If you or a loved one have been involved in a bus accident in California, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced team at GJEL Accident Attorneys. Bus accidents can have devastating consequences, from serious injuries to wrongful death, and our dedicated attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
We understand the complexities of bus accident cases, including the role of bus companies, government agencies, and insurance companies, and we have the expertise to build a strong case on your behalf. With a focus on personalized service and a commitment to getting our clients the compensation they need to recover and move forward, GJEL Accident Attorneys is here to stand up for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you after a bus accident.
CALIFORNIA BUS ACCIDENT LAWYER TO WIN YOUR CASE
GJEL Accident Attorneys is an award-winning California Bus Accident Law Firm. We help victims who have been seriously injured or killed due to a bus accident.
Our lawyers handle every bus accident lawsuit free of charge until we win or settle the case. If our attorneys fail to settle your bus accident lawsuit, you owe us nothing.
We help our clients maximize the chance of getting a larger settlement and winning their cases.
Have your case reviewed by our Bus Accident Law Firm for FREE
If you were seriously injured due to a bus crash, contact GJEL Bus Accident Lawyer for a free case evaluation today. There is no cost or obligation.
We have recovered over $10 Million dollars for bus crash victims throughout California. Whether it was a Greyhound bus accident, Muni, School, or other bus accident, we are here to help. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, seeking out a “bus accident lawyer near me” can help you get the compensation you deserve.
GJEL is An Award Winning Bus Accident Injury Law Firm
GJEL Accident Attorneys was just rated a top bus accident law firm by Best Lawyers for 2021 and 2022. We have also recovered over $950 million dollars with a 99% success rate for victims who were injured in bus and public transportation accidents. We are committed to the success of your case and get you back to normal. It’s why our bus crash lawyers work hard every day to get you the best possible result.
The law firm of Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey has handled bus accident lawsuits throughout San Francisco and Northern California for over thirty years. Our Northern California bus and school bus accident lawyers have won significant monetary awards for our clients and their family members involved in bus accidents.
Should You Settle Right Away After A Bus Accident?
Parents and injured victims involved in bus accident cases should never agree to settle for any amount of money or services without first consulting a law firm for advice. Even if only to ask questions, it is essential to consult an experienced bus lawyer.
In several cases, companies have settled for amounts that were dramatically smaller than a Northern California bus accident lawyer could have won in a lawsuit. Unscrupulous behavior by insurance companies and leasing corporations is common after a tragedy. Our bus accident law firm will fight for your rights against these sometimes unethical parties.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in California?
In case you get hit by a bus or have any other sort of bus accident, you really should seek out the best bus crash lawyer. But before you do that, here are some things you should do immediately after the accident before you get in touch with a bus accident lawyer.
Provide Medical Treatment to People Involved
If you are in a situation where your bus had an accident or somebody got hit by a bus, you need to take care of everyone involved. Make sure that family members, passengers, and everybody involved is OK. Look for a medical kit to take care of minor injuries and to help more serious cases until an ambulance arrives.
Common Injuries from Bus Accidents
Buses lack automobile safety features like airbags and seat belts, so even a minor accident can make passengers fall over and cause more serious injuries. Passengers recovering from injuries or surgery can be injured by even a minor bus accident. And because buses are so much bigger and heavier than automobiles, pedestrians are at great risk of serious or fatal injury if they get hit by a bus.
Some common bus accident injuries include:
- bruises and sprains
- post-concussion syndrome
- broken bones
- amputation accidents
- brain injuries TBI
If you’ve been in a bus accident in northern California, our bus and school bus accident lawyers can help. An experienced bus accident attorney helps you through the process from the lawsuit to settlement or trial.
Collect Evidence
When your bus runs over a guardrail or hits a stalled vehicle, it is a traumatic and unexpected experience. To make sure you don’t forget important details that might help your case, try to collect as much evidence as you can of what happened and when. Witness contact information and accident photos can be very helpful to your lawyer later.
Don’t Speak to Involved Parties
You will likely be contacted by representatives from the bus company asking you for a statement. Don’t speak to other involved parties until you have first spoken with somebody at a bus accident law firm. This will help you avoid making statements that could damage your case or even get you embroiled in a counterclaim.
