Average Bus Accident Settlement in California (2024 Update)
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Short answer: The average bus accident settlement in California depends entirely on if you were a bus passenger or hit and injured by a city or school bus. For bus passengers who were injured, settlements can be approximately $12,000 – $30,000. For drivers who were hit by a bus, settlements can be approximately $100,000 – $500,00 or more.
Average Settlement for Injured Passengers on a Bus
| Severity of Accident | Average Settlement for Bus Passengers |
| Minor | Approximately: $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Moderate | Approximately: $15,000 – $100,000 |
| Severe | Approximately: $100,000 – $250,000+ |
Average Settlement for Drivers Hit and Injured By a Bus
| Severity of Accident | Average Settlement for Drivers Hit By Bus |
| Minor | Approximately: $20,000 – $75,000 |
| Moderate | Approximately: $75,000 – $200,000 |
| Severe | Approximately: $200,000 – $750,000+ |
Example Bus Accident Settlements in CA
- Fresno settles lawsuit after FAX bus killed a pedestrian in a hit-and-run collision
- Law Firm obtains a $2.81 million settlement for a driver burned in accident with LA bus
- Jury assigns blame, awards $26 million in fatal injury of Manhattan Beach teen on tour bus
- Orange Unified School District reaches $10 million settlement in 2014 bus crash
Factors That Can Increase Your Potential Settlement
Several factors significantly influence bus accident settlements. The foremost is the severity of injuries sustained by victims, as substantial medical expenses and long-term impacts often result in higher compensation. Property damage, including damage to vehicles and personal belongings, also plays a crucial role in settlement amounts.
Liability and fault determination are pivotal factors; a clear demonstration of the bus driver or company’s negligence can lead to more substantial settlements.
Additionally, the presence of insurance coverage and the policy limits of the bus company’s insurer affect the maximum compensation available. Hiring a lawyer can impact settlements, with experienced lawyers who know how to negotiate, higher payouts are possible. Overall, combinations of these factors shapes the final settlement in bus accident cases.
Factors That Can Result in a Lower Settlement Amount
Several factors can contribute to lower settlement amounts following a bus accident. Comparative negligence, where the victim shares some responsibility for the incident, may reduce the settlement proportionally.
Minor injuries or damages might result in lower compensation, as the severity of harm is a key consideration. If there is ambiguity in proving the bus driver or company’s negligence, it can impact settlement amounts.
Insurance coverage limitations, particularly if the bus company has lower policy limits, can constrain the available compensation. Additionally, not hiring a lawyer, or inadequate documentation of medical expenses and losses may lead to diminished settlement offers. These factors collectively contribute to the variability in settlement amounts in bus accident cases.
What a Bus Accident Claim Might Look Like
In California, a bus accident claim typically involves several key steps. First, the injured party, known as the plaintiff, must establish liability by demonstrating that the bus driver, company, or another party was negligent. This could involve proving reckless driving, insufficient maintenance, or other factors contributing to the accident.
Once liability is established, the plaintiff can pursue compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. California operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning the plaintiff’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault.
The claim process often begins with filing a demand letter outlining the damages sought. Negotiations with the bus company’s insurance may follow, and if no one can reach an agreement, the case could proceed to litigation. It’s common for bus accident claims in California to involve legal representation to navigate the complexities of liability, insurance negotiations, and potential court proceedings.
Why Might the Bus’s Insurance Company Try to Offer a Lowball Settlement?
Bus insurance companies may attempt to lowball a settlement for various reasons, often driven by their financial interests. Some common factors include:
Minimizing Costs
Insurance companies aim to maximize profits by minimizing payouts. Offering a lower settlement helps them control costs and maintain profitability.
Preserving Resources
Settling quickly and for a lower amount allows the insurance company to resolve the claim quickly, saving time and resources they would be spend on longer negotiations or potential legal proceedings.
Challenging Liability
The insurer may dispute the degree of the bus driver or company’s negligence, attempting to shift blame or reduce their responsibility for the accident.
Insurance Policy Limits
The insurance policy covering the bus may have limitations on the maximum payout. If the damages exceed these limits, the insurance company may attempt to settle for the policy’s maximum amount.
Lack of Legal Representation
Without legal representation, insurance adjusters may see an injured party as more vulnerable to accepting a lower settlement. Insurance companies may take advantage of this to minimize payouts.
Quick Closure
Insurance companies might prioritize settling quickly to close the claim promptly, even if it means offering a lower amount. This benefits their administrative efficiency and allows them to close the file swiftly.
Understanding these potential motivations can help individuals in a bus accidents prepare to negotiate effectively or seek legal advice to ensure a fair and reasonable settlement.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for a Bus Accident
Hiring a personal injury attorney following a bus accident offers many advantages. Attorneys specialize in navigating the complexities of bus accident claims, ensuring thorough investigations, and establishing liability.
Their expertise in handling insurance companies helps counter attempts at lowball settlements, securing fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
With knowledge of California personal injury laws, attorneys can quickly address legal complexities and potential disputes, providing invaluable guidance throughout negotiations, or legal proceedings. Overall, hiring an attorney enhances the likelihood of obtaining a just and comprehensive settlement tailored to the unique circumstances of a bus accident.
Connect with an Attorney
Recently in a bus accident and looking for help? Contact LawLinq today to speak with some of the best personal injury lawyers in the state. All initial consultations are free and our lawyers will answer any questions you have.
