Beverly Hills Bus Accident Lawyer - Saeedian Law Group

A bus gets into an accident on the side of the road

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Southern California’s public transportation system may not be as well-used as those on the East Coast, but many people depend on local bus systems to get to and from work. Unfortunately, bus accidents in Beverly Hills and throughout California are far too common. Most bus accidents are caused by one or more parties’ negligence or recklessness. Following an accident, it is imperative that you are able to get justice and the maximum financial compensation.

If you or your loved one have been injured in a Beverly Hills bus accident, it’s crucial that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Saeedian Law Group will help you understand whether you have a valid claim for compensation. We will also help you understand what your claim may be worth and pursue the most compensation possible in your bus accident case. Contact us at our Beverly Hills law office for a free consultation with a top-rated California bus accident lawyer.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in Southern California

Were you involved in a serious bus accident in Beverly Hills or elsewhere in Los Angeles County? Take proactive measures to protect yourself, your safety, and your legal rights. Here are some of the most important things that you should do after being injured on a bus in Beverly Hills:

Ensure the Accident is Reported: All bus accidents that result in common bus accident injuries should be reported to law enforcement. The bus driver has a duty to report the incident—but you should confirm that it is done properly. A crash should be reported to the Beverly Hills Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, or another agency.
Seek Immediate Care (Emergencies First): Any bus accident injury needs to be evaluated and treated by a doctor. To be clear, an emergency always takes the top priority. A severe injury requires an immediate trip to the nearest hospital. If you fail to see a doctor, it puts your health at risk. Further, you will not be able to bring a successful claim.
Document the Incident: As with any other personal injury case, a bus accident is a fault-based claim. For this reason, it is crucial that your bus accident in Beverly Hills is carefully documented. To the best of your ability, take photographs, get witness contact details, and write down an account of events.
Speak to a Lawyer Before Any Insurer: No insurance adjuster will look out for your best interests after a bus accident. For that reason, it is crucial that you speak to a Beverly Hills, CA bus injury attorney before you give any recorded statement. The right lawyer can protect your rights.

Our Bus Accident Lawyers Handle the Full Range of Bus Accident Injury Claims in Beverly Hills, CA

Saeedian Law Group is a personal injury law firm that puts an emphasis on doing what is best for victims and their families. No matter the situation that you find yourself in, our Beverly Hills personal injury team will invest the time, energy, and attention to detail that your case deserves. We take on the full spectrum of cases. Along with other types of bus accident injury claims, our Beverly Hills attorneys have experience with:

Private Bus Accidents (Passenger): We handle private bus accident injury claims. Our Beverly Hills bus accident lawyer has the experience to represent passengers who have suffered injuries in a Los Angeles bus accident and Beverly Hills bus accident including due to bus mechanical failures and/or negligence by the bus driver. These incidents often involve charter buses, tour buses, and shuttles where the liability may extend to private companies and contractors.
Public Bus Accidents (Passenger): Our practice includes handling cases for passengers injured in public bus accidents, which can involve city or county transit systems. These bus crash cases typically require an in-depth understanding of government immunity, procedural timelines for claims against public entities, and the specific duties owed to passengers by public transit operators. We handle crashes involving buses from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA or Metro), the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA), and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT).
Collision With Bus (Another Vehicle): We represent drivers and occupants of other vehicles who have been injured in collisions with buses. If you were hit by a bus while in another vehicle—whether a private bus or a public bus—we are here to help. Contact our Beverly Hills, CA bus accident attorney today for a free, no obligation consultation.
Pedestrian/Cyclist Bus Accident: This area of our practice focuses on pedestrians and cyclists who have been hit by buses, a type of accident that frequently results in serious or fatal injuries. We understand the nuances of right-of-way laws and the responsibilities of bus drivers to yield to more vulnerable road users. Our firm is committed to holding negligent bus drivers and public transit authorities accountable while advocating for the rights of injured pedestrians and cyclists.
Non-Crash Injury On a Bus: Finally, we handle cases involving injuries sustained on buses not related to crashes, such as slips, falls, or assaults. These incidents can occur due to sudden movements, poorly maintained onboard conditions, or lack of safety measures. If you were injured on a bus in an incident that was not a motor vehicle collision, our Beverly Hills bus accident lawyers are standing by, ready to help.

