San Bernardino Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents in San Bernardino present unique legal challenges that differ significantly from standard vehicle collisions. Understanding your rights when injured on public transport is essential from the start.

When you’re injured on an Omnitrans bus, school bus, or private charter, you face a complex web of insurance policies, government regulations, and corporate entities all working to limit their financial exposure.

The size and weight of buses mean injuries are often severe, yet passengers lack the basic safety features found in cars.

California law recognizes bus operators as common carriers, holding them to the highest standard of passenger safety. This legal distinction works in your favor, but navigating these claims requires specific knowledge of transit authority procedures, government claim filing requirements, and the various parties who may share liability.

Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or in another vehicle when the accident occurred, our experienced San Bernardino bus accident lawyers can help you recover fair compensation.

At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, we bring decades of experience handling bus accident claims throughout San Bernardino County. We know the local transit systems, understand the specific challenges these cases present, and have established relationships with the medical experts and accident reconstructionists needed to build compelling cases.

Our bus accident attorneys in San Bernardino work directly with you throughout the entire process, ensuring your case receives the focused attention and aggressive advocacy it deserves.

Why Hire a San Bernardino Bus Accident Lawyer Today?

Bus companies and their insurance carriers start protecting their interests the moment an accident happens. They send investigators to the scene and begin building a defense against your potential claim.

Without legal representation, you’re at a severe disadvantage when dealing with these well-funded organizations.

At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, we provide direct, one-on-one attention from experienced attorneys who know San Bernardino’s local transit systems.

Unlike large firms where your case gets passed between paralegals and case managers, you work directly with a lawyer who understands the complexities of bus accident claims.

Bus accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties and are governed by strict government regulations. These cases require specialized knowledge of California’s common carrier laws and local transit authority procedures that most general practice attorneys don’t possess.

What Should You Do After a Bus Accident in San Bernardino?

The actions you take immediately after a bus accident can make or break your personal injury claim. Bus companies often try to minimize their liability by claiming passengers were at fault or that injuries weren’t serious.

Step 1: Get Medical Care and Document Injuries

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical care creates an official record linking your injuries to the accident.

Emergency room doctors will document your condition and take X-rays or other diagnostic tests. This medical evidence becomes crucial when the insurance company tries to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the bus accident.

Step 2: Move to Safety and Call 911

If you can move safely, get away from traffic and call 911. Police will create an official accident report that documents the scene, interviews witnesses, and may cite the bus driver if they violated traffic laws.

The police report provides an objective third-party account of what happened. Insurance companies give more weight to police reports than to statements from people involved in the accident.

Step 3: Capture Photos and Witness Details

Use your phone to photograph the bus, including its license plate and identification number. Take pictures of any damage to the bus, your visible injuries, and road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.

Get contact information from other passengers and bystanders who saw what happened. Witnesses often leave the scene quickly, so gathering their information immediately is essential for building your case.

Step 4: Call a Bus Accident Attorney Before the Insurer Calls You

Bus company insurers may contact you within hours of the accident with a quick settlement offer. These early offers are typically far below what your claim is actually worth. Never provide a recorded statement or accept any money without speaking to an attorney first.

We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and the true value of your claim. Contact us now for immediate help with your bus accident claim – we’re available 24/7.

Do You Have a Bus Accident Case in San Bernardino?

You have a valid personal injury claim if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. In bus accidents, negligence can involve the driver, the bus company, or even a maintenance contractor who failed to keep the vehicle safe.

Common forms of negligence that lead to successful claims include:

• Driver errors: Speeding, texting while driving, running red lights, or driving under the influence
• Maintenance failures: Faulty brakes, worn tires, broken steering systems, or inadequate safety inspections
• Company policies: Unrealistic scheduling that forces drivers to speed or skip rest breaks
• Training deficiencies: Hiring drivers without proper commercial licenses or safety training

The bus company may try to blame you for the accident or claim you weren’t seriously injured. Our attorneys know how to counter these common defense tactics and prove the bus company’s negligence caused your injuries.

Who Is Liable for a San Bernardino Bus Crash?

Bus accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, unlike simple two-car collisions. Identifying every liable party ensures you can recover the maximum compensation available for your injuries.

Omnitrans and School District Liability

If you were injured on an Omnitrans bus or school bus, you’re filing a claim against a government entity. Government agencies have special legal protections called sovereign immunity that limit when you can sue them.