Speak With a Bus Accident Lawyer
After a bus accident, you may get a quick settlement offer from a friendly bus company representative. You may be tempted to put the accident behind you and settle. But checking for a “bus crash lawyer” will ensure you get what you deserve, which is likely a good bit more than the bus company’s initial offer.
Is it Really Necessary to Hire a California Bus Accident Lawyer for My Claim?
In case you get hit by a bus, have a bus run over a loved one, or you were otherwise injured in a bus accident, remember that commercial bus owners have professional attorneys in their corner to keep accident payouts as low as possible. While you are dealing with medical expenses, the bus company is getting rid of evidence and preparing legal defenses so they can avoid responsibility for your injury.
In these situations, you need a bus accident lawyer with experience in handling these claims who can make sure you get the settlement you are entitled to by law. GJEL has been winning California bus accident settlements and cases against bus companies for over 40 years.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review
California Municipal Bus Accidents Vs Regular Ones – What You Should Know
While regular bus accidents are usually handled by private insurance companies, California municipal bus companies are self-insured and have teams of bureaucrats who decide whether your claim is valid or if it can be thrown out under different rules, provisions, and loopholes.
Claims are smaller for municipal bus accidents, and you only have a six-month window to sue for injuries involving a municipal bus. (The window for private bus claims is two years, which gives you a much greater chance to discover any previously overlooked injuries).
If you are involved in a municipal bus accident, you need the best bus accident lawyer you can find to make sure you get the best payout possible. Read more on: How Long Can You Wait to File a Lawsuit
Who is Liable in California Bus Accidents
California has many bus accidents, with many different reasons for each crash. In each crash, there may be multiple potentially liable parties with several different judges and law firms involved in the process.
If you have been in a bus accident, it’s time to book a call with a bus crash lawyer. California’s legal system is notoriously complicated, and if you have been injured in a bus accident, your lawyer will help you navigate through it all.
Bus Driver
Bus drivers can be exhausted, irresponsible, intoxicated, or poorly trained. All those things can lead to an accident. If you get hit by a bus after the bus runs over a curb onto the sidewalk, knowing why the driver made a mistake can be very important for determining their degree of liability and final settlement accounts.
In the case where you get injured because of the driver’s negligence, It’s always best to contact bus or school bus accident attorneys who will make sure that your damage claim is maximized.
Bus Company
The bus company is responsible for the proper maintenance and upkeep of its vehicles. It is also responsible for seeing that drivers are properly trained and working within the mandated maximums for driving hours and mileage. If their negligence or violations played a role in the accident, a bus accident attorney can use that information to maximize damage claims.
Bus Manufacturer
The bus company is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of its vehicles. It is also responsible for seeing that drivers are properly trained and working within the mandated maximums for driving hours and mileage. If their negligence or violations played a role in the accident, a bus accident lawyer can use that information to maximize damage claims.
Bus Accident Cases Require Expertise & Experience
All bus and school bus accidents that take place in California involve complicated laws that should be handled by experienced lawyers. Our Northern California bus and school bus accident attorneys focus specifically on cases in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Northern California.
Our lawyers handle every bus accident lawsuit free of charge until we win or settle the case. If our attorneys fail to settle your bus accident lawsuit, you owe us nothing.
Because California law dictates that any bus or school bus accident lawsuit be filed within a certain time period, it is important to contact a law firm as soon after the accident as possible.
While receiving medical attention should always be your first concern, contacting a Northern California bus or school bus accident attorney quickly should also be a priority. Even if the guilt or negligence is clear in a bus accident, a claim may not be made if it is filed after the statute of limitation has ended.
We can’t imagine how difficult this would have been for our family without GJEL in our corner.
–M. and S.
Our Northern California bus and school bus accident attorneys have successfully recovered monetary damages for bus accident victims that have paid for medical expenses and equipment, damage, therapy, pain and suffering, wrongful deaths, and loss of employment
GJEL Has Recovered Over $10 Million Dollars in Bus Accident Cases
Why Bus Accidents Are Common in California
Accidents involving public and private bus services and school buses are often extremely serious. Because of California’s rapid growth, and the growth of the San Francisco Bay Area, in particular, the number of school and city buses is growing as well.
