California Bus Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Bus Accident? We Hold Negligent Transit Companies Accountable.

A bus crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you were a passenger on an LA Metro bus, a pedestrian hit by a tour bus, or a driver struck by a school bus, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. These cases are complex, often involving powerful government entities or large corporations with aggressive legal teams. You need an advocate who knows how to fight them—and win.

For over 45 years, the family at Walch Law has been fighting for injury victims across California. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients by taking on negligent drivers, transit authorities, and their insurance companies. We handle every detail so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Pay Nothing Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis.
Se Habla Español: Bilingual support for our community.

What to Do Immediately After a Bus Accident

The steps you take in the minutes and days after a bus crash are crucial for protecting your health and your legal rights.

Seek Medical Care Immediately: Your health is the priority. Go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, have delayed symptoms. This visit also creates an official record of your injuries.
Call 911: Ensure a police report is filed. For public transit accidents, get the bus operator’s name and badge number, the bus number, and the route information.
Document the Scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant details like weather or road conditions.
Get Witness Information: Ask other passengers, pedestrians, or drivers who saw the crash for their names and phone numbers. Their statements can be vital.
Keep Your Fare Receipt: If you were a passenger, your bus ticket, transfer, or TAP card history can prove you were on board.
Track Everything: Keep a journal of your symptoms and how the injuries affect your daily life. Save all medical bills, receipts, and correspondence.
Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement: Insurance adjusters will call and act friendly. Their job is to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give a statement or sign any documents.
Contact an Experienced Bus Accident Lawyer: The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better. We can immediately start preserving critical evidence before it disappears.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in California

As “common carriers,” bus companies are held to a higher duty of care than regular drivers. They have an elevated legal responsibility to ensure passenger safety. When they fail, it is often due to negligence.

Common causes include:

Driver Negligence: Speeding, distracted driving (cell phone use), fatigue, impairment, or violating traffic laws.
Improper Training: Failure to properly train drivers on vehicle operation, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
Inadequate Maintenance: Neglecting essential upkeep of brakes, tires, steering systems, and engines.
Passenger-Related Negligence: Sudden stops or starts that throw standing passengers, or door malfunctions that trap or injure people.
Dangerous Roads: Accidents caused by poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, or obstructed visibility.
Third-Party Negligence: Crashes caused by the careless actions of other motorists on the road.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?

Identifying every responsible party is key to maximizing your compensation. Liability can extend far beyond the bus driver. Potential defendants include:

Public Transit Authorities: Government entities like LA Metro, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, or local school districts (LAUSD).
Private Bus Companies: Tour bus operators, charter services, or airport shuttle companies.
Maintenance Contractors: Third-party companies hired to service and repair the bus fleet.
Bus Manufacturers: If a defect in the bus design or a component part (like brakes or tires) caused the crash.
Other Motorists: The driver of another car, truck, or motorcycle who contributed to the collision.
Cities and Counties: A government entity may be liable for creating or failing to fix a dangerous road condition.

The Government Claims Act: A Critical 6-Month Deadline

If your injury involves a public entity like LA Metro or a city-operated bus, you cannot simply file a lawsuit. You must first file a formal “Government Claim” within six months of the injury.

This is a strict, unforgiving deadline. If you miss it, you lose your right to sue forever.
Once the claim is filed, the entity has 45 days to respond.
If they reject your claim, you have six months from the rejection date to file a lawsuit.

This process is a legal minefield. It is vital to have an attorney handle your government claim to ensure it is filed correctly and on time.

Common Injuries and Available Damages Following a LADOT Accident

The sheer size and weight of a bus mean that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries. We help clients recover from:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Neck and Back Injuries (Whiplash)
Bone Fractures
Severe Lacerations and Scarring
Internal Organ Damage
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Our goal is to secure compensation for every loss you have suffered:

Medical Expenses: All past and future medical bills, from ER visits to surgery, therapy, and medication.
Lost Wages: Income lost while you are unable to work.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your former career.
Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other damaged property.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for your physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the impact on your hobbies and daily activities.
Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one, we can pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship.

