A bus accident—whether involving a public transit agency, school district, or private operator—is rarely straightforward. These cases often involve severe injuries, overlapping lines of responsibility, and strict procedural rules, especially when a government entity is involved. At Siegal & Richardson, LLP, we represent individuals who have been seriously injured in bus-related incidents and take on the complex legal work required to hold the right parties accountable. Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases against public transit systems, commercial carriers, and institutional defendants. In the sections that follow, Siegal & Richardson, LLP outlines key aspects of California bus accident claims, including the major types of bus crashes, who may be held legally responsible, the forms of compensation available under the law, and how a Berkeley bus accident lawyer can advocate for you throughout the legal process.
Types of Bus Accidents That Can Affect You in Berkeley
Public Transit Bus Accidents — These accidents might involve AC Transit buses, which operate all over Berkeley and the East Bay. Crashes can happen because of driver error, sudden stops that throw passengers, or malfunctioning equipment. Injuries often occur when people are boarding, exiting, or standing without a seatbelt.
School Bus Accidents — When children are hurt on a school bus, it raises serious legal and safety issues. These accidents might happen on the way to or from school, during field trips, or while students are getting on or off the bus.
Tour and Charter Bus Accidents — These buses are often hired for long trips or large group events. Unlike city buses, these vehicles are usually run by private companies and travel at higher speeds on highways, which increases the risk of rollovers, rear-end collisions, or multi-vehicle pileups.
Shuttle Bus Accidents — Shuttle buses include those run by hotels, airports, tech campuses, or hospitals. These vehicles often make frequent stops, have distracted drivers, and sometimes lack proper safety features. Passengers might be standing or carrying luggage when a crash or abrupt stop occurs.
Private Bus Accidents — Churches, senior centers, summer camps, or businesses might run their own buses for group travel. These operators may not follow the same strict regulations as larger transit agencies, and negligence in maintenance or training can lead to fatal accidents.
Pedestrian or Cyclist Bus Accidents — Some of the most devastating bus crashes involve people who aren’t even on the bus. Pedestrians in crosswalks or cyclists on the road can be hit by turning buses or buses that fail to yield. These accidents can lead to serious, often fatal injuries.
Bus Accidents Caused by Other Drivers — Sometimes, the bus isn’t the one at fault. If another driver crashes into a bus or forces it off the road, that driver may be held liable. These cases can involve both the bus operator and the third-party driver, depending on how the crash unfolded.
Serious Injuries You Can Get From a Bus Accident
Head and Brain Injuries — A sudden stop or crash can throw you into metal poles, windows, or the floor, causing concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries often need long-term care and can permanently affect your memory or balance.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries — Buses don’t have seatbelts, so your spine can take the full force of a crash. You might suffer from herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even paralysis depending on the severity of the impact.
Fractures and Broken Bones — A fall inside the bus or being struck while outside can lead to broken legs, arms, ribs, or hips. These injuries often require surgery and months of rehab.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage — Getting crushed in a collision or thrown inside the bus can cause trauma to your liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries may not show up right away and can be deadly without fast treatment.
Facial Injuries and Scarring — Hitting a seat or window can lead to broken teeth, eye damage, or deep cuts on your face. These wounds can leave permanent scars or require reconstructive surgery.
Psychological Trauma — Being in a serious crash can cause anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Where Bus Accidents Often Happen in Berkeley
University Avenue Between Sacramento and Shattuck — This is one of Berkeley’s busiest roads, and buses frequently stop near crosswalks and narrow intersections. With all the foot traffic and turning vehicles, accidents are common here.
Telegraph Avenue Near UC Berkeley — Student crossings, bikes, and rideshares mix with AC Transit buses. It’s a tight and fast-moving corridor where visibility and space are limited, increasing the risk of crashes.
Ashby Avenue (CA-13) Around Adeline Street — This stretch carries heavy traffic and includes sharp turns and short merge lanes. Buses have to navigate quickly in and out of traffic, which leads to side-swipes and sudden stops.
San Pablo Avenue Near Gilman Street — A major artery through Berkeley with constant bus activity, commercial trucks, and private vehicles. The high volume of vehicles here means more opportunities for collisions.
Downtown Berkeley BART and Transit Plaza — Between Allston Way and Center Street, this area sees nonstop pedestrian crossings, bike activity, and transit congestion. Buses backing out or pulling in can easily cause injury if drivers aren’t alert.
I-80 Westbound Exit at University Avenue — Tour and charter buses coming in from out of town often exit here. The merge onto city streets from the highway creates conflict with local traffic and causes multi-vehicle crashes during busy hours.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident in California
Public Transit Agencies Like AC Transit — If you’re hurt by a city-run bus, the transit agency can be held liable under California Government Code § 835. That law allows you to sue a public entity if it created a dangerous condition or didn’t fix one it knew about. But you must act fast—California Government Code § 911.2 gives you only six months to file a government claim.
