Bus Accident Lawyer
Fighting for Victims of Bus Accidents
Legal review by Frank D. Penney, founding attorney · Last updated
Protecting the Rights of Bus Accident Victims
Bus accidents can result in devastating injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Whether you were riding public transit, a school bus, a charter bus, or were struck by a bus while walking or driving, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries.
At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand the complex legal issues that arise in bus accident cases, including claims against government entities and common carriers. Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and resources to navigate these challenging cases and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Over $1 Billion Recovered for Clients
- No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
- Experience with Government Claims
- 6 Convenient Office Locations
- Free, No-Obligation Consultations
What Is My Bus Accident Case Worth?
Get an instant, no-obligation estimate of your accident case value, then call (888) 888-0566 for a free, personalized review.
Disclaimer: The estimate provided by this calculator is based on general statistical data and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Case values vary significantly based on individual facts and circumstances. This tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. For a personalized assessment, call us at (888) 888-0566 or submit a free consultation request.
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Results That Speak for Themselves
Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims across California. A sample of our case results:
$10.5M
Wrongful Death
$4.5M
Motorcycle Accident
$3.4M
Truck Accident
$2.41M
Auto Accident
$1.2M
Pedestrian Accident
Any case results shown represent individual experiences and outcomes. These results are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of your case. Individual results may vary based on the unique circumstances of each case. See full disclaimer.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
Our experienced attorneys handle all types of bus accident cases, from public transit incidents to private charter bus crashes.
Public Transit Accidents
City and regional bus crashes involving municipal transit systems.
School Bus Accidents
Protecting children and families affected by school bus incidents.
Charter/Tour Bus Accidents
Private charter and tour bus crashes during group travel.
Greyhound Accidents
Interstate and intercity bus line collisions and injuries.
Airport Shuttle Accidents
Hotel shuttles, rental car shuttles, and airport transport crashes.
Party Bus Accidents
Limousine bus and party bus incidents during special events.
Pedestrian vs Bus
Pedestrians struck by buses at crosswalks, stops, and intersections.
Passenger Injuries
Injuries from sudden stops, falls, and onboard accidents.
Common Carrier Liability in Bus Accidents
Buses are considered "common carriers" under California law, which means they are held to a higher standard of care than ordinary drivers. Bus companies and operators have a duty to exercise the utmost care and diligence for the safety of their passengers.
This heightened duty of care means that bus companies can be held liable for injuries caused by negligent driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, failure to properly screen and train drivers, and other safety violations. When a bus company fails to meet this standard, injured passengers may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Additionally, claims against government-operated buses (such as city transit systems) have special rules and strict filing deadlines. In California, you typically have only six months to file a claim against a government entity, making it crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Potential Liable Parties
- Bus driver (for negligent operation)
- Bus company or transit authority
- Government agencies (city, county, state)
- Maintenance companies
- Bus or parts manufacturers
- Other negligent drivers
Why Choose Frank Penney Injury Law
When you're injured in a bus accident, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for you.
Proven Track Record
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the experience and results to back up our reputation. We've successfully handled complex bus accident cases against major transit authorities and private bus companies.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs and only get paid when you receive compensation.
Government Claims Experience
Many bus accidents involve government entities with special claim procedures and tight deadlines. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating the complexities of claims against public transit agencies.
Thorough Investigation
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to build the strongest possible case. We obtain bus surveillance footage, driver records, and maintenance logs.
Aggressive Negotiation
Insurance companies and government agencies know we're willing to take cases to trial. This leverage helps us negotiate maximum settlements for our clients without unnecessary delays.
Personalized Attention
Unlike large firms that treat clients like numbers, we provide personalized attention to every case. You'll work directly with experienced attorneys who understand your situation.
California Bus Accident Statistics
Bus crashes are relatively less common than everyday car collisions, but when they happen, the injuries can be severe because a single incident can harm many people at once.
