Experience You Can Trust

Bus Incident Lawyer

Public transportation should be safe. When it isn’t, we’re here to help.

Buses play an essential role in getting people to work, school, and around the Bay Area, but when something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. Riders, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers all share the risk when a bus is operated carelessly, maintained improperly, or placed in unsafe traffic conditions. Whether it’s a public city bus, a private charter, a school route, or a shuttle service, the impact of a crash can change lives.

At Abronson Law Offices, we represent victims of bus accidents across California. We hold bus companies, government agencies, and third-party contractors accountable when their actions, or inactions, cause harm.

There are strict legal timeframes to file a claim in California. For most incidents, you have two years from the date of the incident but when a non-federal government agency is involved, that window could be as short as six months. Don’t wait and risk your recovery. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.

Why Bus Incidents Are So Dangerous

Buses may be safer per mile than passenger cars, but buses are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver. They often lack seatbelts, and passengers may be standing, using mobility aids, or carrying children. When a crash happens, riders can be thrown or crushed inside the vehicle. Those outside the bus, including cyclists and pedestrians, face catastrophic risk in a collision.

Unlike a standard car accident, bus incidents often involve multiple injured people, multiple vehicles, and multiple layers of liability. Pursuing justice requires navigating both California civil law and the specialized regulations that govern bus operations, maintenance, and oversight.

Common Carrier

A common carrier is a company or public agency that offers transportation services to the general public for a fee. This includes buses, trains, airlines, taxis, and rideshares. In California, common carriers are held to a higher legal standard of care than regular drivers. That means they are legally required to use the highest level of caution and diligence to protect their passengers.

Common Causes of Bus Incident in California

Bus accidents are often preventable. Common causes include:
· Distracted or fatigued drivers
· Speeding or reckless operation
· Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
· Poor hiring or training practices by transit companies
· Failure to check blind spots or signal properly
· Brake, steering, or tire failures due to lack of maintenance
· Dangerous weather or road conditions
· Poorly maintained bus stops, crosswalks, or curbs

Why Choose Abronson Law Offices?

Bus accident claims are complex. They often involve government entities, private carriers, insurance disputes, and strict procedural deadlines. We know how to cut through the red tape and build a strong claim from the start.

What sets us apart:
· Proven results in bus incident cases
· Proven results in complex injury cases
· Access to top medical experts for evaluation and testimony
· Aggressive negotiations backed by trial experience
· Transparent communication, every step of the way
· You don’t pay unless we win your case

We have recovered compensation for clients suffering from:
· Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
· Neck fractures with permanent range-of-motion loss
· Severe muscle strain causing chronic headaches and stiffness
· Nerve impingement resulting in radiating pain, tingling, or numbness
· Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions, skull fractures, and permanent cognitive impairment
· Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
· Fractures, dislocations, and orthopedic injuries
· Internal bleeding and organ damage
· Facial injuries and dental trauma
· Disfigurement and permanent mobility loss
· Psychological injuries, including PTSD and depression
· Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death claims

What Compensation Can I Recover?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible for:
· Medical expenses (past and future)
· Lost income and reduced earning potential
· Pain and suffering
· Rehabilitation and long-term care
· Emotional distress
· Any other damages unique to your case

We work with medical experts, financial analysts, and crash investigators to build a strong case and address all the impacts this incident has had on your life. Our goal is to make sure your compensation reflects the true cost of how any incident has affected your life, not just what the insurance company is willing to pay.

Common Questions About Bus Incident Injury Cases

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bus Crash?

A: Potentially liable parties include the bus driver, the transit company, a school district, a third-party maintenance contractor, a government agency, and sometimes another vehicle’s driver.

Can I Sue the City if I was Injured on a Public Bus?

A: Yes, but government claims in California must follow special rules. You generally have only six months from the date of injury to file a notice of claim against a public entity like a city or county.

What if I was Injured While Riding the Bus and it Didn’t Collide with Another Vehicle?

A: You may still have a case. Bus companies are held to a high standard of care, and sudden stops, hard turns, or unsafe boarding conditions can cause serious injury even without a crash.

What if I was Hit by a Bus While Walking or Biking?

A: You can file a claim like any other pedestrian or cyclist accident case but make sure to be aware of the 6 month deadline to file your claim.

Who Determines Fault in an Incident?

A: Any decision made by an insurance adjustor is not final. We independently investigate every crash and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. If a case does not settle only the jury or judge gets to decide who is at fault.

What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

A: You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover money for you.

Can I Sue Even if the Person Responsible wasn’t Criminally Charged?

A: Yes. Civil liability is separate from criminal charges. We can pursue compensation regardless of whether the responsible party was arrested or convicted.

Can I Recover Damages Even if I was Partially at Fault?

A: Yes. California follows comparative negligence. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover for the portion not caused by your actions.

Do I Still have a Claim if I Heal Fully?

A: Yes. Even if you fully heal you are still entitled to the time lost, pain endured, and costs incurred still matter. You’re entitled to compensation for what you went through.

What if I had Delayed Treatment?

A: A delay does not destroy your case, but it may give the insurance company a reason to challenge the seriousness or cause of your injuries. We work with your doctors to clearly connect your treatment to the incident and counter any attempts to downplay your injuries.

Do I Need to Wait Until Treatment is Complete?

A: Sometimes. When possible it is usually best to wait until treatment is complete before settling your claim. Because you can only settle your claim one time you want to know the full extent of your injuries before doing so. Where there is permanent injury, we work with your doctors and life care planners to estimate the full scope of future treatment so your case reflects long-term needs.

Will a Settlement Cover a Lifetime of Care?

A: It can. We build claims that include future medical costs, equipment replacement, caregiver expenses, and lost income through retirement age.

Is Emotional Trauma Considered Part of the Claim?

A: Absolutely. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces are all compensable in civil claims and often a major part of recovery.

Are Scars Considered “Compensable”?

A: Absolutely. Permanent scars can be a major part of claims, especially in children or victims who require further treatment to reduce scarring.

Do I Need Surgery to have a Strong Case?

A: No. Many cases involve long-term physical therapy or non-surgical treatment. However, if surgery is required, we make sure it’s factored into the claim value.

What if I Already had Arthritis or Degeneration?

A: Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify you. If the accident made your condition worse or accelerated the need for treatment, you’re still entitled to compensation under California law.

What if I Already have a Preexisting Condition?

A: Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you. If the accident caused an injury that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred or exacerbated a preexisting condition, you still have a valid claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Made Me an Offer?

A: Always speak to a lawyer first. Early settlement offers are often far below the long-term cost of your recovery and once you accept, you can’t ask for more later.

Will I Have to go to Trial?

A: Most cases settle but we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. Our trial readiness helps us negotiate from a position of strength.

Can I Sue if My Injury Happened at Work?

A: Yes. While workers’ comp may cover medical care, you may also have a separate third-party claim if another entity (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, etc.) caused your injury.

Get a Free, No-Pressure Consultation

You do not have to do this alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and move forward with confidence. We offer fully remote services and free consultations by phone or video. If you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, we’ll meet you where you are.

If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in an Accident, Speak with Our Legal team Today!

Office Locations

Main Office
332 North 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112

San Francisco Office
1390 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, California 94102

Contact Us

Phone: (408) 687-9155

Fax: (408) 352-5595