Bus Accident

California Bus Accident Lawyer

DEVOTED

We Meet You Where You Are. Hospital and Home Visits Available.

RESULTS

Our Results Speak for Ourselves. Over $400 Million Recovered.

EXPERIENCE

60 Years of Combined Experience Serving Injured Individuals.

PRAISED

We Put Clients First. Over 900 Five-Star Customer Reviews.

ACCESSIBLE

We Meet You Where You Are. 7 Office Locations and Home Visits Available

Bus Accident Lawyer in California

Public transportation is an essential part of life in California, helping millions of people commute to work, school, and other destinations. Unfortunately, bus accidents are not uncommon, and when they happen, the consequences can be devastating. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At Setareh Law, our California bus accident lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Our team is prepared to stand up to powerful insurance companies and transportation authorities to ensure your voice is heard.

What Makes Bus Accident Cases Unique?

Bus accidents differ from typical motor vehicle collisions in several key ways, particularly in terms of size, liability, and regulations. Buses are massive vehicles, often weighing over 20,000 pounds, and their size alone increases the likelihood of serious injuries and significant property damage in the event of a crash. Unlike a standard car accident, where liability usually falls on the individual driver, bus accidents may involve multiple parties, including the bus driver, the bus company, government entities, or third-party contractors responsible for maintenance. Additionally, buses are subject to specific state and federal regulations designed to protect passengers and others on the road. When these regulations are violated, it can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Case Result

$1,000,000 – Bus Accident
$800,000 – Bus Accident
$675,000 – Bus Accident
See All Case Results

Proving Negligence in Bus Accident Claims

To recover compensation in a bus accident case, you must prove negligence played a role in causing the accident. Bus companies and their drivers are considered “common carriers,” meaning they have a heightened duty to ensure the safety of their passengers. This standard of care also extends to others on the road. If the bus driver violated traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light, or the bus company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, these breaches can be used as evidence of negligence. It’s also essential to show that the negligence directly caused your injuries and to document the damages you’ve suffered, whether they involve medical expenses, lost income, or emotional distress.

Challenges in Pursuing a Bus Accident Claim

Filing a claim after a bus accident can be far more complicated than other personal injury cases. One significant challenge is dealing with government entities if the bus is part of a public transportation system. When pursuing a claim against a government entity, strict procedures and deadlines apply, such as filing a notice of claim within a specific timeframe. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.

Another obstacle involves the number of potentially liable parties. In some cases, multiple defendants may share responsibility, such as the bus driver, the company managing the fleet, or a third party that manufactured a defective part. Each of these parties may have their own insurance companies and legal teams, making negotiations and litigation more complex. Insurance companies representing bus operators or government entities often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts.

Why Choose Setareh Law for Your Bus Accident Case?

At Setareh Law, we have the experience and resources to take on even the most complex bus accident cases. Our attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for accident victims throughout California, including substantial settlements in bus accident cases. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Fill out our contact form today to schedule your free consultation.

Our Personal Injury Attorneys

Other Practice Areas

Get My Free Case Review

"*" indicates required fields

I agree to receive SMS messages
setareh law overview

Why Choose Setareh Law

The experienced team of California Bus Accident attorneys at Setareh Law is standing by, ready to provide you with zealous legal representation.

Fast Results

Our team moves quickly because we know delays cost you. From the moment you reach out, we begin building your case, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies so you can focus on recovering.

No Fees

At Setareh Law, you pay nothing unless we win. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, which means our success is tied directly to yours. You get aggressive legal representation without any upfront financial risk.

Free Consultation

We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation so you can understand your legal options before making any decisions. There’s no pressure and no cost — just honest answers from an experienced California personal injury attorney.

Confidentiality

Everything you share with us stays between you and your legal team. Attorney-client privilege protects every detail of your case, giving you the freedom to speak openly and honestly so we can fight effectively on your behalf.

Frequently
Asked Questions

If you, a family member or a friend has suffered a personal injury, contact us today at 310-659-1826 for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team can evaluate the facts of your case, discuss the viable avenues for compensation recovery, and serve as your counsel throughout the personal injury claims process.

Who can be held liable after a bus accident?

Liability depends on the type of bus and the cause of the accident. Responsible parties may include the bus driver, the bus company, a government transit agency, another negligent driver, or even a vehicle manufacturer if a mechanical defect contributed.

Are government transit buses handled differently from private buses?

Yes, significantly. If a public transit agency such as a city bus or county transportation authority is involved, California's Government Tort Claims Act applies. You generally have only six months from the date of the incident to file an administrative claim before you can pursue a lawsuit.

What if I was a passenger on a bus when the accident happened?

Passengers who are injured in bus accidents have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. Bus operators owe passengers a high duty of care as common carriers, meaning they are held to a heightened standard of safety.

What types of injuries are common in bus accidents?

Because buses typically lack seatbelts and passengers may be thrown during a collision or sudden stop, injuries can range from whiplash and soft tissue damage to broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

How soon should I seek medical attention after a bus accident?

You should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries present delayed symptoms. A medical record created close in time to the accident also provides important documentation for your legal claim.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

If you were a passenger, fault would generally not apply to you. If you were in another vehicle involved in a multi-vehicle accident, California's comparative fault rule would apply, allowing you to recover a portion of damages proportional to the other party's fault.

What damages can bus accident victims recover?

Recoverable damages may include medical bills, lost wages, future medical care costs, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In fatal accidents, surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death claims.

How is a school bus accident handled legally?

School bus accidents involving public school districts require filing a government tort claim within six months. Cases involving private school buses may follow standard personal injury timelines. Either way, consulting an attorney quickly is important given the shorter potential deadlines.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

How We Handle Your Car Accident Claim

Step 1: Free Consultation

We’ll review your accident details, explain your legal rights, and answer all your questions. You have no obligation to hire us.

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Collection

Our legal team collects police reports, medical records, witness statements, and evidence to build your strongest case.

Step 3: Negotiation with Insurance

We handle all insurance communication, presenting compelling evidence and pushing back against lowball offers to secure full compensation.

Step 4: Filing Your Claim/Lawsuit

If negotiations fail, we file a formal lawsuit to protect your rights while handling all legal filings and keeping you informed.

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

Many cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to present your case to a jury if needed to secure fair compensation.

Step 6: Recovery of Compensation

Once we reach a settlement or win at trial, you receive your compensation and move forward with your recovery.

Contact
us today

Home Visits are Available. Call for More Details

If you, a family member or a friend has suffered a personal injury as a result of an accident, negligence, or a defective drug, contact us today at 310-659-1826 for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team can evaluate the facts of your case, discuss the viable avenues for compensation recovery, and serve as your counsel throughout the personal injury claims process.

Bus Accident Results

Our Track Record Speaks For Itself

Bus Accident

Bus Accident

$675,000

Passenger v. Bus

Truck Accident

Truck Accident

$725,000

Conflicting accounts of a stop sign dispute put liability at the center of this commercial truck accident. We cut through the disagreement and secured $725,000 for a client who required back surgery.

Bus Accident

Bus Accident

$800,000

Passenger v. Bus

Client Testimonials

Recent Blog Posts

What Happens If You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours

Failing to report a car accident within 24 hours can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and...

Can You Recover Compensation If a Car Accident Left You With Nerve Damage?

A car accident can leave you dealing with more than bruises and broken bones. Nerve damage often goes unnoticed in...

How a Car Accident Can Impact Your Credit and Financial Stability in California

A car accident can turn your finances upside down in ways you never anticipated. Between missed paychecks, mounting medical bills,...