Pasadena Bus accident attorney in Los Angeles, California Attorney

Los Angeles moves 1.2 million people by bus every single weekday. LA Metro, DASH, Big Blue Bus, Foothill Transit, and dozens of private charter companies fill the streets with vehicles that weigh 25,000 to 40,000 pounds. When something goes wrong — a distracted bus driver runs a red light, a mechanic skips a brake inspection, or a passenger falls because the driver accelerated before they sat down — the injuries can be severe.

At McNally Law Offices, our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers have more than 30 years of experience handling claims against transit authorities, private bus operators, and the insurance companies that protect them. Bus accident cases are more complicated than a typical car crash, and they require an attorney who understands how to take on government agencies and large transportation companies.

Types of Bus Accidents We Handle in Los Angeles

We represent victims injured in every type of bus-related incident across the greater Los Angeles area:

• Metro and public transit crashes — Collisions involving LA Metro buses, DASH shuttle buses, and municipal transit vehicles. Claims against public agencies have strict filing deadlines that most people do not know about.
• School bus accidents — Crashes involving school district buses, whether the victim is a student onboard, a pedestrian near a bus stop, or an occupant of another vehicle.
• Private and charter bus crashes — Tour buses, party buses, employee shuttles, and charter coaches operated by private companies.
• Passenger injuries without a collision — Riders thrown from their seats when a driver brakes suddenly, accelerates before passengers are seated, or takes a turn too fast. These injuries happen more often than people realize, and the bus company is still liable.
• Pedestrian accidents at bus stops — Pedestrians struck while boarding, exiting, or standing near a bus stop. These incidents are common along congested corridors like Wilshire Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.

Why Bus Accident Claims Are More Complicated

Filing a claim after a bus accident is not the same as filing one after a car crash. Several factors make these cases harder:

Government immunity and short deadlines. If a public transit bus caused your injuries, you are filing a claim against a government entity. California’s Government Claims Act requires you to file an administrative claim within six months of the accident — not the usual two years. Miss that deadline and your case is over, no matter how strong it is.

Multiple liable parties. A single bus accident may involve the bus driver, the transit authority, a maintenance contractor, the bus manufacturer, and even the city itself if a road defect contributed to the crash. Sorting out who is responsible — and who has insurance — takes experience and thorough investigation.

Corporate legal teams. Private bus companies carry commercial insurance policies worth millions and employ experienced defense lawyers. You need attorneys who will not be intimidated and know how to counter their tactics.

Our firm has decades of experience handling claims against Metro, the City of Los Angeles, LA County, and private transportation companies. We know the procedural requirements, the deadlines, and the strategies that get results.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Los Angeles

Through our investigations, we consistently see the same contributing factors:

• Driver fatigue from long shifts with inadequate rest between routes
• Distracted driving — phone use, GPS adjustments, and passenger interactions
• Inadequate driver training or failure to conduct proper background checks
• Deferred maintenance — worn brakes, bald tires, and malfunctioning mirrors
• Speeding to stay on schedule, especially during rush hour
• Failure to yield at intersections or when merging back into traffic from stops
• Poor road conditions and construction zones along bus routes

Injuries from Bus Accidents

The size and weight of a bus means injuries tend to be serious. Our clients have suffered:

• Broken bones, including hip fractures common among elderly passengers who fall inside the bus
• Traumatic brain injuries from being thrown against handrails, seats, or the floor
• Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
• Neck and back injuries, including whiplash from sudden stops
• Knee, shoulder, and wrist injuries from bracing for impact
• Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma, anxiety about public transportation, and post-traumatic stress

Compensation for Bus Accident Victims

California law entitles bus accident victims to recover damages for:

• Medical costs — Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care
• Lost wages — Income missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity for permanent injuries
• Pain and suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
• Property damage — If your vehicle was involved in the collision
• Wrongful death — Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship if a family member was killed

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Los Angeles?

It depends on who operated the bus. For public transit buses (Metro, DASH, municipal), you must file an administrative claim within six months of the accident under California’s Government Claims Act. For private bus companies, the standard two-year statute of limitations applies. Do not wait — contact an attorney immediately to make sure you meet the right deadline.

Can I sue if I was injured as a passenger inside the bus?

Yes. Bus operators owe their passengers a heightened duty of care under California law because they are “common carriers.” This means the bus company must use the highest degree of care and diligence to safely transport passengers. If a driver braked too hard, took a turn too fast, or drove recklessly, and you were injured as a result, you have a valid claim.

What if the bus driver was not at fault?

Bus accidents can involve many liable parties. Even if the driver did everything right, the bus company might be liable for failing to maintain the brakes. A road maintenance agency might be liable for a pothole that caused the driver to lose control. We investigate every potential source of liability.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The consultation is free.

Contact Our Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers

If you were hurt in a bus accident anywhere in Los Angeles County — whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle — McNally Law Offices can help. We serve clients from our Pasadena and Century City offices across the entire greater LA area.

Call (626) 584-5744 today for a free case evaluation, or reach us through our contact page. Time limits are strict on bus accident claims, so do not delay.