Beverly Hills is known for its upscale neighborhoods and well-maintained roads. However, bus accidents can still happen throughout the city as a result of heavy traffic, tourist shuttles, school transportation, and frequent stops happening along major roads, such as Beverly Drive, Santa Monica Blvd, and Wilshire Blvd. When such a collision occurs, victims can be met with injuries, liability issues, and strict deadlines if a government entity is involved.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills bus accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience in personal injury law. Our team is equipped to guide you through legal complexities by analyzing the situation, protecting your rights, and developing a personalized approach to better your chances of recovering compensation for the losses you endured.
Our law firm works under a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
To set up a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927 3700ย or filling out our convenient online contact form.
How Common Are Bus Accidents in Beverly Hills?
Beverly Hills is a relatively small city, however, this fact doesnโt take away from the fact that bus accidents can still happen. Popular locations, like Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Drive, and the Rodeo Drive district see public buses, tour buses, and private transit vans traveling amongst heavy tourist traffic and ongoing congestion. In fact, there have been a few notable bus-accident cases in Beverly Hills:
- June 2024: A tour bus struck another vehicle at Coldwater Canyon and Beverly Drive. Eight people were harmed. The other driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
- February 2015: A tour van crashed into another vehicle at Sunset Blvd and Rodeo Drive right by the Beverly Hills Hotel.
- August 2011: Two buses were involved in an accident with one another near Wilshire Blvd and Linden Drive in Beverly Hills. Thirteen people suffered minor bodily harm, with most being passengers on the MTA bus.
When looking at nationwide trends, thousands of buses are involved in crashes every year.
- According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), buses were involved in about 10,000-15,000 injury crashes per year between 2018 and 2021.
- The highest level was noted back in 2018, with 15,000 injury crashes, and it gradually declined to 10,000 by 2021.
- Property-damage-only (PDO) cases involving buses also remained high, ranging from 38,000 to 59,000 incidents per year.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation reported in 2016, that there was an estimated total of 69,000 bus crashes throughout the country.
- According to the NHTSAโs Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2016, there were 225 fatal bus accidents and 15,000 injury crashes involving buses that year.
- Additionally the American Public Transit Association reported in 2018 that there were 255 transit-related fatalities, 39 were transit passengers/occupants, 11 were transit workers/employees, and the remainder were others.
When looking at total crashes, buses were involved in 48,000 to 72,000 collisions annually and fatal cases showed concerning trends, with a total of 204 crashes in 2021, which is an increase from 164 in 2020. While bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, these statistics highlight that the likelihood of getting involved in a bus accident is more likely than one would assume.
What to Do if You Are in a Beverly Hills Bus Accident
If you are in a Beverly Hills bus accident, it is understandable to feel shaken up, but it is vital to do the following steps to ensure your rights are protected.
- Seek immediate medical treatment, even if they are experiencing minor symptoms, because many injuries may not appear shortly after the impact.
- Get evaluated by a medical expert and determine whether you have anything that may require ongoing care, whether it be short- or long-term, because this will help you maintain your health and develop documentation that can be used as evidence if you choose to sue the liable party.
- Document your surroundings, from taking photos or video footage of your injuries, damages, and road conditions.
- Get contact information from all involved parties and witnesses
Since multiple parties can share fault in such a case, consulting with a skilled attorney can make the claims process smoother. They will review the situation, determine fault, and pursue legal action to get you fair compensation.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Bus Accidents?
Under CVC ยง 27315, drivers and passengers are required to use seat belts. But, many buses are exempt, leaving occupants in a more vulnerable position during a crash. Below are some common examples of injuries that may arise:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and bruising
- Psychological trauma
Since buses carry several passengers and have large interiors with inadequate restraints, it is possible for severe bodily harm to occur.
Can You Sue if a Bus Hits You?
If you are hit by a bus, whether you are a pedestrian, motorist, or cyclist, you can file a personal injury claim against the at fault party. In California, such claims require showing that the opposing side breached their duty of care (CIV ยง 1714), directly causing you to sustain injuries and damages.ย
If the bus is government-owned, legal action must comply with the California Government Claims Act, including the six-month filing deadline. Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for losses. A Beverly Hills bus accident attorney can help establish liability, preserve evidence, and handle strict government timelines.
