Immediate Steps to Take After the Bus Accident
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Immediately following a bus accident, be sure to preserve all evidence, including pictures and videos of the crash scene. Dashcam footage, witness statements, and bus driver information all need to be turned over to your attorney to begin the investigation. Call 323-238-4683 for immediate assistance.
The experienced Los Angeles bus accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase have successfully represented accident victims for over 47 years.
Thousands of Americans are seriously injured or killed each year in public transportation accidents, and we have seen insurance companies cheat those victims out of fair financial compensation. An attorney can protect your rights (which you may not know you have) and increase your compensation.
Metro has been known to shut down LA bus accident claims and can be very difficult to deal with, often leaving victims without the compensation they deserve. Suing LA Metro for a bus accident requires skill and tough negotiations to protect your right to fair compensation.
Whether you were a bus passenger or a pedestrian hit by a bus, we can help. We will help you with medical treatment and to secure all evidence in the accident as soon as possible.
Why Choose Bisnar Chase for Your Accident?
We have litigation experts, trial attorneys, and award-winning support staff to take the best care of you during a difficult time. The Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys of Bisnar Chase want to be the people at your side to fight for what you deserve.
- Over $1B billion recovered
- 2026 Law Firm of the Year
- Serving California since 1978
- CAALA-approved attorneys
- 99% success rate
- Top-rated seasoned trial attorneys
- Decades of experience in bus crash cases
- NO fee if we don’t win your case
Avoid Those ‘Billboard Personal Injury Law Firms’
The famous attorneys you see on billboards all over Los Angeles do not offer a unique, personal experience, and many of their former clients claim they were poorly managed and incompetent. Many of these firms operate like lead farms and marketing agencies, referring your case to other local attorneys. Many of the famous lawyers are the same ones we, as trial attorneys, have never seen in the courtroom, and they do the bare minimum to settle your case fast. If your attorney isn’t working hard for you, choose a new lawyer.
Look for big verdicts, not just settlements
You want to hire attorneys who can prove big verdicts—not just settlements. When you hire a law firm, you don’t always get a trial lawyer, but Bisnar Chase exclusively employs trial lawyers for all of our clients. The best personal injury lawyers will work every angle of your case for maximum compensation.
Insurance companies know who they can defeat
If insurance companies know you have a reputation for quickly settling your injury claims, they will never pay you what you are truly entitled to; however, if you have a reputation for taking cases to trial, they will pay accordingly.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bus wreck, contact our legal experts for a free consultation at (323) 238-4683.
Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney
How to Make a Claim From a Bus Accident in LA
If you’ve been involved in a public or private bus accident, there are important steps to take to protect your right to compensation.
- Consult with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney
- Review evidence with your legal team
- Calculate compensation
- Identify all injuries and damages
- File a wrongful death claim if a loved one died
- Retain experts and investigators
- File an insurance claim
- Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit
- Prepare to go to trial if needed
- File an appeal if required
A bus accident claim can be complex and take time. If your attorney is “rushing” to settle your claim, then you are not getting superior representation. Your liability lawyer’s job is to work as hard as possible to get you the best financial compensation, not just file an insurance claim.
What is the average payout for a bus accident claim in Los Angeles?
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries. A case that requires a lot of medical care and long-term treatment will garner more financial compensation than a case with minor injuries.
Your Los Angeles bus accident lawyer will use factors such as pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress to handle a case that could result in a settlement or verdict ranging from $10,000.00 to seven figures.n also include lost earnings, medical expenses, property damage, and other living expenses.
Your claim includes both economic and non-economic damages. The total amount includes what we mentioned above but also includes pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, a wrongful death, loss of consortium and other losses from the injury.
All claims are different, and there is no one formula to determine what a jury or insurance company will pay.
How much does a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer charge?
A law firm well-versed in public bus accidents will be able to hire experts and investigators to thoroughly investigate your personal injury case.
The typical cost for a California personal injury lawyer is 33 1/3%, but by law, they can charge more if the case requires extensive resources like evidence storage and private investigators and accident reconstruction experts. Call our attorneys for bus accidents in Los Angeles today to discuss your case. There is no fee if we don’t win.
