California Bus Accident Lawyer
California Bus Accident Lawyers Who Navigate Two Sets of Rules
Buses are classified as common carriers under California law, meaning they owe passengers the utmost care and diligence for their safe transportation — a duty much higher than the “ordinary care” standard that applies to regular drivers. Civil Code § 2100 imposes that heightened duty on every bus operator in the state. It is one of the most plaintiff-friendly standards in California tort law. But there is a catch: when the bus is government-operated — LA Metro, SFMTA Muni, AC Transit, Sacramento Regional Transit, a school district, a state-owned shuttle — the California Government Claims Act (Government Code § 911.2) requires the injured person to file a written notice of claim within six months of the incident before they can file suit.
Compass Law Group, LLP handles California bus cases from seven offices — Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, and Bell Gardens. Our firm has recovered $250,000,000+ total for California injury victims.
Common Carrier Law and the § 2100 Duty of Utmost Care
Common carrier law traces back to 19th-century stagecoach rules and it has survived because the rationale remains: when a passenger places their safety entirely in the hands of a commercial transportation operator, the operator should owe more than ordinary care. California courts consistently enforce the § 2100 utmost-care standard against bus operators, train operators, taxis, rideshare drivers, airlines, and elevators. In a bus crash case, this means that even minor operator errors can give rise to liability — the defense cannot escape by arguing that a reasonable driver “could have made the same mistake.” Utmost care means more than that.
Who Operates California Buses
Bus operators in California fall into several categories, each with its own legal framework:
- Public transit agencies — LA Metro, SFMTA Muni, AC Transit (Oakland/Alameda), Sacramento Regional Transit, OCTA, VTA, Long Beach Transit, Metrolink. Six-month government claim deadline applies.
- School districts and public schools — school bus operators are public entities; six-month claim deadline applies.
- Charter bus and tour companies — private companies carrying passengers on tours, casino runs, weddings, and special events. Two-year statute of limitations. Subject to DOT and CHP regulations.
- Intercity bus lines — Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus. Two-year statute. Subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (see our truck accident practice).
- Airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, and private shuttles — private common carriers under California law. Two-year statute.
- Church, camp, and community buses — often private carriers, but sometimes operated by nonprofit or governmental entities.
Who Gets Hurt in California Bus Crashes
Bus crashes injure passengers inside the bus, drivers of other vehicles struck by the bus, pedestrians hit at bus stops, cyclists run over by buses making right turns, motorcyclists merging near buses, and car occupants rear-ended by buses that cannot stop in time. The injury pattern is severe because of the size and mass of the bus relative to passenger vehicles and human bodies: traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple long-bone fractures, internal organ damage, burn injuries in post-collision fires, and wrongful death. When the bus driver was impaired, our drunk driving accident attorneys add punitive damages. When a bus passenger falls because of a slippery floor, the case follows premises liability rules layered with the common-carrier utmost-care standard. When a dog on board attacks a passenger, the owner and the carrier may share liability.
How We Value a California Bus Accident Case
Bus case value depends on liability, injury severity, the common-carrier duty of utmost care, and the available insurance. Public transit agencies self-insure up to a retention and carry excess coverage. Private charter companies carry commercial liability policies with limits in the millions. Factors that push a bus case toward the top of its range:
- Clear common-carrier duty — passenger inside the bus engages § 2100 utmost care
- Documented severe injury requiring surgery and long-term care
- Egregious operator conduct — driver fatigue, phone use, hours-of-service violations, prior disciplinary records
- Multiple injured plaintiffs — single bus crash often injures 10-30 people at once
- Clear liability — surveillance video (most public transit buses have extensive camera coverage), CHP report, witness statements
We only take bus cases we are prepared to try. California common-carrier verdicts routinely reach seven and eight figures in catastrophic cases. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
California Deadlines — The 6-Month Government Claim Trap
This is the single most important thing to know about a California bus case involving a public transit agency or a public school district: you have six months from the date of the incident to file a written government claim under Government Code § 911.2. Miss that deadline and the claim is barred even if you still have plenty of time under the two-year statute of limitations. A claim filed more than six months late can sometimes be revived by a late-claim petition, but that is a narrow exception that requires showing mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect. Do not rely on it.
Private bus cases follow the ordinary two-year rule under CCP § 335.1. Wrongful death claims from fatal bus crashes follow the two-year rule under CCP § 377.60 — but the government claim deadline still applies if the defendant is a public entity.
California Cities Where Bus Crashes Concentrate
LA Metro buses operate across Los Angeles County on dozens of heavily-used routes. Wilshire, Vermont, Western, and Figueroa Boulevards in LA produce the highest volume of transit bus injury cases in the state. Long Beach Transit serves Long Beach and adjacent cities with a network that runs through Ocean Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. Beverly Hills is served by Metro routes along Wilshire and Santa Monica. In the Bay Area, SFMTA Muni in San Francisco and AC Transit in Oakland handle the highest passenger volumes, with particularly dense bus pedestrian interactions on Market Street and International Boulevard. In Sacramento, Sacramento Regional Transit runs light rail and bus routes through downtown, midtown, and the K Street corridor. In Bell Gardens, Metro and Long Beach Transit serve the Eastern Avenue and Florence Avenue corridors.
First 48 Hours After a California Bus Crash
Report the incident to the bus operator and request an incident report number. Get medical care immediately — bus crashes commonly cause injuries that do not fully present until the next day. Photograph the bus, any visible injuries, the interior where you were seated, and the scene. Collect contact info from every witness and passenger who is willing to share. Obtain the CHP or local police report number. Preserve the fare receipt, trip ticket, or Clipper/TAP card transaction as proof of ridership. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster. If the bus is government-operated, act fast: the six-month government claim deadline is running from the moment of the incident. Call a California bus accident attorney immediately.
