Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
Learn your next steps here and get the maximum compensation with our step-by-step walkthrough
Your well-being should be your top priority
Call 911 immediately and contact the local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Ensure to collect at least the driver’s name, address, and date of birth alongside their license number and state
If you are not too injured, take good pictures of the scene and some videos if you can
Carefully label and safe-keep any proof you’ve gathered to help your case
Reach out to your agent and/or your insurance company immediately
Contact your lawyer as soon as possible
Every case is unique, so it’s important to consult with a legal professional who can provide specific guidance based on your situation. They can guide you through the legal process, help protect your rights, and pursue any potential compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Los Angeles depends on its vast public transit system—especially buses—to keep millions of people moving through the city every day. However, bus accidents continue to be a serious concern across the region. These crashes can result in devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain for passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. Whether caused by heavy traffic, driver negligence, mechanical problems, or hazardous stops, bus accidents in Los Angeles often lead to long-term or even permanent consequences.
Dealing with the aftermath of a bus accident in Los Angeles can be daunting—particularly when recovery involves surgeries, physical therapy, or ongoing medical treatment. Victims may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. Partnering with a knowledgeable Los Angeles bus accident attorney can be crucial to building a strong case and securing the resources needed for recovery and rebuilding your life.
This guide breaks down the most frequent types of bus accident claims, available forms of compensation, and key legal actions to take after a crash in Los Angeles. Knowing your rights under California law can help you navigate this difficult time and make informed choices about your health, finances, and future.
At RMD Law, we understand how devastating a bus accident can be for victims and their loved ones. Our skilled legal team has extensive experience representing individuals injured in bus collisions throughout Los Angeles, including areas served by LA Metro, LADOT, and other public and private transportation providers. We deliver personalized, compassionate legal representation supported by a strong history of favorable results. Whether your case involves a city bus, a school bus, or a private transit vehicle, we are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation you deserve—every step of the way.
Bus accidents involving LA Metro and LADOT vehicles can lead to complex legal challenges due to the involvement of government agencies. These cases often require strict adherence to specific procedures and deadlines, including filing a government claim within a limited time frame. At RMD Law, we are well-versed in the legal nuances that come with holding public transit authorities accountable for negligence, unsafe operations, or maintenance failures.
Whether you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist, our team will investigate every detail of the crash—gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and working with experts to build a compelling case on your behalf. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take, and we fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they need for medical bills, lost income, and long-term care.
Our commitment is simple: to stand up for the rights of injury victims and make sure no one has to face the aftermath of a transit-related accident alone. When you choose RMD Law, you gain a dedicated legal partner ready to take on LA’s powerful transit agencies and pursue justice with skill and compassion.
Bus-related collisions pose a considerable risk on Los Angeles’s bustling thoroughfares.
In Los Angeles, buses are classified as “common carriers” under California law, meaning they owe passengers the highest standard of care. This elevated legal duty mandates that both public and private transit providers take every reasonable precaution to ensure passenger safety. When transit agencies or bus operators in areas like Downtown LA or Hollywood fall short—due to operator negligence, poor upkeep, or inadequate training—they can be held legally liable. This principle is a core element in most bus accident claims across Los Angeles and is essential to understand when pursuing compensation for injuries.
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury (SCI) vary depending on the severity and location of the trauma. Some effects are immediate and obvious, while others develop over time. Even injuries that appear minor at first can result in long-term complications. Below are some of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals with spinal cord injuries in Irvine:
LA Metro operates one of the busiest public transit systems in the country, with buses and rail lines crisscrossing Los Angeles County. Accidents involving Metro buses or trains can occur due to driver negligence, equipment failure, or unsafe intersections. Because Metro is a government entity, injury claims must follow strict procedures and short filing deadlines. These cases often involve multiple victims and require detailed investigations into transit operations and maintenance records.
LADOT’s DASH and Commuter Express buses serve high-traffic areas like Downtown LA, Koreatown, and Hollywood. Collisions involving these smaller transit vehicles often happen on congested city streets, where tight turns, frequent stops, and pedestrian traffic increase the risk of crashes. Whether caused by driver distraction, poor vehicle upkeep, or unsafe routes, LADOT can be held accountable for injuries. Victims may need to act quickly due to government claim deadlines and complex legal requirements.
