Bus Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

With hundreds of people commuting every day in Los Angeles, buses can be a great alternative mode of transportation. While they’re generally safe to ride, sometimes accidents do happen. Unfortunately, accidents involving buses tend to leave victims with more serious injuries due to the configuration and size of the vehicle.

Bus accidents cases can be very complicated due to the parties involved. Depending on your circumstances, the party responsible for your injuries can be the bus driver, bus company, a government entity, school district, or even the bus parts manufacturer. Recovering compensation in a bus accident case is generally more complex compared to cases involving two passenger car accidents. If you were injured in a bus accident, contact a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer at Mesriani Law Group to discuss your legal options. We offer free consultation and accept clients on a contingency basis– meaning that if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us anything.

The Critical “Six-Month” Rule

When a bus is operated by a government entity—such as LA Metro, DASH, or a local School District—the legal process is accelerated.

• The Deadline: Under the California Tort Claims Act, you must file a formal administrative claim within six months of the accident.

• The Risk: Failing to meet this deadline or filing against the wrong department can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

• The Alternative: Claims against private charter or tour bus companies typically follow the standard two-year statute of limitations, but immediate action is still vital to preserve evidence like “black box” data and GPS reports.

Why Bus Accidents Are Catastrophic

Buses are classified as Common Carriers, meaning they owe the highest duty of care to their passengers. However, their design creates unique risks:

• Lack of Restraints: Most transit buses lack seatbelts, leading to “projectile” injuries during collisions.

• Standing Passengers: Riders in aisles are highly vulnerable to sudden stops or rollovers.

• Weight & Mass: A fully loaded bus requires significantly longer stopping distances; a collision with a passenger car often results in Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) or Spinal Cord Injuries.

Identifying All Liable Parties

A thorough investigation often reveals that multiple parties share the blame. We look beyond the driver to investigate:

• Public Entities: City or County agencies responsible for driver training and route safety.

• Maintenance Contractors: Third-party companies that may have failed to repair brakes or tires.

• Manufacturers: Companies responsible for defective bus parts or safety equipment.

• Other Motorists: Drivers whose negligence forced the bus to swerve or collide.

Steps to Protect Your Claim

1. Formalize Your Presence: Ensure the police or the bus driver records that you were a passenger at the time of the crash.

2. Document Your Location: If possible, photograph exactly where you were sitting or standing in relation to the point of impact.

3. Seek Immediate Evaluation: Internal injuries or PTSD may not manifest immediately. A full medical diagnosis is essential for your claim.

4. Avoid Recorded Statements: Companies like Greyhound or insurance adjusters may pressure you for a statement early on. These are often used to minimize your perceived injuries.

5. Consult a Bus Accident Specialist: Do not attempt to negotiate a “quick settlement” that may not cover future medical monitoring or lost earning capacity.

Recoverable Damages

Victims are entitled to both economic and non-economic recovery, including:

• Economic: Hospital bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and future medical supplies.

• Non-Economic: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Wrongful Death: In tragic cases, surviving spouses, partners, or children can seek funeral expenses and loss of financial support.