Bus Drivers as Liable Parties — If the crash happened because the bus driver was careless—like speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, or failing to yield—they can be held personally negligent under California Civil Code § 1714, which states that everyone is responsible for injuries caused by their lack of ordinary care. But in most cases, you wouldn’t sue the individual driver directly. Instead, their employer would be responsible for the driver’s actions under California Civil Code § 2338.
Private Bus Companies and Charter Operators — Private carriers are held to a higher duty of care under California Civil Code § 2100. They’re required to use the highest level of caution because they transport people for money. That means they can be responsible for driver error, poor training, or broken equipment.
School Districts or School Contractors — When a child is injured on a school bus, the district may be liable. Claims against school districts also follow the Government Claims Act, so you still have to file within six months. If the school hired a private bus company, both the school and the contractor could be responsible under California Education Code § 44808, which outlines a district’s duties during transportation.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers — If a bus crash was caused by brake failure, steering problems, or defective parts, the manufacturer might be liable under California’s product liability laws. That includes strict liability, where you don’t have to prove negligence—just that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Maintenance Companies — If the bus was serviced by a third party and poor maintenance led to the crash, that company can be sued under general negligence rules in California. You’ll need evidence showing they failed to perform their job properly.
Other Drivers on the Road — Sometimes another vehicle causes the crash. In that case, the at-fault driver can be held accountable under California Vehicle Code § 17150, which holds vehicle owners responsible for negligence if they give someone else permission to drive. Your claim could name both the driver and the vehicle owner.
What a Berkeley Bus Accident Lawyer Does to Help You
Bus accident cases in Berkeley are complex. They often involve public transit, school districts, or private bus operators—each governed by different legal standards and tight deadlines. Under California Government Code § 911.2, claims against public entities must be filed within six months. An experienced bus accident lawyer will move quickly to secure surveillance footage, black box data, driver records, and witness statements before critical evidence disappears.
At Siegal & Richardson, LLP, we pursue full compensation under California Civil Code § 3333 for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. In fatal cases, we also represent families in wrongful death lawsuits under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, including funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the personal loss of a loved one. Unlike standard car accident claims, these bus crash cases demand a lawyer who’s ready to fight aggressively and knows exactly how California law applies to every detail of your case.
Questions You Might Have After a Bus Accident
What should I do right after a bus crash in Berkeley?
Call 911, get medical attention right away, take photos if you can, get names of any witnesses, and avoid speaking to insurance companies or the bus agency until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
Can I sue the bus company if I was a passenger?
Yes, you can sue if the bus driver or company was careless. Under California Civil Code § 2100, common carriers like buses owe you the highest duty of care while you’re a passenger.
What if I was walking or biking when the bus hit me?
You can still file a personal injury claim if the driver was negligent. It doesn’t matter that you weren’t on the bus—California law protects all victims of careless or reckless operation.
Do I need to file a government claim first?
Yes, if it’s a public bus. You must file a claim within six months under California Government Code § 911.2 before you’re allowed to file a lawsuit in court. This deadline is strict.
What damages can I recover in a bus accident case?
You can seek compensation for your medical bills, future care, lost income, emotional distress, and pain. If the crash was fatal, family members can also recover wrongful death damages under state law.
What if the bus crash caused a death in my family?
You may file a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. It covers funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. A lawyer can help prove the value of these losses.
Will the bus company pay for my medical treatment?
Not right away. Their insurer may reimburse you later through a settlement or court order. Until then, your own health insurance or Med-Pay coverage might have to cover your bills.
Should I contact a lawyer for a bus accident claim?
Yes. Bus cases are different from regular car accidents. There are short filing deadlines, multiple liable parties, and strict evidence rules. A qualified lawyer protects your rights and builds a strong case.
Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under California’s comparative fault rule (Civil Code § 1431.2), your damages will just be reduced by your share of fault. Even if you were partly to blame, you can still recover money.
How long do I have to sue after a bus crash?
You generally have two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 for private claims. For government-run buses, you must file a claim within six months or risk losing your rights entirely.
Berkeley Bus Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a bus accident in Berkeley—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver—you’re likely facing serious medical and financial consequences. These cases often involve public entities like AC Transit or school districts, or private companies operating under California’s common carrier laws. Each presents its own legal hurdles, and delay can cost you important rights. The personal injury attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP have experience handling bus accident cases and understand what it takes to hold these parties legally and financially accountable.
To speak directly with a Berkeley bus accident attorney, contact Siegal & Richardson, LLP by calling (510) 271-6720 or contacting us online for a free consultation.