Bus Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Claims against public transit agencies can have a six-month deadline. Whether you were on the bus or hit by one, call now to protect your rights.
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- Public agency claims: 6-month deadline
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Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer: What You Need to Know
Millions of people ride buses across Los Angeles every month, on Metro lines, LADOT DASH, Big Blue Bus, Foothill Transit, school buses, airport shuttles, and charter and tour buses. Buses are large, slow to stop, and often lack seat belts for passengers. When a bus crashes, brakes suddenly, or hits another vehicle, passengers can be thrown from their seats, and people in cars, on bikes, and on foot can be seriously hurt.
Bus accident claims are different from ordinary car accidents. When a public agency operates the bus, California law generally requires a written government claim within six months, much shorter than the usual two-year deadline. The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani has helped injured Southern Californians since 1996. Call now for a free case review so we can act before critical deadlines pass.
Why Bus Accident Claims in Los Angeles Are Different
Many Los Angeles bus accidents involve a public agency, such as LA Metro, LADOT, or a city transit service. Claims against public entities follow the Government Claims Act. A written claim generally must be filed within six months, and the agency then has time to respond before a lawsuit can be filed.
Bus operators are also held to a higher standard than ordinary drivers. As common carriers, they must use the utmost care for their passengers' safety. Sudden stops, pulling away before a passenger is seated, and closing doors on riders can all support a claim.
Buses usually record video from several cameras, and that footage can be decisive. But agencies may keep it for only a limited time. A Los Angeles bus accident lawyer can request that the footage be preserved as early as possible.
Bus Accidents We Handle in Los Angeles
Whatever happened, a Los Angeles bus accident attorney on our team can review it for free. We handle cases like these:
Metro & city bus accidents
Crashes involving LA Metro, LADOT DASH, and other public transit buses.
Passenger injuries
Falls and injuries from sudden stops, sharp turns, or collisions while riding.
Cars hit by buses
A bus changes lanes, turns, or rear-ends another vehicle.
Pedestrians hit by buses
People struck while crossing or near a bus stop.
Cyclists hit by buses
Buses pulling to the curb across bike lanes.
School bus accidents
Crashes involving students, school buses, and school vans.
Tour & charter bus accidents
Private buses, party buses, and airport shuttles.
Boarding & exiting injuries
Doors closing too soon or the bus moving before a passenger is safe.
Hurt in a bus accident in Los Angeles?
The insurance company is already building its case. Start building yours with a free call.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
We help people with every kind of injury, from soft-tissue injuries to life-changing ones. Some of the most common:
Head injuries
From striking seats, poles, or windows during a sudden stop.
Back & neck injuries
From being thrown forward or sideways.
Hip & wrist fractures
Common in falls, especially for older passengers.
Knee injuries
From striking seats or falling in the aisle.
Crush injuries
For pedestrians and cyclists struck by a bus.
Wrongful death
Families who lost a loved one may have a claim.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Los Angeles
The steps you take in the first few days can protect your health and your claim.
Get to safety and call 911
Move out of traffic if you can. Call 911 to report injuries and get officers to the scene. Depending on location, responding agencies include: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD); California Highway Patrol (CHP) on freeways; Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
Get medical care right away
Go to the ER or urgent care even if you feel okay. Area hospitals include LAC+USC Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Adrenaline can hide injuries for hours or days.
Document everything
Take photos of every vehicle, plate, the scene, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries. Get the other driver's license, insurance, and plate, plus witness names and phone numbers.
Don't give a recorded statement
Don't admit fault, and don't give the other side's insurance company a recorded statement before you talk to a bus accident lawyer.
Write down the bus details
Note the bus number, route, direction, time, and stop. Ask the operator for an incident report number. These help us request the onboard video.
Call a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer
Call (213) 474-7463 for a free bus accident case review. We'll handle the insurance company and help protect your deadlines.
After a Bus Accident, Insurers Move Fast. So Do We.
After a bus accident, the insurance company on the other side is a business. Its adjuster's job is to close your claim for as little as possible. Common tactics include:
Getting you to downplay your injuries
Adjusters ask how you're feeling in the first days after the crash, before the full extent of an injury is known, and use your answer later.