The Big Blue Bus system, operated by the City of Santa Monica, connects Westside neighborhoods to key locations like UCLA, Downtown LA, and LAX. Accidents involving BBB buses can range from pedestrian strikes to multi-vehicle crashes on major roads like Wilshire or Lincoln Boulevard. When negligence is involved—such as driver error or improper fleet maintenance—injured passengers or bystanders may have a valid claim against the city. Legal actions must comply with specific procedures for filing claims against municipal transit agencies.
Airport shuttle services like LAX FlyAway transport thousands of travelers daily to and from terminals across Los Angeles. These vehicles often navigate heavy freeway traffic, busy airport zones, and hotel corridors—making them prone to rear-end crashes, sudden stops, or luggage-related injuries. Liability may fall on the shuttle company, the airport authority, or third-party drivers. Because these cases can involve both public and private entities, identifying the at-fault party is critical.
Tour and charter buses are common throughout tourist-heavy areas like Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, and Griffith Park. These large vehicles can pose risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, especially when operated by inexperienced or overworked drivers. Poor vehicle maintenance or unsafe driving practices may contribute to rollovers, crashes, or falls inside the bus. Depending on the operator, legal claims may involve private companies, subcontractors, or event organizers.
Identifying the cause of a bus crash is a critical step in building a strong legal case. Below are the most common factors contributing to bus collisions in Los Angeles:
Bus drivers are responsible for safely transporting large numbers of passengers. However, distractions like mobile phone use, eating behind the wheel, or even casual conversation can lead to catastrophic errors. A momentary lapse in judgment can cause accidents involving other vehicles or vulnerable road users like pedestrians.
Los Angeles transit drivers often work extended hours, especially on busy commuter routes. Fatigue slows reaction time and affects decision-making. Employers who require excessive driving without adequate rest may be held responsible if fatigue contributed to the crash.
Bus operators must be trained in defensive driving, passenger safety, and emergency procedures. When companies overlook background checks or skip thorough training, they increase the risk of serious accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas like LA’s Westside or Koreatown.
Accidents stemming from brake failure, worn tires, or steering issues often trace back to negligent maintenance. While routine inspections are mandated, some operators cut corners or falsify maintenance logs. Mechanical defects can serve as powerful evidence of fault.
Dangerous intersections, damaged pavement, unclear lane markings, or inadequate street lighting can all contribute to bus accidents. While drivers are expected to stay alert, municipal agencies may also be liable if poor infrastructure played a role.
Not every bus accident is the fault of the operator. Other drivers may run red lights, cut off buses, or engage in unsafe lane changes. Proving liability in these cases often involves traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction, and eyewitness testimony.
Several parties may be at fault in a Los Angeles bus accident. A full investigation is necessary to determine responsibility and increase your chances of full compensation
Operators can be held accountable if their negligent actions—like speeding, texting, or ignoring signals—caused the crash. Their conduct is especially important on public routes like those managed by LA Metro.
Entities such as the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and other private carriers must ensure their drivers are well-trained and their fleets are properly maintained. Failing to meet these obligations can constitute negligence.
Government entities may bear legal responsibility if dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or unaddressed infrastructure hazards contributed to the accident. Suing a public agency requires compliance with strict procedural rules under California law.
If a defective part—like a faulty braking system or malfunctioning door—caused the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be liable. These cases typically require expert analysis and technical investigation to determine the source of failure.
Pursuing compensation after an accident involving a government-operated bus, such as LA Metro, involves a specialized legal process with strict requirements.
The California Government Claims Act requires victims to submit an administrative claim within six months of the incident. This is a far shorter timeframe than the two-year statute for standard personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline could permanently jeopardize your claim
Claims must include specific details like the date and location of the crash, nature of injuries, and the amount being sought. Incomplete or unclear submissions may be delayed or denied. Supporting evidence such as medical records, accident photos, and witness statements is crucial.
The agency has 45 days to respond to your claim. If the agency denies the claim or fails to respond, you are permitted to file a lawsuit. It’s important to track deadlines carefully to preserve your legal rights.
Claims against public agencies like LA Metro require precise filings and expert navigation of complex legal rules. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, communicate with agencies, and help you avoid costly errors. In many cases, multiple parties—including government contractors and third-party drivers—may share liability, adding further complexity.
Due to their size, capacity, and lack of standard safety features like seatbelts, buses involved in accidents throughout Los Angeles often result in severe and varied injuries. These injuries can impact not only passengers but also drivers of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in high-traffic areas such as Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Westwood.
