Newport Beach Public Transportation Accident Lawyer

Public transportation offers a convenient way to navigate Newport Beach, but when accidents occur, they can lead to serious injuries and complex legal issues. Whether you were injured in a bus accident, a rideshare collision, or an incident involving another form of public transportation, you have the right to seek compensation. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping injured parties recover physically, emotionally, and financially after these life-altering events.

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Types of Public Transportation Accidents

Public transportation accidents in Newport Beach can take many forms, often involving buses, trains, or rideshares. Common examples include:

• Bus Accidents: Collisions caused by negligent bus drivers, poor road conditions, or mechanical failures.
• School Bus Accidents: These incidents often affect children, posing additional emotional and legal challenges.
• City Bus Crashes: Public buses operated by government entities may require unique legal strategies due to sovereign immunity rules.
• Rideshare Accidents: Injuries sustained in collisions involving Uber or Lyft drivers.

Injuries from Public Transportation Accidents

The injuries sustained in a public transportation accident can range from minor to severe. Some common injuries include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Whiplash and Neck Strain
• Emotional Pain and Distress

Regardless of whether you suffered severe injuries or minor injuries, seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment help ensure your health and create a medical record that can support your injury claim.

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Liability in Public Transportation Accidents

One of the most complex aspects of public transportation accidents is determining who is liable. The following parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances:

1. Bus Drivers or Public Transit Operators

Negligent or fatigued bus drivers can cause devastating accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signals often leads to injuries.

2. Bus Companies or Government Entities

When public buses or city buses are involved, the operating agency or company may share responsibility for inadequate driver training, poor vehicle maintenance, or unsafe routes.

3. Other Drivers or Third Parties

Sometimes, a public transportation vehicle is struck by another driver. In such cases, liability may fall on the negligent third party.

4. Bus Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers

Defective components, such as faulty brakes or steering systems, can lead to accidents. In these cases, the bus company or manufacturer may be liable.

Identifying all responsible parties is essential for maximizing your compensation. A skilled bus accident lawyer can help ensure that no liable entity is overlooked.

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What Damages Can You Recover?

Victims of public transportation accidents may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed at work or reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional trauma and physical discomfort.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of damaged personal property.

For cases involving serious injuries, long-term medical care and financial recovery often require experienced legal representation to negotiate with insurance companies or pursue litigation.

What to Do After a Public Transportation Accident

Public transportation accidents, including bus accidents, can leave victims with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and questions about their legal rights. Taking the right steps after a public transportation accident in Newport Beach is critical to protecting your health and your potential claim.

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Immediate Actions to Take

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
   • Prioritize your health by consulting a medical professional as soon as possible.
   • Even if your injuries seem minor, delays in treatment can worsen your condition and harm your personal injury claim.
2. Report the Accident
   • Notify the bus driver, transit authority, or the entity operating the public bus or school bus about the accident.
   • Request an official accident report, which may be required when filing bus accident claims.
3. Document the Scene
   • Take photos or videos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and damage to the bus or other vehicles involved.
   • Gather contact information from witnesses and other passengers who can corroborate your account of the incident.
4. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
   • Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company without consulting a bus accident lawyer.
   • Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, so it’s important to have legal guidance first.

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Follow-Up Steps

• Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
  • Public transport cases, including city bus and school bus accidents, often involve government entities or large bus companies.
  • A county bus accident lawyer can help you navigate complex legal processes, identify liable parties, and file a claim within strict deadlines.
• Preserve All Records
  • Keep records of medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses related to the accident.
  • These documents will form the foundation of your bus accident case.
• Evaluate Your Case
  • Our bus accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless they recover compensation for you. A free case evaluation can clarify your options.

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Why These Steps Matter

Taking the proper steps after a bus, train, taxi or rideshare accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. By acting quickly and consulting an experienced bus accident attorney, you can focus on your recovery while ensuring your rights are fully protected. Whether you were injured as a bus passenger or by another vehicle struck in a collision, legal representation can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

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Why Hire a Newport Beach Bus Accident Lawyer?

Public transit accident claims, especially those involving bus accidents, can be more complicated than standard personal injury cases. Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys have the expertise to:

• Investigate Thoroughly: We collect evidence such as accident scene photos, bus maintenance records, and witness statements.
• Navigate Complex Laws: Filing claims against government-operated buses involves strict deadlines and specific procedures.
• Negotiate Effectively: Our attorneys are skilled in handling insurance company negotiations to secure a fair settlement.
• Represent You in Court: If needed, we’ll pursue your claim through litigation to protect your rights.

We understand the unique challenges faced by accident victims in Newport Beach and the broader Orange County area. Let us guide you through this difficult time.

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California Laws and Deadlines

Filing Against Government Entities

If your accident involved a government-operated public bus, you typically have only six months to file a claim. Failing to meet this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.

Statute of Limitations

For non-government-related claims, California law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Consulting a bus accident attorney promptly ensures that your case remains viable.

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Free Consultation with Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call us at (949) 535-1341 or visit our contact page to get started. Let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Newport Beach Public Transportation Accident FAQs

1. Who is liable if a bus driver caused the accident?

Liability may fall on the driver, the bus company, or the government agency operating the bus, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

2. Can I sue the government for an accident on a public vehicle?

Yes, but you must file a claim within six months. A lawyer can help you meet all deadlines and ensure your claim complies with California law.

3. How much is my bus accident case worth?

The value depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. An experienced bus accident attorney can provide an estimate after reviewing your case.

4. What should I do immediately after a bus accident?

Seek medical attention, report the accident to the authorities, and gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene and witness and bus passengers contact information.

5. What if I was injured on a school bus?

School bus accidents may involve claims against the school districts, the bus driver, or third parties. Legal assistance is crucial for navigating these complex cases.

6. Am I Still Eligible for Compensation If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seat Belt in a Rideshare Accident?

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation, even if you weren’t wearing a seat belt during a rideshare accident. California follows a comparative negligence rule if no seat belts are worn, meaning your compensation could be reduced based on the extent to which your lack of a seat belt contributed to your injuries.

For example, if you sustained injuries in the accident but the rideshare driver or another party was primarily at fault, you could still recover damages, though the total amount might be adjusted. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help evaluate your case and advocate for fair compensation, regardless of whether you were wearing a seat belt.

By hiring an experienced Orange County bus accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.