Recorded statements
A friendly-sounding call can be recorded and used to shift blame onto you. You are not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
Quick, low settlement offers
An early check can look tempting, but once you sign a release, you usually can't reopen the claim if your injuries turn out to be worse.
Delays & blame-shifting
Slow responses, requests for endless records, and arguments that you were partly at fault are all designed to wear you down.
Who May Be Responsible
More than one party can share responsibility for a bus accident. We look at every source of insurance, which may include:
- The public transit agency (such as LA Metro or a city)
- A private bus or charter company
- The bus driver
- Another driver who caused the crash
- A maintenance contractor or bus manufacturer
- A school district or its transportation contractor
Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case
Much of it disappears within days. The sooner you call, the more we can preserve.
- Onboard bus video (agencies may keep it only for a limited time)
- The bus route, number, time, and direction
- Photos of the scene and your injuries
- Names of witnesses and other passengers
- The police report and any agency incident report
- Medical records and bills
California Bus Accident Laws You Should Know
Rules that shape bus accident claims in Los Angeles and across California.
Six-month government claim
Claims against a public entity generally require a written claim within six months of the injury under California Government Code §911.2. Missing it can bar your case.
Highest duty of care
Under California Civil Code §2100, common carriers like bus companies must use the utmost care and diligence for their passengers' safety.
Multiple responsible parties
Liability can be shared by the bus operator, another driver, and others. California's comparative fault rule divides responsibility.
Two-year deadline for private buses
Claims against private bus companies generally follow the two-year personal injury deadline.
Compensation After a Los Angeles Bus Accident
Every bus accident case is different. Depending on your injuries and the facts, a claim may include:
Medical bills
Ambulance, emergency room, hospital stays, surgery, imaging, and doctor visits.
Future medical care
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, and future procedures.
Lost wages
Income you lost while you were hurt, in treatment, or unable to work.
Reduced earning ability
Lost future income if your injuries limit the work you can do.
Pain & suffering
Physical pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life.
Emotional distress
Anxiety, sleep problems, and fear of driving after a crash.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle, bike, or belongings, plus rental costs while your vehicle is out of service.
Out-of-pocket costs
Prescriptions, medical equipment, travel to appointments, and household help.
We can't promise any result, and no one honestly can. After a free review of your facts, we'll explain what your claim may include.
How Our Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case
Here's what happens when you hire our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers, from your first call to the end of your case.
Call us 24/7
Call (213) 474-7463. A member of our intake team answers, listens to what happened in your bus accident, and gathers the basic facts in English or Spanish.
Free case review
We review your bus accident, explain your rights and deadlines, and answer your questions. There's no cost and no obligation.
We take over
We investigate the bus accident, deal with the insurance companies, gather the police report, photos, and medical records, and help you get the care you need.
We pursue your claim
We build your bus accident claim and negotiate with the insurers. If a fair resolution isn't offered, we're prepared to take your case to court in Los Angeles.
Why Choose Call Jacob as Your Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer
Choosing a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles is a big decision. Here's what you get when you call Jacob.
Since 1996
Nearly three decades helping people injured in bus accidents across Southern California.
556 five-star reviews
Real reviews from clients on Google and Yelp.
Available 24/7
Bus Accidents don't happen on a schedule. Our intake team answers day and night.
Hablamos Español
A Spanish-speaking team that can walk you through every step in your language.
No Upfront Fees
You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We know Los Angeles
Local roads, police agencies, hospitals, and courts. We know how bus accidents in Los Angeles are investigated and handled.
What Our Clients Say
Reviews from real clients on Google and Yelp.
“After my auto accident, the law offices of Jacob [Emrani] made a stressful situation so much easier. They were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my case.”Ari D.Google review
“I decided to call Jacob Emrani not knowing what to expect because I've never been in a car accident before. His staff was friendly, help me through the process…”Carlos Y.Google review
“After my car accident I turned to Jacob Emrani for my legal representation. I received the medical attention I needed right away.”Dale S.Google review
“Whenever I had questions they were right on it with a quick response! Thank you all! I will be referring you to family and friends…”Ashley B.Google review
“It was Sally who answered the phone and who walked me through starting the process… She was so kind and helpful. So far, I am glad I called the office of Jacob Emrani.”Cathy K.Google review
556 Five-Star Client Reviews on Google & Yelp
Hurt in a bus accident? Don't wait.