Meet the Attorneys Leading Your Case
Your case at Compass Law Group is led by one of our two managing partners. Together they bring decades of California personal injury trial experience, hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, and a courtroom record that forces defense carriers to take the case seriously from day one.
Joseph Shirazi — Managing Partner, CA Bar #265403. A Loyola Law School graduate named to the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and holder of an Avvo 10.0 “Superb” rating. His results include a $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict. He is a member of Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and the American Association for Justice. Read Joseph Shirazi’s full bio →
Simon Esfandi — Managing Partner, CA Bar #275307. A Southwestern Law School graduate recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. He led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery, and focuses his practice on catastrophic personal injury trials. Read Simon Esfandi’s full bio →
Both partners are admitted to practice in every California state trial court and in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Compass Law Group was founded in 2015, maintains a 5.0/5.0 rating on Google across 193+ verified client reviews, and has recovered more than $250,000,000 for injury victims across the state. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Why Compass Law Group
- $250,000,000+ recovered for California injury victims
- 5.0 stars on Google, 193+ verified client reviews
- Seven California offices — Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Bell Gardens
- No win, no fee — we advance every case cost and only get paid when you do
- Free consultations in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean — 24/7 at (213) 320-1001
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is liable in a bus accident — the driver or the transit agency?
Both. Under California vicarious-liability rules, the transit agency is legally responsible for the negligence of its drivers acting within the scope of employment. The agency can also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Private bus companies face the same layered liability.
How do I file a claim against a government-run bus?
You must file a written notice of claim with the public entity within six months of the incident under California Government Code § 911.2. The claim must identify the incident, the damages sought, and the claimant. After the entity rejects or ignores the claim, you can file a civil lawsuit within six months of the rejection. Missing this deadline bars the case.
What is the average bus accident settlement in California?
No average. Bus case values range from five figures for soft-tissue injuries to eight figures for catastrophic or fatal cases. The common-carrier § 2100 duty of utmost care and strong insurance coverage at most public agencies and private bus companies push case values higher than comparable car crash cases. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim?
Six months for a government claim under Government Code § 911.2 if the bus was operated by a public entity (LA Metro, SFMTA, school district, etc.). Two years from the crash date for private bus cases under CCP § 335.1. The government claim deadline is strictly enforced.
Can bus passengers sue for injuries?
Yes. California Civil Code § 2100 imposes the common-carrier duty of utmost care on bus operators. That heightened duty makes passenger injury claims among the strongest cases in California personal injury law.
What types of injuries are common in bus accidents?
Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, severe lacerations from shattered windows and rails, whiplash and cervical injury, burn injuries in post-collision fires, and in the worst cases wrongful death.
Talk to a California Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash anywhere in California, call Compass Law Group, LLP at (213) 320-1001 immediately. The six-month government claim deadline does not wait — free consultations, no-win no-fee representation, 24/7 availability in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean.
Do I have a case?
Contact us today for a free consultation.
California's
Gold Standard
Injury Law Firm
With Joseph Shirazi and Simon Esfandi at the helm, our firm is a trusted name in accident law in California.
Meet Our Managing Partners
National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Avvo 10.0 Superb. Loyola Law School graduate. Recognized for his $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict.
Read Full Bio →
Super Lawyers Rising Star. Southwestern Law School graduate. Led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery.
Read Full Bio →- ★ National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- ★ Super Lawyers Rising Star
- ★ Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating
- ★ Top 40 Under 40
- ★ Consumer Attorneys of California · CAALA · AAJ
Countless Real Client Reviews Verified by Google
Jerry
After 10 accidents and 9 attorneys, the client met Simon, who stood out for his honesty and clear communication. Years later, after another accident, the client called Simon and was impressed by his professionalism and follow-through. Simon explained everything, connected him with top doctors, and kept every promise. It was the first time the client felt truly supported—highly recommending Simon and Joseph for their integrity and dedication.
Jacob
Jacob was rear-ended by a big rig and left nearly paralyzed for a year. He found Cooper Law Group, and Joseph and Simon personally helped him through the legal process. Over two years, they ensured he got the medical care and surgeries he needed, helped repair his car, and secured the compensation he deserved. He highly recommends them for truly fighting for their clients.
Blandine
During the early days of COVID, Blandine was hit by a car while biking to work. Alone and unsure of what to do, they found Compass Law Group. Joseph was the first to respond with care and clarity. Throughout the case, the team—Joseph, Simon, and Julie—provided support, regular check-ins, and made the client feel safe and cared for. They now consider the firm like family and highly recommend them for their compassion and competence.
Understanding Your Rights:
Frequently Asked
Questions
#1 Do I have a case?
Understanding whether a claim exists is one of the challenges of personal injury law. This is why we offer free initial consultations to help you make this determination and allow you an avenue to vindicate your rights.
We’re committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Southern California, and, unlike other California personal injury attorneys, we will take on any case if we can help, no matter how big or small.
#2 What is personal injury?
Personal injury involves harm to an individual’s body or property caused by someone else’s negligence. It can range from minor to significant injuries, often requiring legal action to recover damages. We specialize in representing and securing fair settlements for such victims.
#3 Why hire Compass Law Group?
Our client-focused approach ensures personalized attention, detailed case building, and compelling evidence presentation. We’re skilled in negotiating settlements and prepared for trial with aggressive strategies. Our firm maintains transparent communication, involves clients in the process, and utilizes a wide network of expert witnesses and resources to strengthen cases. Choosing us means trusting a team dedicated to your success and justice.
#4What if I didn't go to the hospital?
No matter the injury size, you have rights that need defending. Many injuries seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Ignoring treatment or legal advice risks your health and compensation. Seek immediate medical and legal help after any accident to ensure proper diagnosis and strengthen your compensation claim.