Abrupt stops or collisions on a city bus can cause passengers to be violently thrown, leading to neck strains, whiplash, or torn ligaments. Those standing or seated without restraints are particularly susceptible. Symptoms like stiffness or pain may take time to develop, so getting a medical evaluation right away is vital for recovery and documentation.
When riders are tossed inside a moving bus, they can strike windows, poles, or floors—resulting in concussions or more serious brain injuries. Even a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact memory, speech, and behavior. These injuries often require long-term monitoring, especially if cognitive function is affected.
Spinal cord damage is among the most life-altering outcomes of a serious bus crash. From disc herniations to fractured vertebrae or partial paralysis, these injuries often demand surgical intervention and months or years of rehabilitation. Victims may suffer chronic pain or permanent mobility loss.
High-speed impacts and rollover crashes can cause fractured limbs, hips, or ribs. Sharp metal, shattered glass, or debris can also result in puncture wounds or deep cuts. Victims frequently require surgery and extended physical therapy and may be left with long-term physical limitations or permanent scars.
In addition to physical harm, survivors of violent bus crashes in LA often suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Emotional distress can interfere with work, relationships, and day-to-day activities. Counseling or psychiatric care may be necessary to achieve full emotional recovery.
The aftermath of a bus accident in Los Angeles can be chaotic, but what you do in those first moments matters. Taking swift action helps protect your health, safeguard your rights, and preserve key evidence for any potential claim.
Even if you think you weren’t seriously hurt, see a doctor as soon as possible. Internal injuries, concussions, or whiplash may not be obvious right away. Prompt treatment also helps connect your injuries to the accident in official medical records, which is crucial for your case.
Call 911 so that emergency services and law enforcement can respond. Be sure the incident is officially reported—whether LA Metro, LADOT, or another agency operated the bus. An accident report creates a paper trail that supports future insurance or legal claims.
Take pictures of the bus, surrounding traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If you can, collect contact details from witnesses or fellow passengers. These images and testimonies can be essential later when determining who was at fault.
Transit officials or insurance representatives may try to contact you soon after the crash. Do not provide recorded statements or sign anything until you consult a lawyer. These early conversations can be used to limit your compensation later on.
An attorney experienced in Los Angeles transit accidents can help identify liable parties and handle complex procedures. Claims involving public agencies like LA Metro have strict timelines and require in-depth legal knowledge to navigate properlo
Working with an attorney experienced in Los Angeles bus and public transit accident cases gives you a clear advantage. These claims often involve complicated legal procedures, tight deadlines, and powerful public entities like LA Metro or LADOT that may aggressively dispute liability.
A knowledgeable attorney will investigate every detail—reviewing driver conduct, maintenance logs, police reports, and available video footage. They may also consult crash reconstruction experts or mechanics to uncover vehicle defects or operational errors. This in-depth analysis is critical for proving negligence and strengthening your claim.
Filing a claim against a government-run transit service like LA Metro requires careful compliance with strict legal rules. Your attorney will handle the administrative process, meet the required deadlines, and communicate with city or county officials on your behalf. Their familiarity with these procedures helps prevent costly errors or case dismissals.
Your lawyer will evaluate all aspects of your losses—including ER visits, surgeries, emotional trauma, lost income, and long-term care needs. They’ll negotiate assertively to secure a settlement that fully reflects the impact of your injuries. If the insurance or transit agency offers too little, your attorney will challenge it.
If a settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will take the case to court and present your side to a judge or jury. This includes preparing witnesses, introducing evidence, and telling your story clearly and persuasively. Having a skilled trial attorney ensures you’re fully equipped to pursue justice if litigation becomes necessary.
Strong documentation is key to proving your bus accident claim in Los Angeles. The more clearly you can link your injuries to the crash, the more likely you are to receive full compensation.
Police reports, incident documents from LA Metro or LADOT, and eyewitness testimony can confirm how the accident occurred. These records often contain critical details about driver behavior, traffic conditions, and vehicle operations. Early collection of this evidence prevents later disputes.
Visual proof like crash scene photos, interior bus damage, or injury images can be powerful. Buses often have onboard surveillance, and nearby businesses may have security cameras. Dashcams and mobile phone videos may also capture valuable footage leading up to or during the crash.
Your diagnosis, prescriptions, hospital records, and physical therapy reports all help demonstrate the extent and cause of your injuries. Following a consistent medical treatment plan strengthens your case by showing the crash directly impacted your health.
