In San Francisco and Northern California, bus accidents often stem from the same negligence seen statewide, but local factors make them more dangerous. Tight urban turns, steep hills, and crowded intersections increase risks on heavily traveled routes through the Tenderloin, SoMa, and Chinatown.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a bus accident, it’s important to get an experienced legal team on your side. An experienced personal injury lawyer can hold the negligent party liable for your injuries and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
According to U.S. News, California ranks among the top 10 states nationwide for public transit usage, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Bay Area. Every day, thousands of residents and visitors rely on local systems such as:
Tourists also use Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours to explore city landmarks.
Unfortunately, crashes involving these vehicles do occur, often in dense or high-traffic corridors like Market Street, Van Ness Avenue, Geary Boulevard, and the Bay Bridge approaches, where buses share narrow lanes with cyclists, pedestrians, and cars.
Because buses lack seat belts and other passenger safety features, both riders and motorists are vulnerable in collisions. When an accident happens, the results can be catastrophic, and victims often face steep medical bills and long recoveries.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can have many causes. Understanding the common causes can help determine who may be responsible for these accidents. These causes can include:
- Driver Negligence: Bus drivers who are distracted, tired, or under the influence can cause crashes. Negligent driving behaviors like speeding or not stopping at stop signs increase the risk of crashes.
- Mechanical Failure: Poor maintenance or mechanical defects in buses can lead to accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions are examples of issues that can cause a bus driver to lose control.
- Poor Road Conditions: Hazardous road conditions, like potholes or debris, can contribute to bus accidents. When roads are not properly maintained, accident risks increase for drivers and passengers of all vehicles, including buses.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or ice can make driving more dangerous. Reduced visibility and slippery roads can lead to accidents if drivers do not adjust their driving accordingly.
Recent incidents highlight these dangers. A 2024 collision between a Muni bus and multiple vehicles near Geary and Gough injured several passengers and blocked rush-hour traffic. A SamTrans bus crash on Highway 101 near Burlingame sent multiple people to the hospital. Even brief lapses in attention can have serious consequences on busy Bay Area roads.
Types of Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can result in many different types of injuries that can affect victims physically and emotionally. The severity of injuries can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. These can include:
- Physical Injuries: Physical injuries from bus accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries like broken bones, head injuries, or spinal cord damage. These injuries often require medical treatment and can lead to long-term health issues.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Bus accidents can also cause emotional and psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may struggle with fear of travel or recurring nightmares following the accident.
- Long-Term Disabilities: Some bus accident victims may suffer from long-term disabilities that impact their ability to work or perform daily activities following the crash. These injuries can require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Bay Area bus accident victims often need specialized trauma care. The region has several leading facilities:
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center)
- UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus Heights
- Kaiser Permanente San Francisco
- Stanford Primary Care in Palo Alto
Seeking prompt treatment protects your health and ensures your injuries are fully documented, which is essential for building a strong personal injury claim.
Determining Liability in Bus Accidents
Establishing liability in a bus accident is key to pursuing compensation. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- Bus Driver: Bus drivers must operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. If a bus driver’s negligence or misconduct leads to an accident, they may be liable for damages.
- Bus Company: Bus companies can be liable if they fail to maintain their vehicles properly or adequately train their drivers. They are responsible for ensuring their buses are safe and their drivers are qualified to drive them.
- A Third Party: In some cases, a third party, such as another driver or a contractor responsible for road maintenance, may be liable for a bus accident. Identifying all responsible parties is important for building a strong case.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Knowing what to do after a bus accident can help protect your rights and strengthen your case. Taking the right steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
After a bus accident, you should:
- Seek Medical Attention: After a bus accident, it’s important to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can assess your condition and create an official record of your injuries.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to the relevant authorities, such as the police or bus company, as soon as possible. A formal accident report can serve as important documentation for your case.
- Gather Evidence: Collecting evidence at the scene, such as photos, witness statements, and contact information, can be helpful for building your case and establishing liability.
- Contact a California Bus Accident Lawyer: Consulting with a bus accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. An experienced California bus accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and advocate for you and your loved ones.
Compensation Available in Bus Accident Claims
If you’re hurt in a bus accident, there’s a good chance you’re eligible to receive compensation for many of your accident-related expenses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your bus accident-related injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional distress caused by the bus accident.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as a vehicle or belongings, was damaged in the accident, you may be eligible for compensation to repair or replace these items.
Why Choose Berg Injury Lawyers?
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we help bus accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing personalized legal support every step of the way, including:
- Experience and Knowledge: Bus accidents are often legally complex, especially depending on whether a private or public entity manages the bus line. Multiple parties may even be liable. Our legal team knows how to build strong bus accident claims that maximize our clients’ chances of getting compensation.
- Client-Centered Approach: Bus accident injuries are often painful and disabling. We work hard to take the stress of these accidents off our clients’ shoulders while protecting their rights and providing compassionate guidance.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
The legal team at Berg Injury Lawyers is here to provide dedicated legal support to bus accident victims. We will handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
When you contact us, you can count on our team to:
- Investigate the Accident: We’ll conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify responsible parties. This includes reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts if needed.
- Gather Evidence: Our attorneys will collect and organize all necessary evidence to build a strong case, including medical records, accident reports, and any other relevant documentation.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement for you. We know you need money now, so we strive to work quickly and efficiently throughout the legal process.
- Represent You in Court if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial lawyers are ready to represent you in court. We are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the best possible outcome.
Contact Our California Bus Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your options and guide you through every step of your case.
