California Public Transit Injury Advocates
California Bus Accident Lawyers
Bus accidents involve government agencies, school districts, and large transportation companies with legal teams ready to fight your claim. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or in another vehicle, we know how to navigate the strict government claim deadlines and hold these entities accountable.
⚠️ Government bus claims have a 6-month deadline — not 2 years. Don't wait to call.
We Handle All Bus Accident Types
Types of Bus Accidents We Handle
Each type of bus accident involves different liable parties, insurance policies, and legal procedures.
Public Transit Buses
AC Transit, County Connection, BART buses, and city transit systems
School Buses
Public and private school district buses and contractors
Charter & Tour Buses
Greyhound, casino buses, wine tours, and private charters
Shuttle & Airport Buses
Hotel shuttles, airport transportation, and corporate shuttles
Critical Differences
Why Bus Accident Cases Are Different
Government Claim Deadlines
For public transit and school bus accidents, you must file a government claim within 6 months—not 2 years. Miss this deadline and you may lose your right to sue entirely.
Higher Duty of Care
Buses are "common carriers" under California law, meaning they owe passengers the highest duty of care. This makes it easier to prove negligence when accidents occur.
Larger Insurance Policies
Transit agencies and bus companies carry substantial insurance—often $1 million or more. This means more compensation is available for serious injuries.
Injured in a Bus Accident?
What to Do Right Now
Get the Bus Information
Note the bus number, route number, transit agency name, and driver's name if possible. Take photos of the bus.
Report the Accident
Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed. For transit buses, also report to the transit agency directly.
Document Your Injuries
Take photos of all injuries immediately. Bus accidents often cause whiplash, head injuries, and broken bones.
Get Witness Information
Other passengers are key witnesses. Get names and phone numbers before everyone leaves the scene.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Many bus accident injuries don't show symptoms immediately. Get checked within 24 hours.
Call Us Before the Deadline
Government claims have a 6-month deadline. We file claims immediately: 800-707-0707
Government Claims Expertise
Standard Approach vs. Scranton Strategy
| Legal Factor | The Insurance Approach | The Scranton Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Government Claim Filing | Misses 6-month deadline ✗ | Files claim within days of hire ✓ |
| Liable Party Identification | Only sues the driver ✗ | Sues agency, contractor, and maintenance ✓ |
| Common Carrier Standard | Applies ordinary negligence ✗ | Invokes highest duty of care ✓ |
| Evidence Preservation | "Bus video was overwritten" ✗ | Subpoenas footage immediately ✓ |
| Policy Discovery | Settles for minimum offer ✗ | Audits all available coverage ✓ |
Understanding Bus Accident Claims in California
If you're wondering "can I sue a city bus company?" the answer is yes—but you must follow strict procedures. Bus accidents are different from regular car crashes because they often involve government entities with special legal protections.
The 6-Month Government Claim Deadline
One of the most common questions we hear is "how long do I have to file a bus accident claim?" For public transit accidents—including AC Transit, BART buses, County Connection, and school buses—you must file a formal government claim within just 6 months. This isn't a lawsuit; it's a required first step before you can even file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline and your case may be permanently barred.
Buses Are "Common Carriers" with Higher Responsibilities
Under California law, buses are classified as "common carriers," which means they owe passengers the highest duty of care—not just ordinary care. People often ask us "is it easier to win a bus accident case?" In many ways, yes. This higher standard means bus drivers and companies must exercise extreme caution, and any failure to do so strengthens your negligence claim.
Multiple Liable Parties Mean More Recovery Options
Bus accidents often involve multiple defendants: the driver, the transit agency, maintenance contractors, and sometimes other vehicles. We investigate all potentially responsible parties to maximize your recovery. For school bus accidents, this may include the school district and any private bus contractors they use.
Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a pedestrian struck by a bus, or in another vehicle hit by a bus, call us immediately. The 6-month deadline is unforgiving, and evidence like bus surveillance footage is often overwritten within weeks.
A Personal Message
"Government agencies count on victims missing deadlines. We never let that happen."
"Transit agencies and school districts have entire legal departments designed to protect them from lawsuits. They know most people don't understand the 6-month government claim deadline—and they count on victims missing it. My firm files government claims within days of being retained, not weeks. We've been holding public agencies accountable for 50 years."— Chris Scranton, CEO & Trial Advocate
The Scranton Process
What to Expect When You Hire Us
Free Expert Case Audit
You call us at 800-707-0707. We identify all potentially liable parties, determine which claim deadlines apply, and tell you honestly what your case is worth.
Government Claim Filing
For public transit and school bus accidents, we prepare and file your government claim immediately—well before the 6-month deadline expires.
Evidence Preservation
We subpoena bus surveillance footage, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements before they're overwritten or lost.
Medical Care Coordination
We connect you with specialists who treat on a lien basis—you pay nothing out of pocket while your case is pending.
Aggressive Negotiation or Litigation
We build a comprehensive demand targeting all responsible parties. If they won't pay fair value, we file suit and take them to trial.
Maximum Recovery & Payment
We resolve all medical liens and paperwork, ensuring you receive your recovery check as quickly as possible. You pay nothing unless we win.
Expert Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Northern California
Bus Accident Lawyers Near You
From our Concord headquarters, we represent bus accident victims throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. We handle claims against all major transit agencies in the region.
Transit agencies we've handled claims against: AC Transit, BART, County Connection, WestCAT, Tri Delta Transit, SolTrans, Sacramento RT, and school districts throughout Northern California
The Scranton Advantage
Why Choose Us for Your Bus Accident Case
Main Office: 2450 Stanwell Drive, Concord, CA 94520
By Appointment: Oakland, CA • Sacramento, CA
Injured in a Bus Accident?
Government claims have strict deadlines. Don't wait — call us today for a free evaluation.
Free Case Evaluation100% Confidential. Trial-Ready. Available 24/7.