California law requires you to file a formal tort claim with the government agency within six months of your accident. This claim must include specific information about your injuries and how the accident happened. Missing this deadline usually means you lose your right to compensation forever.

Private Bus, Maintenance Contractor, and Manufacturer Liability

Charter buses, tour buses, and airport shuttles are operated by private companies that don’t have sovereign immunity protections. You can sue these companies directly for their driver’s negligence or unsafe business practices.

Sometimes a third-party maintenance company that failed to properly service the bus can be held liable. If a defective part like faulty brakes or a broken steering system caused the accident, you may also have a claim against the manufacturer.

What Is the Common Carrier Duty and How Does It Help Your Claim?

A common carrier is a business that transports members of the public for payment. Under California law, common carriers must use the “utmost care and diligence” to safely transport their passengers.

This standard is much higher than the ordinary care required of regular drivers. While a typical driver only needs to act reasonably, bus companies must take every precaution possible to prevent accidents and injuries.

The heightened duty makes it easier to prove negligence in bus accident cases. Even if the bus driver’s actions wouldn’t be considered negligent for a regular driver, they might still violate the common carrier standard.

What Causes Bus Accidents in San Bernardino?

Our investigators examine every possible cause of your bus accident to build the strongest case possible. San Bernardino’s unique geography and traffic patterns create specific hazards that contribute to bus crashes.

Heavy traffic on Interstate 10 and Interstate 215 forces bus drivers to make frequent lane changes and sudden stops. Mountain routes like Highway 18 and Highway 38 have steep grades and sharp curves that can be dangerous for large vehicles like buses.

Other common causes we see in San Bernardino include:

• Driver fatigue: Long shifts and irregular schedules that leave drivers exhausted
• Inadequate training: Bus companies that don’t properly train drivers on safety procedures
• Poor maintenance: Skipping required inspections or repairs to save money
• Distracted driving: Drivers using cell phones or eating while operating the bus
• Mechanical failures: Brake problems, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions

How Do We Prove a Bus Accident Claim?

Proving fault requires immediate action to preserve evidence before the bus company destroys it. Bus companies routinely delete surveillance footage and maintenance records after a short period unless they’re legally required to preserve them.

Onboard Video, Event Data, and Maintenance Records

We immediately send a spoliation letter to the bus company demanding they preserve all evidence related to your accident. This includes onboard security cameras, GPS tracking data, and the bus’s electronic control module that records speed, braking, and other critical information.

Maintenance records show whether the bus company followed required safety inspections and repairs. These documents often reveal a pattern of cutting corners on safety to save money.

Scene Evidence, Witnesses, and Public Records

Our investigators photograph the accident scene and interview witnesses while their memories are fresh. We also obtain the bus driver’s employment file, driving record, and any disciplinary actions taken by the company.

Traffic cameras and nearby business surveillance systems may have captured the accident. We work quickly to identify and preserve this footage before it’s automatically deleted.

What Deadlines Apply to Bus Claims in San Bernardino?

Time limits for bus accident claims are much shorter than most people realize. Missing these deadlines can permanently destroy your right to compensation, even if you have a strong case.

Public Entity Claims Within Six Months

California Government Code Section 911.2 requires you to file a formal claim with government entities like Omnitrans or school districts within six months of your accident. This isn’t just a notice – it’s a detailed legal document that must include specific information about your injuries and damages.

The claim form must be filed with the correct agency’s clerk or risk management department. Government entities routinely reject claims for technical defects, so having an experienced attorney prepare your claim is essential.

Two-Year Lawsuit Deadline and Minor Claims

Private bus companies are subject to California’s standard two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait until the last minute because evidence disappears and witnesses become harder to locate over time.

Special rules apply when children are injured. While minors have until their 20th birthday to file suit, the six-month government claim deadline still applies to school bus accidents.

How Do Insurance Claims and Settlements Work?

Insurance companies pay out as little as possible in claims, using sophisticated computer programs to calculate the lowest amount they think you’ll accept based on your injuries, medical bills, and other factors.
They use sophisticated computer programs to calculate the lowest amount they think you’ll accept based on your injuries, medical bills, and other factors.

Bus company insurers often make quick settlement offers before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. These offers rarely account for future medical expenses, lost wages, or the full impact of your pain and suffering.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bus Crash?

California law allows bus accident victims to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, which a personal injury attorney can help you pursue effectively. Economic damages have specific dollar amounts, while non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering.