The Evidence We Secure to Win Your Case

Bus accident cases are won with evidence. We immediately send preservation letters to demand that the defendants save critical data before it is destroyed. This includes:

Onboard video from multiple camera angles
Event Data Recorder (EDR) or “black box” telematics
GPS and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data
Driver qualification files and training records
Dispatch logs and 911 audio recordings
Maintenance and repair histories
Footage from nearby intersection or business cameras

How We Navigate Complex Insurance Layers

Bus accident claims often involve multiple layers of insurance. We are skilled at identifying and pursuing every available source of recovery, including:

Public entity self-insurance funds
Private carrier liability policies and high-limit excess/umbrella policies
Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy (which can apply even if you were a passenger or pedestrian)
Your Medical Payments (Med-Pay) coverage
Negotiating with your health insurer to reduce liens on your settlement

Our Process: Your Path to Recovery

We manage the entire legal process so you can focus on healing.

Free Case Review: We listen to your story and evaluate your legal options, with no cost or obligation.
Investigation: We immediately begin securing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and determining all liable parties.
Claim Filing: We handle all paperwork, including meeting the critical 6-month government claim deadline if applicable.
Medical Coordination: We can help you find qualified medical specialists to ensure you get the treatment you need.
Demand and Negotiation: We build a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies for a full and fair settlement.
Litigation and Trial: If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to a jury.

Why Choose Walch Law For your California Bus Accident Lawsuit?

When you are going up against a powerful transit company, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to win.

“They treated me like family from the first call. They were always there to answer my questions and fought hard to get me a settlement that changed my life after my accident. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

Decades of Local Experience: We know the local courts, transit systems, and how to win cases in Los Angeles and throughout California.
Resources to Win: We work with top-tier accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists to build an undeniable case.
Personalized Service: You are not a case number. Our family-run firm provides the direct attention and communication you deserve and are always available to connect.
No-Fee Promise: You pay absolutely nothing unless and until we recover money for you.
We Are Always Here for You: We are available 24/7 to answer your call and provide immediate help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who pays my medical bills after a bus accident?
Initially, your own health insurance, Med-Pay coverage, or workers’ compensation may cover bills. We then include all these costs in your claim to be reimbursed from the settlement or verdict. We can also set up a medical lien so you can get the care you need now and pay later out of your settlement– something we help our clients with ALL the time.

2. Is filing a claim against LA Metro different from suing a private company?
Yes. You must file a formal Government Claim within 6 months. The rules are strict and designed to trip people up. It is essential to have a lawyer handle this.

3. Do I have to give a statement to the bus company’s investigator?
No. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and you shouldn’t. They will use your words against you. Refer them to your attorney.

4. What if I was standing and not holding on, or not wearing a seatbelt on a charter bus?
You can still recover compensation. California’s comparative negligence rule means your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault, but it does not bar your claim. Bus operators still have a high duty of care.

5. How long do I have to file a claim?
For public buses, you have 6 months to file a government claim. For private buses, the statute of limitations is generally two years. You must act quickly.

6. How much is my bus accident case worth?
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and the impact on your life. We can give you a better idea after a free case evaluation.

7. What if it was a hit-and-run bus?
If the bus cannot be identified, you may be able to file a claim through your own auto insurance policy’s Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.

8. Can undocumented immigrants file a bus accident claim?
Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to seek compensation for your injuries in California.

9. What if my child was injured on a school bus?
You can file a claim on your child’s behalf against the school district. These cases also fall under the 6-month government claim deadline.

Get the Help You Need Today — The Consultation is Free

Don’t let an insurance company or government entity bully you into accepting less than you deserve. The experienced California bus accident attorneys at Walch Law are ready to fight for you. We are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance.

Call us now at (866) 492-5242 or fill out our simple online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

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