By law, how long do I have to file a claim for a bus accident in Los Angeles?
The statute of limitations is two years for personal injury claims, so it’s vital that you file your case as soon as possible to protect your time to file. However, if you are suing a defendant that is a public entity like a bus company, then you need to file the claim within six months.
How long will my bus accident claim take?
Since a bus accident can involve multiple people and is complex, it can take anywhere from 12 to 20 months to successfully negotiate your claim. If your lawyer is rushing to settle the case, then they are not fighting hard enough for you. Our goal is to get maximum compensation for you.
Different Types of Bus Accidents in Los Angeles
At times, commuters ride buses to lessen transportation costs. Those who do not own a vehicle can save money by avoiding the costs of gas, routine maintenance, and car insurance. Unfortunately, some fatal bus accidents can cost people their lives.
Buses that are frequently involved in accidents include:
School bus crashes can severely injure children riding on them. School buses do not contain seatbelts; therefore, kids can be thrown from their seats in the event of a rollover.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports that at least 4–6 children are killed every year in school bus collisions. Bus drivers must follow unloading and loading procedures as required by law to ensure student safety.
Public transportation collisions: Traveling by bus is a cost-effective mode of transportation. However, LA County bus crashes can occur, and the results can be devastating when they do.
Many victims of LA bus accidents need immediate medical attention and must miss work while they heal. The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute analyzed 7 years of data and found that 63,000 bus accidents occur each year, with about 14,000 people suffering injuries.
Charter bus accidents: Charter buses are vehicles that carry many passengers. Some of these types of buses can include party buses, buses hired for entertainers, or tour buses. This bus is usually used for 36 or more people. Organizations, businesses, or individuals can rent charter buses. These entities may be liable for a collision and, if found negligent, must compensate the victims for their damages.
Other types of buses
- Government buses, both state and federal
- Metro buses
- Commuter buses
- Tour buses
Leading Causes of Los Angeles Bus Accidents
Recently, there has been a series of California bus accidents involving tour bus companies. The Feds stepped in and cracked down on unsafe bus companies.
Typically, these charter buses pose a risk to lives due to their poor maintenance. Some of the most common causes of Los Angeles bus crashes include:
Driver inexperience and lack of training
It is the responsibility of all bus companies to ensure that their drivers are skilled, experienced, and properly trained. New bus drivers should not be allowed to transport passengers on the congested, dangerous streets of Los Angeles.
Bus driver negligence
It is crucial that bus drivers check for traffic before changing lanes or entering busy streets. Bus drivers must obey the speed limit and slow down on the few days during the year when roads are wet in Los Angeles.
Additionally, they must not be distracted by other drivers or electronic devices while driving. It is illegal in California for all drivers to use a cell phone or text while driving.
Driver fatigue
It is irresponsible to drive a bus full of passengers while drowsy. Drivers who push through fatigue are more likely to doze off, lose focus, or miss important changes in traffic flow.
Federal law requires all commercial drivers to adhere to hours-of-service regulations that limit the number of hours a driver can drive continuously.
Faulty bus equipment
Proper safety inspections and repairs by the bus company could have prevented some Los Angeles bus accidents. When bus companies fail to replace worn or broken parts, everyone on the roadway is put in danger. An uninspected bus or a bus that has not been properly maintained may have overinflated tires that could blow, brakes that are ready to fail, or an engine that could catch fire.
Other reasons
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Blind spots and weather
If you are not sure what caused your accident, contact our award-winning Los Angeles bus accident attorneys for a comprehensive, free evaluation. Call (323) 238-4683 today.
Bus Driver Negligence is Common
Bus driver negligence or error are common causes of bus accidents. Drivers and bus companies have a legal obligation to safely transport their passengers. There are many ways in which a bus driver’s negligence can cause a bus to crash.
Some of the actions that can lead to a catastrophic bus accident include:
Making an unsafe lane change
Buses are large vehicles that may have several blind spots. However, it is the bus operator’s duty to ensure that it is safe to change lanes before doing so. Changing lanes without looking properly is one of the most common reasons for auto accidents.