Accidents Caused By the Bus Driver’s Negligence

As with other types of traffic-related accidents, bus accidents can occur on Beverly Hills roadways in multiple ways. There are also several potential sources of liability for many bus accidents. The government entities that provide intercity and intracity bus services are considered common carriers. These buses carry passengers on regular routes, making their services available to the general public. As a result, municipal bus service providers are regulated under California and federal law.

City bus drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a public bus on public roadways. Under federal regulations, bus drivers must complete multiple tasks to maintain their eligibility to drive buses. They need to undergo regular physical screenings and drug and alcohol testing. They must also perform pre-trip inspections to make sure the bus is safe and does not need any maintenance before each trip.

When Bus Drivers Become Negligent

Despite the additional license and training requirements for bus drivers, bus drivers regularly commit negligent actions that can cause accidents. For example, bus drivers may fail to yield to oncoming traffic. They may fail to check their blind spots when they change lanes, drive too fast for road conditions, or drive while intoxicated by alcohol or controlled substances.

Victims who’ve been injured by criminal activity after being dropped off at a bus stop in an unreasonably dangerous area may be able to hold the carrier insurance company responsible for their injuries. Victims of negligent bus drivers and service providers can include passengers on the bus, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and the occupants of other vehicles.

Accidents Caused By Negligent Third-Party Motorists

Bus drivers can be involved in accidents that are not their fault. Even when bus drivers pay careful attention to the road and drive safely, other drivers on the road can engage in negligent or risky driving practices and collide with the bus. Some of the most common examples of negligent or reckless driving include:

speeding,
running red lights,
distracted driving,
alcohol impairment.

Buses are massive compared to other vehicles on the road. As a result, occupants of smaller passenger vehicles are at a higher risk of being injured or killed in bus accidents.

Injuries Caused By Slip and Fall Accidents on the Bus or at the Bus Station

Not all bus-related accidents involve a motor vehicle collision. A bus passenger can become seriously injured from slipping and falling on a bus or at the bus station. Under state and federal regulations, common carriers have a legal obligation to their passengers. The responsibility begins when the passenger enters a bus station or arrives at a bus stop. Their legal obligation only ends when the driver safely drops the passenger off.

One of their responsibilities is ensuring the bus walkway and the bus station premises are reasonably safe. Walkways should be free from debris, clutter, and other obstacles that could cause a person to become injured after slipping or tripping. Additionally, passengers may become injured when walking down a bus aisle if the bus owner or driver stops abruptly. Passengers may be entitled to compensation if a common carrier has injured them.

Injuries Caused by Mechanical Failures with Buses in Beverly Hills

In other cases, victims can become injured when buses are poorly maintained or manufactured negligently. For example, if a bus has brakes that need to be replaced and aren’t replaced, and the bus driver cannot prevent an accident by stopping, victims have a right to pursue compensation from the negligent bus company.

Similarly, bus manufacturers and distributors must ensure their buses are reasonably safe for consumers.

Finally, maintenance workers need to use reasonable care when working on buses and can be held liable when their negligence causes accidents resulting in serious injuries.

Who Is Liable for My Injuries After a Beverly Hills Bus Accident?

Multiple parties can be held liable for injuries caused by a bus accident. Bus drivers and the bus company that employs them must use reasonable care to keep their paying passengers safe.

Negligent passengers do not cause most bus accidents, so in many cases, the bus company’s insurer will be liable for the passengers’ injuries. Depending on the type of bus involved, there could be multiple parties and companies who can be held liable in addition to the bus driver. There are three main categories of buses in Beverly Hills:

Intercity buses specializing in long-distance travel
Transit buses geared toward local communities
School buses which transport students to local schools and other school events

If you were involved in an accident involving a public bus, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible local government Authority. The time limits for informing the local government that you intend to pursue a personal injury claim are stringent. For that reason, it’s essential that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group can help you determine whether you have the right to hold a municipality accountable or whether you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in a civil district court. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and other damages.

