Setareh Law
January 20, 2026
When public transportation turns dangerous, victims face a confusing web of liability questions and jurisdictional complexities. Bus accidents and train collisions can leave passengers with serious injuries and uncertain legal paths forward, particularly when determining whether the responsible party is a government entity or private operator.
At Setareh Law, we help California residents pursue compensation when public transit accidents cause harm. With over $250 million recovered for clients throughout the state, our team understands how to hold transit operators accountable when negligence results in passenger injuries.
Who Bears Responsibility in Public Transit Accidents
Public transportation accidents involve distinct liability considerations. City-operated buses fall under municipal government authority, while regional train systems may answer to county or state agencies. Private contractors operating under public contracts create additional layers of responsibility.
Transit authorities must maintain vehicles in safe working condition, hire qualified operators, and implement proper safety protocols. When they fail in these duties, injured passengers may pursue compensation through personal injury claims. Examples of transit operator negligence include inadequate vehicle maintenance, distracted driving, failing to follow posted speed limits, or operating with expired commercial licenses.
Transit agencies in California must carry substantial insurance coverage. However, accident victims often encounter resistance when filing claims against government entities, making legal representation particularly valuable in these cases.
The Claims Process for Government-Operated Transit
Filing claims against government-operated transportation requires adherence to strict procedural requirements. California law mandates filing a government claim within six months of the accident date. Missing this deadline typically bars recovery, regardless of injury severity or clear liability.
The government claim notice must identify the claimant, describe the accident circumstances, specify injury details, and state the damages amount sought. After receiving the claim, the government entity has 45 days to respond with approval, rejection, or a compromise offer.
Claim rejections open the door to civil lawsuits, but only within six months of the rejection notice. This compressed timeline differs significantly from the standard two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Victims dealing with serious injuries while managing complex filing requirements benefit from prompt legal guidance.
Common Injuries from Transit Accidents
Bus and train accidents produce distinct injury patterns. Passengers standing when sudden stops occur frequently suffer falls resulting in fractures, soft tissue damage, or head trauma. Seated passengers may experience whiplash when vehicles brake abruptly or collide with other vehicles.
More severe crashes can cause:
- Spinal cord damage affecting mobility and sensation
- Traumatic brain injuries with lasting cognitive effects
- Internal organ damage requiring emergency surgery
- Severe lacerations from broken glass or metal
- Crush injuries in major collisions
Transit passengers lack the safety restraints available in personal vehicles, leaving them vulnerable to serious harm even in moderate-speed collisions. Medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs can quickly accumulate following these accidents.
Establishing Negligence in Transit Cases
Successful transit injury claims require demonstrating operator negligence. Evidence collection begins immediately after the accident. Passengers should photograph vehicle damage, obtain contact information from witnesses, and request copies of incident reports filed with transit authorities.
Video footage from onboard cameras provides crucial evidence in many cases. Transit agencies maintain surveillance systems, but they may erase recordings after short retention periods. Legal representation helps preserve this evidence before deletion occurs.
Transit authorities often employ investigators who work to minimize agency liability. Early legal involvement ensures victims’ interests receive proper protection during the investigation phase. Attorney involvement also signals serious intent to pursue full compensation.
Get Help From Setareh Law
Public transit accidents require swift action and knowledgeable advocacy. The complex procedural requirements and strict deadlines create pitfalls for individuals attempting to navigate the claims process alone. Securing fair compensation becomes increasingly difficult without proper legal guidance.
Our firm has recovered over $250 million for California injury victims through 60 combined years of serving injured individuals. With more than 400 five-star Google reviews and eight office locations throughout the state, we provide accessible representation when you need it most. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to discuss your public transit injury case.
