Every day, thousands of Bay Area residents use public transit, including Muni buses on Market Street, BART trains crossing the Bay, and ferries across the harbor. But when accidents happen, the consequences can be severe.
Collisions, sudden stops, or unsafe conditions can cause severe injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. And determining who’s responsible gets complicated fast when public agencies are involved.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our public transportation accident attorneys know how to handle these complex cases. We’ll help you navigate California’s legal system, meet critical deadlines, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
If you were injured on or by public transit anywhere in Northern California, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Counts as a Public Transit Accident?
Public transportation systems—also called common carriers—have a legal duty to protect their passengers and the public. In San Francisco and the surrounding areas, these include:
- Muni buses and light rail (operated by SFMTA)
- Historic streetcars and cable cars
- Regional rail lines, such as BART and Caltrain
- Regional and intercity buses, including SamTrans, AC Transit, and Golden Gate Transit
- Public ferries, such as the Golden Gate Ferry and the San Francisco Bay Ferry
- Airport shuttles and SFO ground transportation services
Accidents involving these systems can take many forms:
- Collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians
- Passengers injured during sudden starts or stops
- Falls due to overcrowding or slippery floors
- Door or step malfunctions while boarding or exiting
- Platform gaps, poor lighting, or broken handrails
- Operator negligence or distracted driving
- Equipment or maintenance failures
Even minor incidents, like being thrown forward when a bus brakes suddenly, can cause severe back, neck, or head injuries. These cases often involve transit agencies, making them more complex and time-sensitive than typical car accident claims.
That’s why you need a lawyer familiar with San Francisco’s public transit systems and California’s common carrier laws. Berg Injury Lawyers has decades of experience holding transit operators accountable.
California Law in Plain English: Why Transit Cases Are Different
When you’re hurt in a public transportation accident in San Francisco, your case isn’t handled like a typical car crash. That’s because most Bay Area transit systems—like Muni, BART, and Golden Gate Transit—are operated by government agencies or public entities. These systems fall under what’s known as common carrier law, which gives passengers extra legal protection but also adds additional layers of complexity to the claims process.
Common Carriers Owe the Highest Duty of Care
Under California law, a “common carrier” is any business that transports people for a fee, such as a bus, train, ferry, or cable car operator. Unlike everyday drivers who must use “reasonable care,” common carriers are held to a higher legal standard. They must use the highest degree of care and vigilance to keep passengers safe from harm.
That means transit agencies must hire qualified operators, maintain safe vehicles and stations, prevent overcrowding, and provide secure rides without sudden or reckless movements. When these obligations are ignored, whether through poor training, neglected maintenance, or operator error, the agency can be held accountable for any resulting injuries.
Shared Fault Doesn’t Mean No Recovery
Sometimes, a passenger or pedestrian may share some blame for what happened—like standing when the driver hit the brakes or crossing too close to the curb. California uses a rule called comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Local Laws, Real Impact
Each Bay Area transit system also has its own procedures for reporting incidents, preserving surveillance footage, and filing injury claims. For example, BART and SFMTA require specific claim forms and filing locations, and delays in reporting can make it harder to access vital evidence. Having a legal team familiar with these local systems helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
If you’ve been injured on Muni, BART, a cable car, or any other public transit system in Northern California, we can help you cut through the red tape, meet every deadline, and hold the right parties accountable.
Common Causes of SF Transit Injuries
San Francisco’s streets are busy, hilly, and packed with buses, cyclists, cars, and pedestrians. Even small mistakes can lead to serious injuries.
Operator Negligence: Most accidents happen because of human error—distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or failing to check mirrors and blind spots.
Poor Maintenance and Equipment Failures: Muni buses, BART trains, and ferries need regular maintenance. When brakes, doors, steering systems, or lighting fail, passengers get hurt. Even minor mechanical issues can cause sudden stops or unsafe jolts that lead to falls and injuries.
Unsafe Road or Platform Conditions: Uneven pavement, slippery bus steps, and cracked platforms are major hazards. Transit agencies must maintain safe boarding areas, repair broken handrails, and provide adequate lighting.
Negligence by Other Drivers: Not every crash is the operator’s fault. Many happen because another driver cuts off a bus, drives in a transit-only lane, or makes a dangerous turn in front of a streetcar. Multiple parties may share responsibility.
Even when the cause seems obvious, public transportation cases often involve overlapping factors. Our attorneys uncover the root cause and identify everyone responsible for your accident.
Common Injuries from Transit Accidents
Injuries from public transportation accidents can range from minor bruises to life-changing trauma. Because many passengers stand, hold handrails, or ride on crowded vehicles, even a sudden stop or jolt can cause serious harm.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries often occur when riders are thrown against seats, poles, or walls.
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash and spinal damage are common after sharp stops or collisions.
- Broken bones and sprains: Falls on buses, trains, or platforms can easily result in fractures or torn ligaments.
- Cuts, bruises, and soft-tissue injuries: Often caused by glass, sharp edges, or debris during a crash.
- Psychological trauma: Anxiety and post-accident stress can affect recovery and quality of life long after the physical wounds heal.
Even if your symptoms seem minor at first, it’s important to get checked by a doctor—some injuries, especially head and internal injuries, can worsen over time. Getting prompt medical care also creates valuable documentation if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Who May Be Liable for a Public Transit Accident
Determining who’s responsible after a public transit accident in San Francisco can be complicated. Depending on how and where the accident occurred, one or more of the following parties may share liability:
- Transit agencies such as SFMTA (Muni), BART, SamTrans, AC Transit, or Golden Gate Transit
- Bus or train operators whose negligence or inattention caused the crash
- Maintenance or repair contractors who are responsible for faulty vehicles or unsafe stations
- Private companies operating airport shuttles, tour buses, or charter services
- Manufacturers of defective parts, tires, or safety equipment
- Other motorists who collided with or cut off a bus, train, or trolley
Because public transit cases often involve multiple parties—and strict filing deadlines for claims against government entities—it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
What To Do After a Transit Injury in San Francisco
If you’re hurt on public transportation, quick action can make a big difference in both your recovery and your case. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical care immediately. Even minor pain or dizziness should be checked, as some injuries don’t appear right away.
- Report the incident. Notify the bus or train operator, station agent, or the agency’s customer service line. Ask for a copy of any report.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle or station details.
- Collect witness info. Get names and contact details from anyone who saw what happened.
- Save records. Keep medical bills, transit receipts, and correspondence with agencies.
- Talk to a lawyer quickly. Claims against government entities, such as Muni or BART, must often be filed within six months.
Our attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can help you meet every deadline and build the strongest possible case while you focus on recovery.
Compensation for Public Transit Accident Victims
A public transportation accident can leave you facing steep medical bills, missed work, and lasting pain. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery or reduced earning ability
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Long-Term Care Costs: Physical therapy, counseling, or assistive devices
- Property Damage: If your belongings were damaged in the crash
Our legal team will investigate every available source of recovery—whether it’s a government agency, private operator, or third-party driver—to help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Our San Francisco Public Transportation Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured on or around public transit anywhere in San Francisco or Northern California, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for your recovery so you can focus on healing.