You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File Your Bus Injury Claim

All legal claims are subject to deadlines. Under California law (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1), there is a two-year statute of limitations for most types of personal injury claims, including bus accident cases. If the statute of limitations expires, you may not be able to recover compensation at all. A bus accident victim should not fall behind in the claims process: Consult with a top-tier Beverly Hills, CA bus accident lawyer right away after major bus crashes.

A Big Caveat for Public Bus Accident Injury Claims: You have less time to initiate a claim after a crash involving a public bus. In California, if you intend to file a claim for damages against a government entity under the California Tort Claims Act, you generally must file a notice of claim within six months (or 180 days) from the date the injury occurred. The notice must be filed before you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit with an experienced bus accident lawyer.

We Help Bus Accident Victims in Beverly Hills Fight for the Maximum Compensation

Hurt in any type of bus accident in Beverly Hills? You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages under California state law. However, bus companies and their insurance carriers can make the legal claims process very hard for ordinary people. They want to pay out as little as possible—even when liability is clear. Our Beverly Hills, CA bus accident lawyer is committed to helping our clients secure the maximum compensation, including for:

Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
Hospital bills and related medical expenses;
Long-term and rehabilitative care;
Loss of wages and loss of future earning power;
Pain and suffering & emotional distress;
Long-term or permanent physical disability; and
Wrongful death of an immediate family member.

How Our Beverly Hills Bus Accident Attorney Can Help

Bus accident claims are complicated—especially so if the incident involved a public bus. Still, even a private bus accident is still challenging for injured victims. At Saeedian Law Group, we are committed to fighting for justice. Our proven history of case results tell the story. You deserve proactive, personalized legal advocacy from your lawyer. When you contact our Beverly Hills office, you will have an opportunity to speak to a California bus accident attorney who can:

Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your case;
Investigate the incident in Beverly Hills—securing/organizing evidence;
Handle the insurance paperwork and settlement negotiations with insurers; and
Take your bus accident injury claim as far as needed to maximize your compensation.

Bus Accident Claims in Beverly Hills: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Speak to a Beverly Hills Bus Accident Lawyer?

Right away. The personal injury claims process can move quickly. You do not want to fall behind. Be proactive: Consult with a Beverly Hills bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Should I Agree to Settle My Bus Accident Injury Claim?

It depends. A settlement can be a great outcome, but you should not agree to settle your bus accident claim until you are sure you are receiving full and fair financial compensation.

What is the Average Settlement for a Bus Accident in California?

The average settlement for a bus accident in California varies widely depending on the specifics of the case, including liability, damages, and the severity of injuries. A settlement could be in the four, five, six, or even seven figures.

Are Public Bus Accident Cases Different?

Yes. The California Tort Claims Act governs claims against government entities, including public buses. You need a lawyer who has experience handling this type of case.

We Fight for the Rights of Bus Accident Victims in Beverly Hills On Contingency

Hurt in a bus accident in Beverly Hills? The absolute last thing you need to worry about right now is another bill that has to be paid. With Saeedian Law Group, you will get access to a Beverly Hills bus accident lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and there are no hourly bills. Our Beverly Hills bus accident attorneys only collect a legal fee when you get paid from your bus accident lawsuit. No recovery? No costs for our bus crash victims. Your initial consultation with our Beverly Hills, CA bus accident lawyers are free, fully confidential, and carry no additional obligations.

Contact a Bus Accident Attorney in Beverly Hills

Navigating the process of recovering compensation after a bus accident can be difficult. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group Are prepared to help you understand your rights, identify which party or parties are liable for your injuries, and pursue the most compensation possible. Don’t hesitate to contact Saeedian Law Group to schedule a complimentary free case evaluation. From our office in Beverly Hills, we handle bus accident claims throughout Southern California.