Exceeding the speed limit
Because of the size and weight of buses, they are often difficult to stop. Bus drivers who exceed the speed limit may not be able to adjust to the changing traffic conditions or to come to a stop in time to avoid a collision.
Driving distracted
Under California law, school, transit, and commercial bus drivers are not allowed to use a cell phone or text while driving. There are other forms of distracted driving that can prove dangerous as well. Any driver who takes his or her hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off the task at hand is considered distracted.
Failing to stop at a train track
All bus drivers should stop at train tracks to look and listen for approaching trains.
Driving while fatigued
Operating a bus while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Commercial drivers, including bus drivers, are required to get adequate rest before they start a shift.
If a negligent driver caused your accident and injuries, call an experienced Los Angeles bus accident lawyer of Bisnar Chase for a free case evaluation. Call (323) 238-4687.
Proving Bus Accident Negligence
A lawyer needs to show a few things to prove that a bus driver was negligent and caused an accident that hurt passengers. First, they must prove the driver should have been careful—that’s their “duty of care.” Bus drivers have a significant responsibility to keep everyone safe.
The bus accident lawyer must show that the driver failed to perform their job. Did they speed? Were they texting? Driving recklessly? Were they too tired? Was the bus in bad shape and underserved? These are all things that could show they weren’t being careful and caused the bus accident.
Next, the attorney has to prove that the driver’s mistakes actually caused the accident. Finally, they must demonstrate the extent of the passengers’ injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional distress they experienced. If negligence played a role, you might also qualify for punitive damages.
To prove all these claims, we will review the police report, any videos and CCTV footage, the driver’s past driving record, and the condition of the bus, and talk to witnesses. Sometimes, we might get an expert to help figure out what happened and reconstruct the accident scene.
The main aspects of the case will be:
- Duty of care
- Breach of that duty
- Causation
- Monetary damages
California Bus Accident Laws
Bus companies and drivers are classified as common carriers under California Civil Code § 2100. This means they must use the utmost care and diligence for passenger safety, far higher than the ordinary care required of regular drivers. They must provide everything necessary for safe carriage and exercise reasonable skill.
Violations (e.g., driver negligence, poor maintenance) can establish negligence in a claim. This duty applies to public transit (Metro buses), school buses, charter/tour buses, and private shuttles. Bus drivers face stricter rules, such as being limited to 10 hours of driving in a day or over a 15-hour period, followed by an 8-hour rest, according to state regulations and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for passenger carriers.
California is a fault-based (at-fault) state with pure comparative negligence (Civil Code § 1714). You can still get compensated for your losses, even if you’re partly to blame. However, your share of the fault will reduce the amount you receive. So, if you’re found to be 30% at fault, your award will be cut by that same percentage. Unlike some states, there’s no cutoff at 50%.
Liability can be shared by several parties. This could include the bus driver, the company that runs the bus service, the transit agency, other drivers on the road, the manufacturer of the bus parts if they’re faulty, or even someone else entirely, like a third party responsible for poor road upkeep.
The California Government Claims Act/Tort Claims Act (Government Code §§ 810–996.6) protects public buses, typically operated by the government, under sovereign immunity. However, exceptions exist when negligence is involved, such as driver mistakes or unsafe conditions.
If you’ve been injured in an LA Metro bus accident here in California, whether it was a Metro, school, or private bus, don’t wait. It’s crucial to consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney promptly. The clock is ticking, particularly when it comes to claims involving public transit.
Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP, for instance, handles these tricky bus accident cases, including those against transit agencies. We can help you gather evidence, keep track of important dates, and fight for the money you deserve. Reach out for a free consultation with one of our CAALA bus accident attorneys to go over the details of your case.
Recent Los Angeles Bus Accident Cases
As a bus passenger, you can do little to prevent an accident beyond ensuring you are not a distraction.
Negligence by a bus driver or a faulty bus part has caused injuries to multiple passengers. These types of accidents are common in Los Angeles County. Below is a list of bus crash cases that have occurred in LA.
- I-10 tour bus accident leaves 25 passengers injured:In downtown Los Angeles, a bus carrying 35 passengers tipped over and injured 25 riders. The bus was transporting people from the Pala Casino in San Diego and was headed toward Koreatown in LA. Four were reported to be in critical condition after the incident took place.
- Four girls left with injuries after a school bus collision:
Four girls, said to be around the age of 12, were involved in a school bus crash. At the scene of the accident, it appeared that the bus collided head-on with a utility pole, bringing down electrical wires with it. The motor vehicle accident occurred in North Los Angeles, at the 500 block of West Solano Avenue. - Metro bus plows into cars, injuring nine people and leaving one dead: Paramedics and firefighters rushed to the scene of a Metro bus accident on South Alameda Street and East 131st Street at around 2 am. The city bus struck four parked cars and killed 30-year-old Lynwood resident Jose S. Hernandez. He was transported to St. Francis Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Common Bus Collision Injuries
Due to their size and weight, buses can be particularly dangerous when they are involved in crashes with smaller passenger vehicles.
Those who have been seriously injured in any type of accident, including bus crashes, or who have lost loved ones, can file for fair compensation.
Bus accident injuries that can be claimed in a bus accident lawsuit can include:
Whiplash
The sudden impact can cause the head and neck to jerk violently forward and back, leading to neck strains, sprains, or more severe cervical spine injuries. These types of injuries to the neck can linger and cause long-term problems.
Head injuries
Passengers may hit their heads on seats, windows, or other hard surfaces, potentially causing concussions, contusions, or even traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries are one of the most common results of a motor vehicle accident.
Broken bones
The force of the collision can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones. Serious hip injuries or a broken back or pelvis are also often seen in crashes, especially high-impact ones.
Cuts and lacerations
Broken glass, torn metal, or loose objects can cause cuts and deep lacerations to the skin and can be serious.
Soft tissue injuries
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be stretched or torn due to the impact, resulting in sprains, strains, or contusions.
Spinal cord injuries
In severe cases, damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. A spinal cord injury is a very serious issue that will take a lot of time to recover from, and total recovery is not always possible.
Internal injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Many times, these internal injuries are not immediately identifiable and can be life-threatening.
Emotional trauma
Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following the accident, which can linger for quite some time. Many times, the victim will carry the stress and anxiety of the crash throughout their life.
Burn injuries
In cases where the accident results in a fire, passengers may suffer from burn injuries of varying degrees. The severity of injuries depends on factors such as the speed of the bus, the point of impact, and whether passengers were wearing seat belts.
It’s crucial for anyone involved in a bus accident to seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor initially, as some symptoms may appear later. Contact a Los Angeles public transportation accident lawyer if you have questions about a crash you were involved in or whether you are entitled to financial compensation. Call Bisnar Chase today at (323) 238-4683.
What to do After a Los Angeles Bus Accident
Your actions after a bus collision are important because they can affect the amount you receive in your settlement. If you sustain injuries while riding a bus in Los Angeles, you can take several steps to safeguard your best interests.
Call the police to file a report
One of the first steps after a bus collision is to contact the authorities. After contacting the authorities, they will dispatch an ambulance to your location, depending on the severity of the accident. Pull over to the side of the road or to a safe area so that you can easily receive medical attention promptly when the ambulance arrives.
Collect information and evidence from the crash
Regarding evidence, do not walk away empty-handed. As you wait for the police to arrive, write down everything you remember about the crash. Keep these questions in mind when making notes. Where were you seated? What were you doing at the time of the crash? When and where did the accident occur? What types of injuries did you sustain?
Who were the people who witnessed the collision? If you are not physically able to gather evidence, such as a driver’s license number, insurance policy number, photos, or witness accounts, have someone else at the scene gather it.
Remember to take pictures not only of the vehicles but also of the street conditions and weather.
Stay at the scene until the authorities say you can leave
This is important. The authorities are there to assess the situation. When the local authorities arrive at the scene of the accident, you need to file a police report as well.
This report is one piece of evidence that is vital and can help you win the compensation you need to recover from your catastrophic injuries.
Contact your insurance company
Once you have received medical attention for your injuries, please proceed to file a claim promptly. The sooner you contact your insurance company, the sooner you can receive compensation for damages such as lost wages and bills from medical treatments. It is not necessary for you to speak to the other party’s insurance company.
Report the accident to your insurer, but don’t answer unnecessary questions, as adjusters will use them to lower your payout. Let your lawyer and paralegal team communicate with the insurance adjusters to protect your rights.
Seek legal advice from an experienced Los Angeles bus accident attorney
A bus accident attorney in Los Angeles, like those at Bisnar Chase, has held bus companies accountable since 1978. We have maintained a 99% win rate in compensation for victims and will keep you informed of the status of your case every step of the way. Call our law firm today at (323) 238-4683 for a free case evaluation.
Who Can Be Responsible for My Bus Accident?
Several parties can be responsible for your bus collision. The first can be the bus manufacturer. A bus requires a lot of maintenance, and manufacturer negligence can result in a dangerous bus being sent out for use.
The second party that may be responsible for a bus wreck is the bus or tour company. Bus companies are legally obligated to hire qualified personnel to operate common carriers. Companies must also guarantee proper training and supervision for bus drivers.
The bus company is also responsible for maintaining the buses. Companies should regularly inspect their vehicles, focusing on tires and brakes, to reduce the number of bus crashes annually.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills?
Bisnar Chase will work on your behalf to place your medical expenses into a lien that will be paid at the end of your personal injury case. We will track your medical bills, regardless of whether you have health insurance, and they will influence the amount of compensation we request. We can also assist you with steps to obtain Medi-Cal, Medicare, and indigent medical programs.
Bus Accident Statistics for California
Although statistically less frequent than other types of motor vehicle accidents, bus accidents can be devastating due to their sheer size and passenger capacity. This section explores bus accident statistics in California, examines the common causes of these incidents, and outlines safety regulations to prevent them.
To illustrate the potential impact of these accidents, consider the tragic incident in Yucaipa in 2013, where a bus carrying 39 passengers crashed while traveling down a mountain road, resulting in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries.
Recent Bus Accidents in California
Several notable bus accidents have occurred in California recently, prompting the need for safety improvements.
- November 17, 2024: A Los Angeles Metro bus was involved in a three-vehicle collision in South L.A., resulting in several injuries.
- April 30, 2024: A University of Southern California bus collided with a Los Angeles Metro train, injuring at least 55 people.
- June 27, 2022: A commuter bus overturned near LAX after colliding with a parked big rig, leaving four people in critical condition.
California experiences a significant number of bus accidents each year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 138 fatal bus accidents and 5,913 non-fatal accidents in California in the current year.
In 2020, California had 100,828 registered buses, with 176 total fatalities in bus crashes. Of these fatalities, 131 involved school buses and transit buses. While buses have a lower overall accident rate than cars per passenger mile traveled, the severity of bus accidents can be much higher due to their size and passenger capacity.
Over a six-year period, there were 63,000 bus-related crashes, 14,000 injuries, and 325 fatal injuries. On average, there were 50 passenger deaths per year, including drivers. Charter buses are more likely to be involved in accidents than transit buses.
Choosing the Best Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorneys
There are some key qualities to look out for that your Los Angeles bus accident lawyer should have. One of the most important qualities an attorney should have is years of experience handling bus accident cases resulting in substantial settlements and verdicts in LA Metro cases. Additionally, an accident attorney may have years of experience in personal injury law but little experience with public transit collisions, which require a very knowledgeable lawyer.
- Proven track record of large verdicts and recoveries
- 99% success rate winning for people just like you
- Deep experience in transit and bus accidents
- Client-focused, results-driven
- No risk to you: No fee if we don’t win
The lawyers at Bisnar Chase have a history of winning compensation for their clients, particularly in public transit collision cases, demonstrating their expertise in this area of personal injury law. We are determined to do the same for you. Contact our law firm to explore your legal options.
Bisnar Chase is passionate about our clients and will ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your bus accident or wrongful death claim. Call for a free consultation with a top-rated Los Angeles bus accident lawyer at (323) 238-4683.
Trial Lawyers of Bisnar Chase
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
