Irvine Bus Accident Lawyer

Representing Passengers, Pedestrians & Drivers Injured in Bus Crashes

Bus accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Whether the collision involves an OCTA bus, a school bus, public transportation, or a privately operated shuttle, victims often face complex insurance issues and powerful defendants who move quickly to protect themselves.

At United Attorney Group, we focus on representing individuals injured in serious transportation and motor vehicle incidents, including major bus accidents throughout Irvine and Orange County. With millions recovered for clients, we know how to build strong cases, take on corporate and government defendants, and fight for full compensation.

Why Clients Choose Us

• Proven Success: Over $429 million recovered in verdicts and settlements.
• Strong Trial Background: Insurers know we are prepared to litigate high-stakes injury cases.
• Focused on Serious Injuries: Extensive experience with transportation and catastrophic injury claims.
• Direct, Client-Centered Support: Clear communication and step-by-step guidance throughout the case.

Call (949) 210-9477 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. Our Irvine bus accident attorneys serve all of Orange County and beyond.

Results That Make a Difference

Our firm has a long record of securing meaningful compensation for victims of negligence, including cases involving severe crashes, commercial vehicles, and catastrophic injuries. These results demonstrate our ability to stand up to large insurance companies, government entities, and corporate defendants when the stakes are high.

Representative Results

• $2.9 Million – Wrongful death settlement arising from unsafe property conditions.
• $2.7 Million – Recovery for a client struck from behind by a truck at highway speeds.
• $2.2 Million – Settlement involving a fatal drunk driving accident. 
• $1.4 Million – Compensation for a victim injured in a DUI crash.
• $1.2 Million – Jury award for a client with a brain injury in a motor vehicle accident.

See more of our case results.

How Bus Accident Claims Work

Bus accident claims differ from standard vehicle collisions because they often involve large transportation operators, government agencies, or corporations with commercial insurance policies. These defendants routinely push back against claims, dispute liability, or attempt early low-value settlements before the full impact of the injuries is understood.

To pursue compensation, an injured victim must establish:

1. Duty of care – Bus operators and transportation companies must operate their vehicles safely and comply with California laws.
2. Breach of duty – This may include speeding, improper training, fatigued driving, failure to maintain equipment, or violating transit safety rules.
3. Causation – The negligent conduct must be linked directly to the collision.
4. Damages – The crash resulted in physical injury, financial loss, or other harms.

Because buses carry numerous passengers and operate in high-traffic areas, they are held to a higher duty of care, and failures in this regard can give rise to strong legal claims.

Who May Be Liable in a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents can involve multiple responsible parties, and identifying each one is critical to pursuing the full value of a claim. Those who may be held liable include:

• Bus Drivers. Negligent operation such as distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, speeding, or improper left-turn maneuvers can directly contribute to collisions.
• Public Transit Agencies. Agencies such as OCTA or city-operated services may be liable for driver negligence, inadequate training, improper supervision, or unsafe operational policies.
• Private Bus Operators. Charter companies, tour buses, senior transportation, hotel shuttles, and airport buses can be responsible for poor maintenance, negligent drivers, or operational oversights.
• School Districts & Contractors. School bus accidents frequently involve claims against both the district and third-party transportation companies.
• Maintenance Contractors. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues often trace back to negligent maintenance or inspection practices.
• Other Motorists. If a car or truck cuts off a bus, runs a red light, or engages in unsafe driving that triggers a collision, that driver may share liability.
• Government Entities Responsible for Roadway Safety. In some cases, poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to correct hazardous conditions can make a government agency partially responsible.

These cases often require multi-party investigations, which is why retaining an experienced attorney early is so important.

Compensation Available After a Bus Accident

Bus accidents can cause extensive damages due to the size and speed of these vehicles and the number of people involved. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical care, hospitalization, and surgery
• Follow-up care, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and job limitations
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Permanent disability, scarring, or chronic conditions
• Household assistance or long-term care needs
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages for fatal crashes

We work with medical specialists, life-care planners, and financial experts to ensure every future cost is accounted for before negotiating or litigating.

Deadlines & Special Rules for Bus Accident Claims

California follows a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but many bus accident cases involve public entities. When they do, victims must meet the following deadlines:

• Government Tort Claim: Generally due within six months of the accident.
• Agency Response Window: The agency will accept or reject the claim; after rejection, you typically have six months to file a lawsuit.
• Exceptions: Certain minors or incapacitated victims may have extended timeframes.

Missing these deadlines can bar recovery entirely, which is why early legal action is essential.

How We Help Bus Accident Victims

Bus accident claims require extensive investigation and careful handling. Our firm takes on this responsibility by:

1. Conducting a Thorough Investigation. We obtain police reports, onboard video footage, GPS data, maintenance records, and witness statements. When necessary, we collaborate with accident reconstruction experts.
2. Preserving Evidence. Bus companies and government agencies may have strict evidence-retention policies. We move quickly to issue preservation letters and secure critical materials.
3. Identifying All Liable Parties. Many bus accidents involve overlapping fault. We examine every potential defendant to ensure no source of compensation is overlooked.
4. Managing All Communication with Insurers and Agencies. We handle negotiations, documentation, medical bills, and claim coordination so clients can focus on recovery.
5. Valuing the Full Extent of Damages. Our team works with medical and financial experts to calculate current and future losses, including long-term care or reduced earning ability.
6. Litigating When Necessary. If a fair settlement is not offered, we prepare the case for trial. Our litigation background enables us to take on public entities, commercial insurers, and corporate defense teams.

Irvine Bus Accident FAQ

Do passengers have an easier time proving liability?

Generally, yes. Passengers rarely contribute to the cause of a crash. Claims typically focus on driver negligence, improper maintenance, or the conduct of other motorists.

What if multiple people were injured on the bus?

Bus accidents can involve numerous victims. In cases with limited insurance or government liability caps, identifying additional defendants can be essential to maximizing available compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if another motorist caused the crash?

Yes. If another driver’s negligence played a role, you may bring claims against that driver in addition to the bus operator or agency.

What if I missed the six-month claim deadline for a government entity?

Certain exceptions apply, particularly for minors or individuals who were physically or mentally unable to file. Consulting an attorney immediately is important, as these situations are fact-specific.

Do I need an attorney for a bus accident claim?

Given the involvement of public entities, commercial insurers, and high stakes, legal representation is strongly recommended. These cases require detailed investigation and compliance with strict deadlines.

Request a FREE Case Evaluation: (949) 210-9477

At United Attorney Group, we represent individuals injured in serious transportation and bus-related crashes throughout Orange County. With over $429 million recovered, we have the experience and resources to take on complex claims involving public agencies, corporate operators, and commercial insurers.

Call (949) 210-9477 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.