We fight to recover every type of damage available under California law:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical care
• Lost wages: Income you’ve already lost plus future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage: Personal items damaged or destroyed in the accident
• Wrongful death: Funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship if you lost a family member in a wrongful death lawsuit

The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, your age, income, and how the accident affects your daily life. We work with medical experts and economists to calculate the full value of your claim.

What if Your Child Was Hurt on a School Bus?

School bus accidents are particularly devastating because they involve children who trust adults to keep them safe. School districts have the same common carrier duty as other bus operators, but they also have additional obligations under California education codes.

We handle all communication with the school district so you can focus on your child’s recovery. School administrators may try to downplay the accident or suggest your child wasn’t seriously hurt. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and protect your child’s rights.

Parents can file claims on behalf of minor children, but special procedural rules apply. Any settlement over a certain amount must be approved by a judge to ensure it’s in the child’s best interests.

What if You Were a Driver, Pedestrian, or Cyclist?

You don’t have to be a bus passenger to file a claim against a negligent bus company. If a bus driver’s careless actions caused an accident that injured you, the bus company is responsible for your damages regardless of whether you were in another vehicle, walking as a pedestrian, or riding a bicycle.

Bus drivers often have blind spots and may not see smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, which is why victims often need skilled legal representation when struck by buses.

The same legal principles apply whether you were on the bus or not. The bus company’s insurance must compensate you for all accident-related damages if their driver was at fault.

Why Choose Krasney Law Accident Attorneys for a Bus Accident in San Bernardino?

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between a fair settlement and a disappointing outcome. We provide the personalized attention and local expertise that large firms simply cannot match.

Local Omnitrans and School Bus Experience With Direct Attorney Access

Our firm is headquartered in San Bernardino, giving us decades of experience with local transit agencies, school districts, and courts. We know the key players, understand local procedures, and have established relationships that benefit our clients.

When you hire Krasney Law, you work directly with an experienced attorney, not a paralegal or case manager. We limit the number of cases we take so each client receives the focused attention their case deserves.

No Fee Unless We Win

We believe everyone deserves access to justice regardless of their financial situation. Krasney Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we advance all case expenses and only get paid if we successfully recover money for you.

This arrangement aligns our interests with yours – we only succeed when you do. It also means you can hire an experienced attorney without worrying about upfront costs or hourly fees.

Free Consultation With a San Bernardino Bus Accident Attorney

Bus accident cases are too complex and time-sensitive to handle alone. The bus company’s insurance adjusters and lawyers start working immediately to minimize their liability, and you need experienced legal representation to level the playing field.

We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, we can meet you at your home or hospital room.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

FAQs: San Bernardino Bus Accident Lawyer

Do I Have Only Six Months to File a Claim Against Omnitrans or a School District?

Yes, California Government Code Section 911.2 requires you to file a formal tort claim with government entities within six months of your accident. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it usually means you lose your right to compensation permanently.

What Happens if I Missed the Six-Month Government Claim Deadline?

Very limited exceptions allow late claims to be filed, such as when the victim was a minor, physically incapacitated, or mentally incompetent at the time of the accident. You should contact us immediately to determine if any exceptions might apply to your situation.

Must I Give a Recorded Statement to the Bus Company’s Insurance Adjuster?

No, you have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the bus company’s insurer. These statements are used to find inconsistencies or admissions that can be used to deny or reduce your claim.

Can I File a Claim if I Was Standing on the Bus Without Holding On?

Yes, bus companies have a duty to operate safely and protect all passengers regardless of whether they were seated, standing, or holding onto handrails. Your position on the bus doesn’t prevent you from recovering compensation for injuries caused by the driver’s negligence.

How Can I File a Claim for My Child’s School Bus Accident Injuries?

Parents or legal guardians can file claims on behalf of minor children injured in school bus accidents. The same six-month deadline applies to government claims involving school districts, making immediate legal action essential.

How Are Medical Bills Handled When I Don’t Have Health Insurance?

We can help arrange medical treatment on a lien basis, where healthcare providers agree to be paid directly from your settlement or court award. This allows you to get necessary medical care without upfront payments.

How Long Do Most San Bernardino Bus Accident Cases Take to Resolve?

Many bus accident cases are resolved within several months, though more complex matters—such as those involving government entities or catastrophic injuries—can take longer. Cases that go to trial typically take 2 to 3 years to complete.

What Are Your Attorney Fees if My Case Is Unsuccessful?

Our contingency fee agreement means you pay no attorney fees if we don’t recover money for you. We only get paid when you receive a settlement or court award, ensuring our interests align with yours.