Bus Accident Lawyer in Pasadena & Los Angeles
Bus accident claims split into two very different tracks. If the bus is operated by a public agency — Metro, a school district, a municipal transit authority — your claim is against a government entity, and California’s Government Claims Act generally requires a formal claim to be filed within six months of the incident, far shorter than the normal two-year window. If the bus is privately operated (a tour or charter company), the claim proceeds more like an ordinary negligence or commercial-vehicle case. Either way, getting the right paperwork moving quickly matters more than usual.
Common Causes
- Bus driver inattention or fatigue
- Sudden stops or hard braking causing passengers to fall
- Failure to secure wheelchairs or mobility devices
- Mechanical failure from inadequate maintenance
- Other drivers failing to yield to a bus re-entering traffic
Compensation That May Be Available
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages in fatal incidents
California Law Note
Because of the short government-claim deadline, if a public transit agency may be involved, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible — missing the six-month window can permanently bar the claim.
Related Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Most California personal injury claims — car accidents, slip-and-falls, dog bites, and similar cases — must be filed within two years of the date of injury under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Wrongful death claims generally follow the same two-year rule, measured from the date of death. There are important exceptions: claims against a government agency (a city, county, school district, or transit authority like Metro) usually require a formal claim within six months, and the clock can run differently for claims involving a minor. Because missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim, it’s worth confirming your specific deadline early rather than assuming the standard two years applies.
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