Bus Accident

In California, liability after a bus accident can extend well beyond the driver. Depending on the facts of your case, you may have claims against the bus company, a tour operator, the entity responsible for bus maintenance, a defective auto parts manufacturer, or even another driver who contributed to the crash. California's comparative fault rules under Civil Code Section 1431.2 allow multiple parties to be held responsible for their proportionate share of your damages, which is why a thorough investigation is critical before filing any claim.

If your bus accident involved a private company, California's statute of limitations under CCP Section 335.1 gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a public entity operated the bus — such as LA Metro or a school district — you must file a government tort claim within just six months of the incident under the California Government Claims Act (Government Code Section 911.2). Missing either deadline almost certainly means losing your right to compensation, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible is essential.

California law allows bus accident victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity, while non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious misconduct — such as a bus company that knowingly kept a dangerously fatigued driver on the road — California Civil Code Section 3294 also allows punitive damages designed to punish and deter that behavior.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries feel minor — symptoms of traumatic brain injuries and internal damage can be delayed by hours or days. After getting medical care, document everything you can: photographs of the scene, contact information for witnesses, and a copy of any police or incident report. Critically, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney, because those statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim entirely.

Yes — California follows a pure comparative negligence system under Civil Code Section 1714, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% responsible and awards $500,000 in damages, you would still recover $400,000. An experienced bus accident attorney can work to minimize any fault attributed to you during negotiations or at trial.

No — you should almost never accept a first settlement offer without consulting an attorney, especially after a serious bus accident. Insurance companies routinely make lowball offers early in the process, before the full extent of your injuries and long-term medical needs are known. Once you sign a release and accept a settlement, you permanently waive your right to seek additional compensation, even if your condition worsens. The bus accident attorneys at Mendez & Sanchez can evaluate any offer against the full value of your economic and non-economic damages before you make any decisions.

The majority of bus accident cases in California are resolved through settlement negotiations before ever reaching a courtroom, but having attorneys who are fully prepared to take your case to trial is what gives you the most leverage at the negotiating table. Insurance companies and bus operators take claims far more seriously when they know your legal team is willing and able to litigate. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a skilled bus accident attorney will build the strongest possible case for trial, presenting evidence of liability, expert medical testimony, and documented damages to a Los Angeles County jury.