More transit riders and students mean a greater chance of accidents and injuries.
California’s highways are also frequently used by Greyhound buses, charter buses, and others, and are the sites of sometimes deadly crashes. The congestion associated with California’s population growth, unfortunately, increases the frequency of these horrific accidents. Here are some examples of Greyhound accidents in the last 10 years.
A Northern California bus and school bus accident lawyer from our firm can help pursue legal action in these cases.
Causes of Bus Accidents in California
The most common cause of bus accidents in California is driver negligence or driver error. Driving in California requires constant vigilance, and one small driver slip-up can put dozens of passengers and bystanders at risk of serious injury or death.
GJEL bus accident lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with many different types of bus collisions. In our experience, here are the most common causes of bus accidents in California:
Driver Exhaustion
Driving long hours and long distances can result in exhausted bus drivers whose judgment is impaired or who wind up falling asleep at the wheel. While federal and state rules provide maximum bus driver miles and hours, those laws are not always followed and sometimes the consequences are serious or even fatal.
Our bus accident law firm recommends taking rests between driving. We also take steps for our clients to see if driver exhaustion played a role in their accidents.
Driver Distraction
According to NHTSA bus accident statistics, looking away from the road for just five seconds while driving at 55 mph is like driving through a football field while blindfolded. If your driver is texting, arguing with a passenger, or otherwise distracted, they can easily run a stop sign or miss a pedestrian crossing the road.
Driver Error
Driver error can be a severe error like hitting the gas pedal instead of the brake. It can be a common mistake like speeding up to make it through a yellow light before it turns red. But if that error results in an accident, the driver and the driver’s employer are liable for any injuries or damage caused.
Reckless Driving
Whether they are having a bad day or trying to make up for delays and get back on schedule, bus drivers sometimes drive faster or more aggressively than they should. This risky behavior can lead to accidents. Bus accident lawyers regularly handle cases where the driver was “racing against time” with predictable and preventable consequences.
Intoxicated Driving
Driving under the influence of any substance that impairs your driving ability, including prescribed medications, is against California driving laws.
Driving a bus requires unimpaired concentration, and an intoxicated bus driver puts passengers and other drivers at risk. If you were injured in a bus accident involving an intoxicated bus driver, the bus company is liable for your damages.
Mechanical Issues
Even the most diligent bus driver may have an accident due to a mechanical issue like brake failure. The bus owner remains liable in these situations, as they have a duty to make sure their bus is safe to drive through regular inspections and maintenance.
In some cases, bus accidents happen due to a manufacturing error, making the manufacturer liable.
A good bus accident attorney can prove negligence and win you the damage claim you deserve.
Contact A San Francisco Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus or school bus accident (private or public), contact the law firm of Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey. An experienced Northern California bus/school bus accident lawyer will speak with you free of charge and will educate you about your rights. We encourage you to contact us today.
We invite you to call 1-855-508-9565 or email lawfirm@gjel.com to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney at GJEL if you or a loved one has been injured. We provide free consultations, and we’re paid only when we win your claim. You’ll pay no fees if we don’t obtain a verdict or settlement for you.
Please visit the Contact Us page to find our local office nearest you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Protect Myself After a Bus Accident?
Bus accident cases can be complicated. Bus companies have lawyers working hard to minimize their liability and dispute or discredit claims from injured parties. Read more on what to do when injured in bus accidents. To level the playing field, it’s best to hire a bus accident attorney in these situations to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Is It Okay if the Bus Company Calls Before I Consult a Bus Accident Lawyer?
If you get a call from the bus company after an accident, you should not accept any settlement they offer or answer any questions they ask until you after have spoken with a bus accident lawyer. Bus accident attorneys know your rights and the bus company’s responsibilities, so they can negotiate the best settlement for your injury.
What to Do If I Was Injured on a City Bus?
Municipal bus cases are more complicated than accidents involving privately-owned buses. Suing government agencies can involve multiple layers of bureaucracy, each working hard to minimize payouts and avoid city responsibility for your injuries.
