Damages in Burbank Bus Accident Cases

For many people, taking the bus or another type of public transportation is an essential part of their everyday life. Buses offer an economical mode of transportation and are generally safer than driving a regular car. Unfortunately, bus crashes are still a real risk, and the larger size of this vehicle means that it could cause some significant damage to a smaller car. For passengers on board a bus, the lack of seatbelts or airbags may result in serious injuries.

If you have been hit by a bus, you may be able to recover financial compensation to help you and your family with the expenses that could result from your injuries. Our team of attorneys at Block LLP has years of experience helping victims seek damages in Burbank bus accident cases, and we could help you better understand what your case could be worth.

What Types of Compensation Could You Receive After a Bus Crash?

There are typically two types of compensation, also called damages, that may be possible to receive in a claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible, countable costs associated with the accident and resulting injuries. This could include:

• Medical bills
• Treatment expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Costs to replace or repair personal property

Economic damages are easier to calculate because there are receipts and other forms of paper proof.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more complex and difficult to calculate because they are the intangible results of an accident. For example, it is hard to put a financial amount on the emotional distress that could come after surviving a traumatic event, such as a bus collision.

Punitive Damages

Occasionally, a court may award punitive damages, which are called exemplary damages under California law. These are awarded in addition to any economic and non-economic damages to set an example or punish the party responsible, and discourage future behavior.

Every claim is different, and the possible compensation for a bus crash in Burbank may vary depending on the extent and severity of the injuries. A knowledgeable attorney could provide an idea of how much a claim could be worth and work toward getting every available form of compensation.

Legal Limitations To Know

A bus is not exactly a vehicle that just anyone could own. Rather, most of the buses on the road are owned by the government for public transportation. Injured passengers may still file a claim, but there are some limitations that are important to remember, as they could reduce or restrict the amount of available damages.

Government agencies have sovereign immunity in many cases, meaning that the agency and its employees are not liable for damages. Many states have exceptions for certain claims, and one of those is for accidents involving motor vehicles. However, filing a claim against a California government entity is not as straightforward as a claim against a private company. There is an entirely separate procedure to go through before taking the case to court. In addition, California law explicitly excludes government entities from being liable for exemplary damages.

Another limitation to be aware of is California’s pure comparative negligence rule. It is always possible that both parties share some responsibility for causing an accident. This means that pure comparative negligence reduces the total compensation based on the percentage of fault that the injured party shares. For example, if the injured party was 25 percent at fault, they could still recover 75 percent of the compensation.

These limitations on compensation could make determining the amount available in a Burbank bus collision claim a little more challenging. This is why it is essential to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible so that they can help determine all available options.

Call Our Attorneys for Help With Your Bus Crash Claim in Burbank

If you have been hurt, talk to a knowledgeable lawyer about damages in Burbank bus accident cases to better understand your legal options. Our dedicated team of attorneys at Block LLP could provide you with guidance and advice throughout the process.

Your chance of recovering the maximum amount you are eligible to receive increases with a lawyer by your side. Call now to speak with a member of our team.