Unfortunately, bus accident lawsuits are more common in busy metropolitan cities than you might think. Bus accidents can be significantly more detrimental than car crashes due to the heavy size and weight of buses. Additionally, buses carry far more passengers than cars, increasing the potential for injury.
When an accident involves a public bus, there are specific laws that govern how to file a lawsuit. With the help of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, you can successfully file a lawsuit for a public bus accident. Here’s what you need to know.
What Types of Buses Are City- or Government-Owned?
To file a lawsuit for a public bus accident, the bus involved must be owned by a city or the government, rather than a private individual or company.
Below are some common types of government-owned buses:
- City buses. Operated by municipal transit authorities, city buses, such as the Los Angeles Metro, provide local transportation within city limits. These buses are subject to city regulations, making the city potentially liable in the event of an accident.
- School buses. Many school buses are operated by public school districts, making them government-owned. In these cases, the school district or city may be responsible if an accident occurs.
- Regional transit buses. Regional transit authorities operate buses that connect cities within larger metropolitan areas. Because they are publicly funded, these buses are also government-owned.
- Airport shuttles and courtesy buses. Government-operated airports often provide shuttle services between terminals and parking lots. These airport shuttles could potentially fall under government liability in the event of an accident.
Since buses transport passengers, they are held to a higher standard of care than regular drivers. California law mandates that bus drivers follow different speed limits and restricts the number of consecutive hours they can drive each day to ensure passenger safety.
Suing a City for a Public Bus Accident
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to sue multiple defendants, including:
- The bus driver
- The bus company or transit agency
- The bus manufacturer
- The city or state (for road defects)
Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity in California
When suing a government entity in California, such as a city or public transit agency, some specific procedures and requirements differ from a standard personal injury lawsuit against an individual or private company.
Under California’s Government Claims Act mandates, you must file a notice of claim within six months of the date of the accident to preserve your right to sue. This is essentially the statute of limitations for public bus accident cases and serves as formal notification to the government of your intent to seek compensation.
Once your notice of claim is submitted, the government has 45 days to respond. If the claim is denied or no response is provided, you can then begin filing a formal lawsuit. The claims process can be strict and challenging, but consulting Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can ensure all of your paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
Legal guidance from California bus accident attorneys improves your chances of successfully receiving compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With California Bus Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one are injured in a public bus accident, our Los Angeles personal injury law firm can help. John J. Perlstein is known as the best personal injury attorney (Los Angeles) and has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Call (213) 583-5786 or fill out the form for a free consultation with the top personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles.