accident and wish to speak with someone about your rights, please give us a call at 661-270-5677. We will provide you with an honest and complete assessment and educate you as to your options.
There is never a fee unless there is recovery in the case.
Our Contact Info
Reach out to our Santa Clarita office by calling 661-270-5677 or filling out our online form.