Boarding a bus is a great way to carpool, save money on gas, and help the environment. San Bernardino County Public Transit has public Omnitrans buses that run through the Valley and connect 18 different cities. There are also private buses available for riders to rent, such as taxi buses, charter buses, and party buses. School buses run to and from schools in the Unified District as well. If you get into a vehicle collision with any of these buses or as a bus passenger and suffer injuries, discuss your future with an attorney. Estey & Bomberger, LLP takes on all types of bus accident claims in Southern California.

Bus Accident Liability

Bus accidents involve complex elements that typical car crashes do not. Bus accidents often go farther than just bus driver liability since the driver is an employee of the city or of a private company. As such, employers are vicariously liable for employees’ actions and behaviors while operating buses. If a negligent bus driver causes your crash, you may be able to sue his or her employer instead of the individual – a process that’s more likely to result in ample compensation. You may also be able to name third-party defendants such as:

• Other drivers on the road
• Bus part manufacturers
• Bus maintenance teams
• The city or another government agency
• Roadway maintenance crews

Buses are common carriers. This means they fall under special federal common carrier laws. These include an outline of the bus company’s duties to ensure rider safety, such as routine bus maintenance and repairs. Any action that goes against these duties, resulting in a bus crash and passenger injuries, is negligence. Understanding whether a person or entity was negligent in causing your crash may take an investigation. If negligence is present, you may be able to sue one or more defendants for compensation.

Suing the City of San Bernardino for a public or school bus accident is possible. However, there are special rules for claims against the government. Plaintiffs must file Notices of Intent to Sue with the defendant at least 60 to 90 days prior to filing the claim with the California civil courts. There are waiting periods plaintiffs must obey before they can continue forward with the legal process. It is important to work with an experienced lawyer if you plan on suing the city for injuries you incurred during a bus accident. The same is true for suing private bus companies as well.

Your San Bernardino Bus Accident Attorneys

After a collision with a San Bernardino bus, don’t hesitate to come to our local law firm for advice. We’re here to guide you through the steps to financial recovery for broken bones, lacerations, sprains, bruises, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other damages that can arise in bus accidents. We have experience going up against government agencies like the City of San Bernardino for public transportation crashes, as well as private insurers and other parties in pursuit of full compensation. We can help you understand and act upon your rights as an injured victim.

Call (909) 882-2016 or contact us online to get started with a claim.