Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, a bus accident lawyer can identify who is responsible and protect your claim against strict government deadlines. Abramson Labor Group represents people hurt in bus accidents across California, including crashes involving city transit, school, charter, and shuttle buses. Our case reviews are free and confidential, and we work on contingency.
Bus operators that carry paying passengers are held to a higher standard than ordinary drivers. Under Civil Code section 2100, “A carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.”
That duty covers how the bus is driven, maintained, and operated, including boarding and getting off. If you were thrown from your seat, fell while the bus pulled away, or were hurt by a door, the operator may be responsible. Falls on a bus or at a stop can also raise slip, trip, and fall issues.
A bus crash can involve several parties. California law makes “a principal” responsible “for the negligence of his agent in the transaction of the business of the agency” (Civil Code section 2338), so a bus company can be responsible for its driver.
Many buses in California are run by cities, counties, transit districts, or school districts. Claims against these public entities follow special rules that private claims do not.
| Step | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Written claim to the agency | Due within 6 months of the injury | Government Code 911.2 |
| Before a lawsuit | The claim must be acted on by the agency or deemed rejected | Government Code 945.4 |
| Lawsuit after a written rejection | Within 6 months after the rejection notice is delivered or mailed | Government Code 945.6 |
| Lawsuit if no proper written notice is given | Within 2 years of the injury | Government Code 945.6 |
Six months goes by fast when you are recovering. If a public bus was involved, consider speaking with a bus accident lawyer early so the claim is filed correctly and on time.
For charter, tour, airport shuttle, and other private buses, you generally have 2 years to file a lawsuit for your injuries (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1). For a child, the time before the child turns 18 generally does not count toward that deadline (Code of Civil Procedure section 352).
You can still recover. In Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975), the California Supreme Court held that a person’s own negligence “shall not bar recovery.” Your damages are reduced by your share of the fault.
Get medical care first, even if you feel fine. If you can, write down the bus number, route, time, and stop, and get names and phone numbers of other passengers who saw what happened. Take photos of the scene and your injuries. Keep your fare card or ticket, which can show you were a passenger.
The bus company or agency may contact you. Before you give a recorded statement or sign anything, consider speaking with a lawyer.
California law measures damages as “the amount which will compensate for all the detriment proximately caused” by the wrongful conduct (Civil Code section 3333). That can include medical bills, future care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Passengers can be thrown inside the bus and suffer serious injuries, including brain injuries. When a crash takes a life, certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim. Read who can file a wrongful death claim in California to see who qualifies.
Bus drivers and other workers hurt on the job may be covered by workers’ compensation benefits. A workers’ comp claim “does not affect” your right to recover damages from someone other than your employer, such as another driver (Labor Code section 3852).
We also represent people hurt in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. See all of our practice areas, or read our personal injury FAQ.
We represent people hurt in bus accidents in Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and throughout California from our Burbank office.
We work on contingency, so you do not pay anything unless we win. The case evaluation is free. Our fee is a share of any recovery, and if there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees.
Often, yes, but first you generally must present a written claim to the agency within 6 months (Government Code 911.2). A lawsuit can follow only after the claim is acted on or deemed rejected (Government Code 945.4).
Possibly. A carrier must use “the utmost care and diligence” for passengers’ safe carriage (Civil Code section 2100). Injuries from sudden stops, falls while boarding, or doors closing on you may be covered.
You do not have to. Early offers often come before the full cost of your treatment is known. Have the offer, and any release you are asked to sign, reviewed before you agree.
If you were hurt in a bus accident, we can review what happened and explain your options. Request your free case evaluation or call us at (213) 493-6300.
You do not pay ANYTHING unless we win!
Last updated: October 2026
This page is general information about California law, not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice about your specific case, talk to a licensed California attorney.
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