Fighting for Justice After a Bus Accident in California

Every day, thousands of Californians rely on buses — whether city transit, school buses, or long-distance carriers — to get where they need to go safely. Unfortunately, bus accidents are far more common than many realize, and their consequences are often severe. Because buses carry multiple passengers and travel busy routes, even a single mistake can lead to mass injuries and catastrophic loss.

At California Trial Law Group, our attorneys have represented victims of serious bus and transportation accidents across the state. Led by attorney Ike Kaludi, our team fights to hold negligent drivers, bus companies, and government agencies accountable for the harm they cause. We understand how complex these cases can be — and we’re here to make sure victims receive full and fair compensation.

Understanding Bus Accidents and Their Impact

Bus crashes are often far more complicated than typical car accidents. These collisions can involve multiple victims, commercial insurance companies, and public transportation agencies, each with different liability rules.

Common causes of bus accidents include:

• Distracted or fatigued bus drivers
• Poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failures
• Speeding, tailgating, or reckless driving
• Inadequate driver training or supervision
• Dangerous road conditions or construction zones
• Negligence by other motorists sharing the road

Victims of bus accidents can include passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of other vehicles. The resulting injuries are often catastrophic, ranging from fractures and spinal cord injuries to traumatic brain injuries and wrongful deaths.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in California

If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, knowing what to do after a car accident in California and protecting your rights and recovery is crucial. The steps you take immediately after the accident can determine the strength of your case and your ability to recover damages.

1. Call 911 immediately and report the incident.
2. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
3. Collect information about the bus driver, company, and witnesses.
4. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
5. Avoid speaking to insurance representatives without a lawyer.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in bus and vehicle accident claims.

Our attorneys at California Trial Law Group handle every step of the process for you, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and, when necessary, pursuing litigation in court.

Bus Accidents and Comparative Negligence

Determining fault in a bus accident can be complex. California follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for a crash. Understanding car accidents and comparative negligence in California and your right to compensation is essential to ensure you’re not unfairly blamed.

For instance, while a bus driver might have been speeding, another vehicle may have cut in front of the bus, contributing to the collision. In these cases, your compensation is adjusted based on your percentage of fault — but having strong legal representation ensures insurers don’t take advantage of you.

At California Trial Law Group, we fight to prove the true cause of the crash and protect your financial recovery from being reduced by unfair fault claims.

Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle

Our firm represents victims in all types of bus-related accidents, including:

• City and county public transit buses
• School buses
• Charter and tour buses
• Airport shuttles
• Intercity bus lines such as Greyhound and FlixBus

We also handle cases involving accidents in roadside construction zones, where bus drivers or other motorists fail to drive safely around work areas. Understanding legal help for roadside construction accidents in California is vital in these cases, as liability may extend to multiple parties — including contractors or public agencies responsible for maintaining road safety.

Common Injuries from Bus Crashes

Bus accident injuries can be catastrophic because of the size and weight of these vehicles. Passengers often lack seatbelts or safety restraints, increasing the risk of harm during collisions or rollovers.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Fractures and crush injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Severe burns or lacerations
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Our attorneys ensure that victims receive compensation for all damages — including ongoing care and emotional suffering.

Government Liability in Bus Accident Cases

Many buses are operated by public entities such as city or county transit systems. When government agencies are involved, special rules and shorter deadlines apply. Victims may need to file a “Notice of Claim” within six months of the accident to preserve their right to sue.

California Trial Law Group has extensive experience handling claims against public transportation authorities. We know how to navigate government immunity laws, identify liability, and hold agencies accountable when their negligence causes harm.

What to Do After a Bus or Car Accident – A Step-by-Step Guide

Bus accident victims can also benefit from understanding what to do after a car accident in California with a step-by-step legal guide. Our firm advises all injury victims to:

• Keep copies of all medical and accident reports.
• Track time off work and lost wages.
• Save receipts for all related expenses (transportation, medication, therapy).
• Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
• Contact a lawyer before signing any settlement offer.

We guide you through every phase of your claim so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

How California Trial Law Group Fights for Bus Accident Victims

Attorney Ike Kaludi and his team are relentless in their pursuit of justice for accident victims. When you hire California Trial Law Group, you get a dedicated legal partner who:

• Investigates all causes of the crash
• Works with accident reconstruction experts
• Calculates full compensation for your losses
• Negotiates aggressively with insurance companies
• Represents you in court if necessary

We don’t settle for less than what you deserve — our goal is full and fair compensation that reflects both your immediate and long-term needs.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of bus accidents may recover damages for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Property damage
• Wrongful death (for surviving families)

Each case is unique, and our firm ensures that your compensation reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses.

Final Thoughts

Bus accidents can be terrifying, life-changing events. But victims don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

At California Trial Law Group, we stand by accident victims across California, helping them navigate complex laws, deal with insurance companies, and secure the justice they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash, contact our team today. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.