Testimony from specialists can reinforce your legal claim. Accident reconstruction experts can explain what caused the collision, while doctors, therapists, or financial experts may testify about injury severity or long-term effects. Their analysis can be crucial in settlement negotiations or court.
Working with an attorney experienced in Los Angeles bus and public transit accident cases gives you a clear advantage. These claims often involve complicated legal procedures, tight deadlines, and powerful public entities like LA Metro or LADOT that may aggressively dispute liability.
A knowledgeable attorney will investigate every detail—reviewing driver conduct, maintenance logs, police reports, and available video footage. They may also consult crash reconstruction experts or mechanics to uncover vehicle defects or operational errors. This in-depth analysis is critical for proving negligence and strengthening your claim.
Filing a claim against a government-run transit service like LA Metro requires careful compliance with strict legal rules. Your attorney will handle the administrative process, meet the required deadlines, and communicate with city or county officials on your behalf. Their familiarity with these procedures helps prevent costly errors or case dismissals.
Your lawyer will evaluate all aspects of your losses—including ER visits, surgeries, emotional trauma, lost income, and long-term care needs. They’ll negotiate assertively to secure a settlement that fully reflects the impact of your injuries. If the insurance or transit agency offers too little, your attorney will challenge it.
If a settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will take the case to court and present your side to a judge or jury. This includes preparing witnesses, introducing evidence, and telling your story clearly and persuasively. Having a skilled trial attorney ensures you’re fully equipped to pursue justice if litigation becomes necessary.
Every case is unique, but certain factors help determine how much compensation you can receive after a bus accident in Los Angeles. A personal injury lawyer can assess these elements to give you a more accurate estimate.
More serious injuries—such as brain trauma, spinal damage, or internal bleeding—typically result in higher compensation due to the cost and duration of treatment. Minor sprains or bruises, while still important, may yield smaller settlements.
Injuries that impact your ability to work, care for yourself, or engage in everyday tasks significantly increase the value of your case. Long-term disabilities or chronic conditions are especially influential when calculating non-economic damages.
When the bus operator or agency is clearly responsible, your case is stronger. But under California’s comparative fault rules, your award may be reduced if you share some of the blame. Identifying all responsible parties helps maximize your recovery.
Bus accident claims involving city or county agencies may be limited by statutory caps on damages. Your lawyer can identify all relevant insurance policies, including those held by subcontractors, private bus lines, or third-party drivers, to ensure you pursue every available source of compensation.
Strict deadlines apply to bus accident claims in California, and missing them could prevent you from receiving compensation. Understanding the correct filing timeframe is essential for protecting your legal rights.
For accidents involving private buses or individuals, California law gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is strictly enforced, so starting the process early is strongly advised.
If a public agency like LA Metro or LADOT was involved, you must submit a government claim within six months of the incident. If your claim is denied, you usually have another six months to file a lawsuit. Failure to follow this process often results in dismissal.
Certain exceptions apply to minors, individuals with mental incapacity, or cases involving delayed discovery of injuries. While these may extend the deadline slightly, they require strong supporting documentation. A qualified attorney can determine if any exceptions apply in your case.
Our firm stands ready to offer reliable legal counsel and seek the monetary restitution you deserve. Reach out to us now for a complimentary case evaluation.
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Reach Out to RMD Law for a Free Consultation About Your Bus Accident in California
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in California, contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. Our team is ready to provide trusted legal advice and pursue the financial compensation you need.
If you were hurt in a bus crash in Los Angeles due to someone else’s careless actions—such as a distracted driver, unsafe road conditions, or faulty transit equipment—you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim under California law. A qualified attorney will examine several key factors, including:
California follows a comparative negligence system, which means you can still pursue damages even if you share some blame for the accident.
Yes. Bus crashes in Los Angeles often involve not just physical injuries but also emotional and psychological trauma that can deeply affect your life.
Californian families rely on our firm to manage public transportation accident claims, a trust we honor with dedication and care. Here’s what they’ve shared:
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Over $200,000,000 total recent personal injury wins for our clients. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers are eager to fight for you.
RMD Law found an insurance code violation by the defense insurance company in a dog bite injury case. With smart lawyering, we used the violation to argue that the $100,000 policy limits no longer applied.
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Confidential bad faith settlement – a negligent driver t-boned our client at a red light resulting in severe spinal injuries. The defendant’s insurance company unreasonably refused to pay the $100K policy limit. RMD Law filed a lawsuit seeking the true value of the case. Policy was opened, and the client settled for an amount vastly higher than the original limits.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
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RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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