California Traffic Fatalities
According to a 2023 report from the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state recorded 4,061 traffic fatalities, with buses operating in the heaviest traffic areas.
Bus-to-Person Collisions
The Federal Transit Administration reported that from 2008 to 2023, bus modes reported 8,230 bus-to-person collisions nationwide.
Dense Traffic Zones
Buses operate where traffic is heaviest — downtown routes, school zones, and major interchanges — increasing the risk of serious collisions.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus collisions can happen for many of the same reasons as car crashes, but buses add more complexity because of their size, routes, and schedules.
Driver-Related Factors
- Fatigue from long shifts or split schedules
- Distracted driving (phone, dispatch radio, passenger issues)
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes
- Inadequate training for route hazards, weather, or night driving
Company or Agency Negligence
- Hiring and retention problems (poor safety record, insufficient screening)
- Unrealistic schedules that encourage rushing
- Failure to enforce safety rules (seatbelt policies, passenger limits, safe stops)
Maintenance and Mechanical Issues
- Brake or tire failure
- Steering and suspension problems
- Worn lights, mirrors, or safety equipment
- Skipped inspections or incomplete repairs
Roadway and Third-Party Causes
- Dangerous intersections, poor visibility, or missing signage
- Poorly designed bus stops or unsafe pull-outs
- Another driver cutting off the bus or running a red light
- Pedestrian and cyclist conflicts near bus lanes and stops
How Serious Are Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than many passenger-vehicle crashes because buses generate more momentum and impact force, take longer to stop, and can throw passengers around due to a lack of seatbelts.
Even if you believe you have suffered minor injuries, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Symptoms can worsen over time and, depending on the condition, can be fatal. Getting medical care quickly also creates documentation that can be crucial to your claim.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
The Importance of Hiring a Bus Accident Lawyer
If you have been seriously injured in a bus accident, having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in your case.
Determine Liability
Find and preserve critical evidence to determine who is at fault, including bus surveillance footage, driver records, and maintenance logs.
Meet Legal Deadlines
Ensure your claim does not run into the statute of limitations — especially important for government transit claims with a 6-month filing deadline.
Negotiate on Your Behalf
Handle negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel so you can focus on your recovery instead of legal battles.
Calculate Your Damages
Accurately assess how much you are owed, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs.
Provide Legal Guidance
Give you sound legal advice throughout the process, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions about your case.
Represent You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
California Bus Accident Law: What You Need to Know
Bus cases carry special deadlines and a higher duty of care. Here is what you need to know.
Special Filing Deadlines
Most injury claims have a two-year deadline (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). But if a public transit agency (a city or county bus) is involved, you must usually file a government claim within just six months — so act fast.
Common Carrier 'Utmost Care'
Buses are common carriers and, under California Civil Code § 2100, owe passengers the highest duty of care — a higher standard than ordinary drivers. That can make it easier to establish liability for a passenger's injuries.
Multiple Liable Parties
A bus crash may involve the bus driver, the transit agency or bus company, other motorists, or a vehicle manufacturer. California's pure comparative negligence rule lets you recover even if you were partly at fault.
Not sure what your claim could be worth? Try our case value calculator, read the latest California accident news, or explore our injury law blog. We serve clients in Sacramento, Oakland, Fairfield, and across Northern California.
Bus Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a claim against a public bus or transit agency in California?
If a public transit agency is involved, you generally must file a government claim within six months of the accident — far shorter than the standard two-year deadline for most injury cases. Because of this short window, it is important to contact an attorney right away.
What duty of care do bus companies owe their passengers?
Buses are common carriers and owe passengers the highest duty of care under California Civil Code § 2100. This heightened standard means a bus operator can be liable for injuries that an ordinary driver might not be.
Can more than one party be responsible for a bus accident?
Yes. Depending on the crash, the bus driver, the transit agency or bus company, other motorists, and even a vehicle or parts manufacturer may share liability. Identifying every responsible party can expand the compensation available to you.
