A bus accident can be a severely damaging type of crash that affects numerous people. As a victim of a bus accident in Oakland or the loved one of a victim, you may not know how to protect your legal rights as you seek answers, accountability and financial recovery. The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers are here for you during this difficult time. We can help you get the justice that you deserve.
Why Choose Us?
- No personal injury law firm in California has more wins or higher settlements than Jacoby & Meyers. We have collected more than $2 billion in settlements, including $1.5 million in an auto vs. bus claim.
- We are experts in serious automobile accident cases, including bus accidents, with more than 50 years of experience. Our Oakland personal injury lawyers represent clients with integrity, compassion and respect.
- Our bus accident attorneys are affordable. There are no fees for our services unless we win. We won’t take any money from you unless we settle your case or our litigators achieve a positive jury verdict in court.
Our Oakland Location
We represent clients throughout the whole of California, with 14 locations for your convenience. Our Oakland office is located at:
24/7 Hotline: (510) 616-9169
We offer extremely flexible appointment scheduling, with availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can travel to meet you if you are injured.
How Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Help?
Bus accident cases in Oakland can be complex. You may encounter various challenges that do not exist in standard car accident claims. For example, multiple parties will be involved rather than just another driver. Your claim may involve bus operators, other drivers and government entities.
A skilled bus accident lawyer can investigate your crash and name all liable (financially responsible) parties based on an assessment of what caused the accident. Then, your lawyer can present compelling evidence to an insurance company or the courts to effectively prove your case. Meanwhile, you can heal from your injuries with peace of mind.
Negotiating a fair settlement from an insurance provider after a bus accident in Oakland can be difficult without an attorney’s assistance. Insurance companies have a reputation for taking advantage of clients to save themselves money. An attorney can deal with insurers to protect your rights and achieve the best results possible for your claim.
About the Oakland AC Transit Bus System
The Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit is an Oakland-based public transit agency that is responsible for city buses. It is the largest public bus-only system in the State of California, and the third largest in the country. AC Transit bus services extend to a 364-square-mile area, with a fleet of 626 buses across Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
AC Transit is owned by the public of the East Bay. If the transit authority is responsible for your Oakland bus crash, you can file a claim for damages (financial compensation) with the AC Transit District Secretary’s Office. Getting help from a personal injury lawyer during this process can ensure that you avoid common mistakes and file correctly the first time.
What Causes Bus Accidents in Oakland?
Determining the cause of a bus crash in Oakland is one of the first steps toward seeking justice. Under California’s fault law, the individual or entity at fault for the crash can be held liable for the damages caused. Most bus accidents result from negligence, or the failure to act with reasonable care, such as a bus driver violating traffic laws.
Top causes of bus accidents include:
- Bus driver error. Mistakes and reckless acts by bus operators such as speeding, using phones, fatigue, impaired driving, running red lights and making unsafe lane changes endanger the lives of bus passengers and the public.
- Bus maintenance issues. Bus companies and transit authorities are responsible for properly maintaining their fleets. They must ensure all buses are kept in proper working condition through adequate inspections and repairs to prevent part failures.
- Bus company negligence. Failing to properly train bus drivers or hiring unqualified drivers can contribute to Oakland bus accidents. Neglected maintenance, tight driver schedules, inadequate oversight or supervision, and other issues can also result in bus accidents.
Determining what caused your bus accident can help you understand your legal options in terms of pursuing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses.
Who Is Liable for an Oakland Bus Accident?
Hundreds of bus accidents occur every year in the U.S. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 204 fatal bus accidents in 2021. The majority of fatal collisions involved school buses (37 percent), followed by transit buses (36 percent) and intercity buses (11 percent).
Liability for a bus crash in Oakland could be placed on the bus driver, bus company, bus owner, another driver, the government, a bus manufacturer or other parties, depending on the circumstances and the cause of the crash. An attorney can explore all legal angles and outlets for insurance coverage on your behalf to maximize your financial recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Oakland?
Government entities are protected from liability for many accidents and injuries under the doctrine of sovereign immunity. However, California has passed a law granting exceptions to this rule in situations that involve negligence or other grounds for liability. Under this law, a claim against the government must be filed within special legal parameters.
According to the California Tort Claims Act, you must file your claim within just six months of the accident or injury if you wish to hold a government agency responsible. This is much less than the standard personal injury statute of limitations in California of two years (Civil Code § 335.1). If you wait too long, you may be unable to hold AC Transit responsible for your Oakland bus accident.
Schedule a Free Bus Accident Case Review in Oakland, CA
If you were recently injured in a bus accident in Oakland or anywhere in Alameda County, contact Jacoby & Meyers for legal advice and assistance as soon as possible. We will immediately go to work on building your claim and making sure you receive the medical care you need for your health and well-being. We want you to get better while we prosecute your bus accident claim.
Speak to one of our bus accident attorneys today at no cost or obligation during a free consultation. Call (510) 616-9169.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form