How to Report a Bus Accident?
To report a bus accident, you will first need to contact 911 to have police and emergency responders arrive at the scene and create an official documentation that covers the situation. If the incident involves public buses, you should file a report with the bus operator or transit agency, like LA Metro, Beverly Hills Transit, or any applicable local authority.
Be sure to mention crucial details, like the bus number, route, location, and how many parties are involved. If the bus was managed by a government entity, you may also need to submit an administrative claim within six months from the initial date of the event.
When reporting, be sure to gather as much evidence as you can, including photos, witness names, and a copy of your medical documentation to prove you sustained bodily harm as a result of the impact. These details can help support your personal injury claim and better your chances of securing fair compensation.
Can Multiple Passengers File Claims?
Multiple passengers can file claims after a bus accident. Each affected individual has the right to sue for their own losses. Since a bus usually carries several riders, it is common for similar claims to be made for the same incident. These will all be evaluated individually based on the person’s injuries, documentation, and the factors surrounding the crash. Class actions are fairly uncommon in these cases since each passenger will have different injuries, medical needs, and damages, making individualized claims more accurate.
How Much Can You Get From a Bus Accident?
Compensation will vary based on:
- The severity of your injury
- Percentage of fault
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
Economic damages are financial expenses that can be calculated using records, receipts, or bills. This can consist of hospital fees, lost income, and property damage. These have a clear dollar value, meaning they are quantifiable and are usually supported with documentation. Non-economic damages refers to intangible, non-financial harm that does not have its own set dollar amount. These may include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
To learn what you could be eligible for, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the losses you sustained from the bus accident.
Who to Sue for a Bus Accident?
Several parties can be held accountable in a bus accident. This may include:
- Bus operators
- Private bus companies
- Public transportation agencies
- Maintenance contractors
- Bus manufacturersย
- Negligent drivers
Under CIV ยง 1714(a), anyone whose negligence causes harm will be responsible for injuries. It is also important to consider California’s pure comparative fault system. This allows an injured person to recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the bus accident. Compensation will be adjusted by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are 20% liable, you can still receive 80% of your damages.
Do Bus Drivers Get Fired for Accidents?
Bus drivers can face disciplinary action based on their level of negligence and whether they failed to follow mandated safety rules. If a crash occurs due to traffic violations, like making unsafe lane changes or distracted driving (California Vehicle Code ยงยง 22107, 23123, and 23123.5), employers may enforce suspension or termination. Fault may also fall on other negligent parties who allowed dangerous conditions to remain without addressing it in a timely manner.
How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Bus Accident Claim?
If you were involved in a bus accident in Beverly Hills, time limits to pursue a claim will vary depending on the circumstances involved. If the bus is run by a public agency, like LA Metro or Beverly Hills Transit, you will need to file within six months (California Government Code ยง 911.2). Cases involving private bus companies or other negligent drivers will be the standard two-year statute of limitations (CCP ยง 355.1).
California normally requires injury claims against a government entity to be filed within six months. But if the deadline is missed, Government Code ยง 911.4 allows a person, including a minor, to apply for permission to file a late claim. This will need to be submitted within one year of the injury and must include an explanation of the delay.
In fact, the statute of limitations can be delayed if the injured victims is deemed mentally incapacitated, lack guardianship or conservatorship, or if juvenile-court protective conditions effectively prevented a parent or guardian from filing on their behalf. Once the claim is submitted, the time limit to file the actual lawsuit may be tolled until the minor turns 18.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Bus Accident Claim?
You are not obligated to hire an attorney after a bus accident, however, having legal representation can be helpful when public entities or multiple parties are involved.
These situations will usually require meeting strict government claim deadlines, determining all responsible parties, and responding to insurers who may challenge liability or downplay your injuries. A Beverly Hills bus accident lawyer can manage these complications while protecting your best interests during the legal process.
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help
If you were involved in a bus accident, West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to provide legal guidance during this difficult time. Our team will let you know what steps to take and what to expect next. While we take on communications, deadlines, and negotiations, you can focus on your health, ensuring you undergo the recovery process with no added stress. As your legal advocates, we will pursue compensation on your behalf for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you endured
To book a FREE no-obligation consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927 3700 or completing our easy online contact form.
