What to Do After a Bus Accident in California

Bus accidents are more common than you might think, especially in urban areas of California like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland. Collisions involving public and private buses cause countless injuries and fatalities across the state every year.

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, hiring an experienced bus accident attorney can be crucial to protecting your rights and securing your future. Whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure, driver negligence, or the fault of another party or agency, it’s essential to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with government agencies and complex legal processes. That’s why our team is here to support you every step of the way and fight for the justice you’re entitled to. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 or submit your case online for a free evaluation.

Common Causes and Injuries

Bus accidents, such as the one that occurred in 2019 on South Alameda Street in which one person lost their life and nine others were injured, can result in serious or even fatal injuries. These types of incidents often involve a larger number of victims due to the high passenger capacity of these vehicles.

Injuries sustained in a bus accident in Los Angeles can vary greatly. They range from minor harm, such as whiplash, to severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries often stem directly from the most common causes of this type of crash, including speeding, distracted driving, mechanical failures, and unsafe road conditions.

Some of the most common types of injury in bus accidents include:

• Head and neck injuries.
• Soft tissue injuries (muscles, ligaments, and tendons).
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Bone fractures.
• Amputations.
• Partial or total paralysis.
• Burn injuries (due to fires or explosions).
• Deep cuts and bruises.
• Internal injuries or organ damage.
• Crush injuries.

In addition to physical harm, many victims suffer emotional and psychological consequences. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common conditions following this type of experience. Though not always visible, these issues must be considered when calculating fair compensation.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Bus Accident

Bus accidents can be frightening and overwhelming. If you have been involved in a bus crash, whether as a passenger or a pedestrian, there are some important steps you should follow.

• Assess Your Injuries: Check yourself for injuries as thoroughly as possible. If you are seriously injured, avoid moving to prevent further damage. Call for help, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and you may have internal injuries that require urgent medical attention.
• Document the Scene: If you are able to, take photos of the accident scene. Make sure you include images of the bus, any other vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any traffic signs. Collect the contact and insurance details of the bus driver and the names and contact details of any witnesses.
• Report the Accident: It is essential to report the accident to the police and request a copy of the official report. This document could be crucial for any future legal or insurance claims.
• Seek Medical Attention: Notify your health insurance provider about the accident, as your medical expenses may be covered. Get a full medical evaluation to properly document your injuries and begin treatment. Keep all medical records, bills, and documents relating to your bus accident.
• Consider Seeking Legal Representation: Bus accident cases are often complex, especially when they involve public transport agencies or private companies. Consult an experienced bus accident attorney to understand your legal rights, evaluate your options, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Liable for Bus Accident Injuries?

In California, victims can claim compensation even if they are partially at fault—as long as they can prove the other party acted negligently.

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, one of your first questions may be: Who is responsible, and can I recover financial compensation? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Determining liability in bus accident cases can be complex, as every case involves unique circumstances and contributing factors.

At Adamson Ahdoot, our experienced legal team has handled a wide range of bus accident claims. It is possible to pursue compensation against a variety of responsible parties, including:

• School buses.
• City buses.
• Metro and public transportation buses.
• Tour buses and charter buses.
• Airport shuttles.
• Long-distance/commuter buses.
• Feeder buses.
• Bus drivers and other negligent motorists.
• Bus companies and government transit agencies.
• Bus maintenance contractors.
• Bus manufacturers and parts suppliers.
• Private owners of buses.

In many cases, responsibility may be shared by more than one party. Additionally, under California’s comparative negligence law, you may still be eligible to recover a portion of your damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you can demonstrate that the other party was also negligent.

However, proving negligence, especially when large companies or public entities are involved, can be challenging. These organizations often have legal teams working to deny or minimize your claim.

This is where the Los Angeles bus accident attorneys at Adamson Ahdoot come in. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather key evidence, and build a robust legal argument to prove negligence and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Don’t face this process alone, let our team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

How Can Adamson Ahdoot Help with Lawsuits Against Public Entities?

At Adamson Ahdoot, we provide comprehensive legal support to individuals looking to sue public entities for personal injury. We understand how complex these cases can be. Suing the government is not the same as filing a regular car accident claim. The procedures are different, and the rules are much stricter.

For instance, if you intend to file a claim against a government entity, you must do so within six months of the accident. Missing this deadline could result in you losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.

Our legal team will guide you through all your options and develop a personalized strategy tailored to your situation. We will help you to collect and present the evidence needed to prove that a public entity—or one of its employees—was negligent. This includes proving that the accident occurred on government property or while the employee was at work.

Our focus is on maximizing the compensation you are entitled to. We’ll fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, and emotional suffering.

When you choose Adamson Ahdoot, you’re not just getting a law firm, you’re gaining a team with an excellent track record in personal injury law, particularly in challenging cases involving state employees, government-owned property, or negligent public agencies.

We’ll be with you from day one, guiding you every step of the way. And don’t worry, you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case and secure the compensation you deserve.

Work With a Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney to Ensure a Successful Case Outcome

If you were hurt in a bus accident, don’t go through it alone. At Adamson Ahdoot, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our team works alongside leading experts, forensic specialists, and expert witnesses to build a robust case that clearly demonstrates what went wrong and who is responsible.

When you work with an Adamson Ahdoot bus accident lawyer, you’ll get someone who listens, explains your options clearly, and fights to get you the compensation you deserve. That includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Let us take care of the legal side while you focus on healing. Reach out today at (800) 310-1606 or through our website for a free consultation. And remember, you don’t pay us unless we win your case.