If you get hit by a bus run by the government and are injured, you need the best bus accident attorney you can find to cut through the red tape and win you the best possible award.
What Should I Do After I Have Been in a Bus Accident?
Here are the steps we recommend in case you get hit by a bus or are injured in a bus accident:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
- Document important information with pictures, and get contact information for witnesses and passengers
- Don’t make any statements concerning your present condition or previous injuries.
- Do a search for “best bus accident law firms.”
What is the Difference Between Bus Accidents and Motorcoach Accidents?
Buses travel along predetermined routes and make multiple stops along the way. Metropolitan transit buses and school buses are the most common examples. Motorcoaches are primarily used for longer-distance travel and are run by private companies like Greyhound.
Whether your accident involves a city bus or a private motorcoach, a bus accident attorney can help you with your case. The bus owners and operators have skilled lawyers representing their cases. You need a good lawyer representing yours.
What If My Child Gets Injured on a School Bus?
Each year between 2016 and 2020, an average of over 100 people died and over 11,500 were injured in school bus accidents. If your child is injured on a school bus, you are entitled to file a personal injury claim. An experienced school bus accident lawyer can make that process smoother and ensure your child gets the settlement they deserve.
What are the public transportation organizations in San Francisco?
San Francisco has several public transportation organizations that provide various transportation options for its residents and visitors. Some of the major public transportation organizations in San Francisco include:
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) – provides bus, light rail, cable car, and historic streetcar services throughout San Francisco. [Visit our SF personal injury office]
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) – operates a regional rail system that connects San Francisco with other cities in the Bay Area.
- Caltrain – provides commuter rail service between San Francisco and San Jose.
- Golden Gate Transit – operates bus and ferry services between San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area, including Marin County and Sonoma County.
- San Francisco Bay Ferry – operates ferry services between San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area, including Alameda, Oakland, and Vallejo.
These organizations offer a wide range of transportation options to help people get around San Francisco and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What types of cases do GJEL Accident Attorneys handle?
A: GJEL Accident Attorneys specialize in various personal injury cases including car accidents, bicycle accidents, brain injuries, motorcycle accidents, paralysis injuries, truck accidents, and wrongful death claims.
Q: Can I get a free case evaluation for a bus accident injury?
A: Yes, GJEL Accident Attorneys offer a free case evaluation for individuals who have been involved in a bus accident. You can submit your details through their website or contact them directly to schedule your evaluation.
Q: What should I do immediately after a bus accident in California?
A: After a bus accident, ensure that all involved receive medical attention if needed, collect evidence such as photos and witness information, and avoid discussing the incident with insurance companies or the bus company until you have consulted with a bus accident lawyer.
Q: How does GJEL Accident Attorneys charge for bus accident lawsuits?
A: GJEL Accident Attorneys handle bus accident lawsuits on a contingency basis, meaning they only charge a fee if they win or settle your case. If they do not secure a settlement or verdict, you owe nothing.
Q: What is the success rate of GJEL Accident Attorneys in handling bus accident cases?
A: GJEL Accident Attorneys have a 99% success rate in securing compensation for victims of bus and public transportation accidents.
Q: Why is it important to hire a California bus accident lawyer for my claim?
A: Hiring an experienced bus accident lawyer is crucial because bus companies often have strong legal representation to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney can effectively negotiate and ensure you receive the maximum compensation entitled by law.
Q: What is the difference between municipal and regular bus accident claims in California?
A: Municipal bus accidents involve government-operated buses and usually have a shorter claim window of six months due to government liability rules. Regular bus accidents typically involve private companies and have a two-year window to file a lawsuit.
Q: Who can be held liable in a bus accident in California?
A: Multiple parties can be liable in a bus accident, including the bus driver, the bus company, and potentially the bus manufacturer, depending on the cause of the accident such as driver negligence, inadequate maintenance, or mechanical failures.
Q: What compensation can be recovered in bus accident lawsuits in California?
A: Compensation in bus accident lawsuits may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages if negligence or malicious intent is proven.
Q: How long do I have to file a bus accident lawsuit in California?
A: For private bus accidents, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit, while municipal bus accident claims must be filed within six months due to stricter governmental claim regulations.
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