Evidence disappears and deadlines keep running. Call a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer now for a free, confidential case review.
Bus Accident Lawyers Serving All of Los Angeles
We help people hurt in bus accidents on the freeways, boulevards, and neighborhood streets throughout Los Angeles.
Neighborhoods & nearby cities
- Downtown LA
- Koreatown
- Westlake
- Hollywood
- Mid-City
- South LA
- Boyle Heights
- East LA
- North Hollywood
- Van Nuys
- Westwood
- Inglewood
- El Monte
- Pasadena
Freeways & highways
- Wilshire Blvd (Metro Rapid)
- Vermont Ave
- Western Ave
- Downtown LA transit corridors
- Metro G Line (Orange) busway
- Metro J Line (Silver)
- LAX FlyAway routes
Busy corridors
- Wilshire Blvd
- Sunset Blvd
- Figueroa St
- Western Ave
- Vermont Ave
- Olympic Blvd
- Crenshaw Blvd
- La Brea Ave
Who takes the report
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) on freeways
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas and contract cities
Area hospitals
- LAC+USC Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
- California Hospital Medical Center
Local court
- Los Angeles County Superior Court, where most civil injury cases are filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown
Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer FAQs
Straight answers to the questions people ask us most after a bus accident in Los Angeles. Don't see yours? Call (213) 474-7463.
How long do I have to file a claim after a Metro bus accident?
For claims against a public entity like LA Metro or a city transit agency, California generally requires a written government claim within six months of the injury. That is much shorter than the two-year deadline for most injury cases. Call us right away.
I fell when the bus stopped suddenly. Do I have a case?
You may. Bus operators must use the highest degree of care for passenger safety. Sudden stops, sharp turns, or moving before a passenger is seated or safely off can lead to a claim. We review the facts and the onboard video if it's available.
Who pays if a bus hits my car?
The bus operator or agency and its insurer are usually responsible if the bus driver caused the crash. If another driver caused it, their insurer may be responsible. Deadlines differ for public and private buses, so call us for a free review.
Can I sue LA Metro after a bus accident?
You may be able to. First, a written government claim generally must be filed within six months. If the agency rejects the claim or doesn't respond in time, a lawsuit may follow. We handle the claim and the deadlines.
What if I was hurt on a school bus or a school field trip?
School districts are public entities, so the six-month claim rule generally applies. Claims for minors have special rules too. Call us quickly.
Who pays if a private tour or charter bus crashed?
The bus company and its insurer are usually responsible for a driver's negligence. Charter and tour companies often carry commercial policies, and the normal two-year deadline generally applies.
I was a passenger and nobody else was hurt. Do I still have a claim?
You may. Bus operators owe passengers the highest duty of care, and a sudden stop or unsafe driving that caused your fall can support a claim even if no one else was injured.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles?
The first consultation is free. We handle bus accident cases on a contingency fee, which means you don't pay attorney fees upfront; our fee comes from a recovery in your case. Your written fee agreement explains the percentage and how case costs are handled before you sign anything.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in California?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Property damage claims generally have three years. If a government vehicle, public transit, or a dangerous public road was involved, a written claim is usually due within six months. Some exceptions apply, so call us to confirm the deadline for your bus accident case.
What if I was partly at fault for the bus accident?
You may still recover. California uses pure comparative fault, so your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated. Don't admit fault to anyone; let the evidence decide.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a bus accident?
You should report the crash to your own insurer as your policy requires, but you are not required to give the other side's insurer a recorded statement. Talk to a bus accident lawyer before you do.
I haven't seen a doctor since the bus accident. Is that a problem?
Get checked out as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions and soft-tissue injuries, don't show symptoms right away. A gap between the crash and your first treatment is something insurers often use to question your injuries. We can help you find care.
Will my bus accident case go to court?
Most bus accident claims resolve through negotiation without a trial. If the insurance company won't make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may be the right move, and we're prepared to take your case to court.
Does your Los Angeles bus accident lawyer team speak Spanish?
Yes. Hablamos español. Our Spanish-speaking team can handle your call and your bus accident case in Spanish from start to finish.
Talk to a Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer Today
One call is all it takes to get answers about your bus accident claim. Our intake team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish.
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