How much does it cost to hire Frank Penney Injury Law for a bus accident case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free.
What Our Clients Say
Real five-star reviews from clients on our Google Business Profile.
Was involved in a car accident not my fault and I called Penney and they got me in right away. Josh my lawyer at Frank Penney fought hard for me. They were able to get me 5 times the settlement originally offered by State Farm. Couldn't be happier.
I was assigned to Mark McCauley and have been impressed with his work-ethic and caring demeanor since our very first meeting. Over the last 18 months, I have had extensive treatment all because Mark was willing to push even when my insurance company resisted. I will continue to recommend Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to anyone that is in need of an exemplary attorney.
If you have been in an auto accident, seek out Frank Penney Injury Lawyers. They are the best at what they do. A very special thanks to Joshua Boyce — my guiding star, the man in my corner, and an incredible and caring human being.
My case was a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and car — I broke my femur. In the end, the opposing party was negligent and I won the case and earned the maximum settlement offered by the opposing insurance company. Stop looking around and choose Frank Penney Injury Lawyers.
I feel so blessed to have had Frank Penney Injury Lawyers represent me after I was injured in an auto accident. I was a victim of a hit and run and I am so thankful I found them to help. My attorney, Mark, was so responsive and made sure I received updates on my claim.
From the very beginning, the team was professional, compassionate, and always made me feel like a priority. Frank and his staff truly cared about my recovery and worked hard to make sure I received a fair settlement. I'm so grateful for their dedication and highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and trustworthy personal injury lawyer!
Working with Frank Penney as my personal injury attorney has been an amazing experience. He's dedicated and fights hard for his clients. I would highly recommend Frank Penney Injury Lawyers and his team to anyone needing a trustworthy and powerful firm.
Mark McCauley was just astounding. He fought hard for me and my settlement was more than I thought possible. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney, make them your first call.
I can't say enough about Frank Penney Injury Lawyers and all the hard work they put into winning my case. I am very impressed on how they got such a great settlement for me and my daughter. They will be my personal injury lawyer for life.
Frank Penney and his team seriously came through for me. I got rear ended on the freeway, and had no idea what to do next. They handled everything — paperwork, calls, negotiations — and when the settlement hit, I was astonished.
While stopped at a red light, a very high speed motorcycle went into the back of my car, completely totaling my vehicle and creating significant injuries for me. From the very first call to Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, I felt sympathy, compassion and a desire to help me. I could not have asked for a better legal team in my corner.
After I was injured in a substantial rear-end collision, the other insurance company fought hard to avoid accepting responsibility — but James and Priscilla fought both harder and smarter on my behalf. I was shocked when my case ultimately went all the way to trial, but James delivered a solid victory — a victory that not only met but exceeded our last demand.
Joshua, at Frank Penny Injury Lawyers, handled my very complex injury case as if I was part of their family. His dedication and thoroughness resulted in a settlement that will help me overcome the injuries and complications I had suffered. Thanks again, Frank Penney and Staff.
I was in a car accident and rear ended. My chiropractor actually referred me to Frank Penney! They lined me up with the medical help I needed and negotiated a great settlement for me in a timely manner. Highly recommended.
Me and my husband got into a car accident back in October 2020. We went with Frank Penny Injury Lawyers because they're only the best around! We closed our case without having to go to court. Thank you Frank Penny Injury Lawyers — we were very pleased!
Testimonials reflect the individual experiences of past clients and are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of your case. See full disclaimer.
Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Is Here to Help
Bus accident cases can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with pain, missed work, and calls from insurance adjusters trying to get you to settle quickly. Our experienced legal team can help by investigating the crash and guiding you through the legal process to ensure your rights are protected.
With over 30 years of experience, our firm has recovered over $1 Billion in financial compensation for our clients. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better the chance of protecting evidence and meeting all legal deadlines — especially in claims involving public transit agencies. We operate on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.