When you entrust your safety to the operator of a train, bus, or airplane, you are assuming that your ride will be an uneventful one. Statistically speaking, that assumption is often accurate, but human error is always lurking, and mass casualty incidents (MCIs) can be catastrophic. When accidents occur that result in dozens of injuries or fatalities, not every law firm has the resources to take action.
At Shea & Shea – A Professional Law Corporation, we have an experienced team and a sprawling network of professionals to rely on. If you or a loved one was involved in an MCI, call our San Jose office today at (408) 290-3235.
What Qualifies As An MCI?
At a fundamental level, an MCI is an event that overwhelms the resources of local medical facilities.
IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS LIKE THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, AN MCI CAN STRIKE IN SEVERAL WAYS, INCLUDING:
- An aviation accident such as a plane or helicopter crash
- A bus accident
- A BART or Caltrans derailment or collision
- A car accident involving several vehicles
When an MCI occurs, the damage and injuries are often significant. Filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim against an airline or major transportation company can be an arduous task, and the attorney you have by your side matters. There may also be multiple at–fault parties and insurance policies to consider when seeking compensation. At Shea & Shea – A Professional Law Corporation, our bus accident lawyers have the background to help you seek fair and just compensation.
How Common Are Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents are relatively rare compared to other vehicular accidents, but they do occur with some regularity. In the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported about 10,000 injury crashes involving buses in 2021, with around 200 fatal crashes.1 Factors contributing to bus accidents can include driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, and adverse road conditions.
Despite the low incidence rate, the consequences of bus accidents can be significant due to the potential for multiple injuries given the number of passengers typically involved.
Types of Injuries in Bus Accident Cases in San Jose
In bus accident cases, the types of injuries reported can range from minor to severe, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Common injuries include:
- Neck injuries – Whiplash and similar soft tissue injuries are common in collisions due to sudden stops or jolts.
- Broken bones – Passengers may suffer fractures due to impacts with hard surfaces or being thrown from their seats.
- Head injuries – These can include concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often resulting from hits to the head.
- Spinal cord injuries – These can range from minor back injuries to severe cases involving paralysis.
- Lacerations, contusions, and bruises – Broken glass, sharp metal edges, and strong impacts can cause these injuries.
- Internal injuries – These may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening and often result from strong impacts.
- Psychological trauma – The emotional impact of a bus accident can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Anyone who has been harmed due to a bus accident should seek legal counsel from qualified bus accident lawyers to explore their options. Our experienced BART lawyers are waiting to hear from you.
Call Us Today If You Have Been Impacted By An MCI
Not all attorneys will take on these larger mass casualty incidents, but we will. Many attorneys entrust their clients to us and will refer their more complex and serious cases. We’re proud of that fact and do our best to obtain the full and fair compensation your case deserves.
The possibility of an MCI is an unfortunate reality in Northern California. If you have fallen victim to such an accident, it could be beneficial to consult with a committed train and bus accident lawyer who will fight for you. To find out more about your legal options after an MCI, email or call us at (408) 292-2434 today. Our firm is privileged to offer our clients free initial case evaluations.
Areas of Service
San Jose | San Francisco | San Mateo | Santa Clara | Contra Costa | Alameda | Solano | Sonoma | Napa | Marin
Source
1. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2021