Fresno Bus Accident Lawyer

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fresno bus accident attorneys have over 20 years of legal experience in handling personal injury cases. We have won thousands of cases and recovered over $1.7 billion in settlements for our clients. Due to our achievements, we have been ranked as one of the top personal injury law firms in Fresno.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at our Fresno personal injury law firm, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form.

Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers for Your Fresno Bus Accident Case?

A bus accident in Fresno can leave you with serious injuries and overwhelming stress. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fresno bus accident lawyers are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s why clients trust us:

• Elite Legal Leadership: Our President, Neama Rahmani, a Harvard Law School graduate and former federal prosecutor, brings unmatched expertise to every bus accident case.
• Available 24/7: Whether you’re injured near Fresno’s Greyhound station or on Highway 99, our team is ready to meet you anytime, anywhere—day or night.
• Trusted by High-Profile Clients: Our proven success and integrity have earned the trust of notable clients, ensuring top-tier representation for you.
• Multilingual Support: Our diverse team speaks your language, making the legal process clear and comfortable, from start to finish.
• No Fees Unless We Win: Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your bus accident lawsuit. No upfront costs, just results.

Don’t let a bus accident define your future. Contact our Fresno attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your recovery!

Bus Accidents Statistics

Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries, and Fresno’s busy roads—like Highway 99 or downtown transit hubs—heighten the risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 128 people died in school bus-related crashes nationwide in 2023, up from 104 in 2022, with 71% of fatalities being occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians. 

Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports over 14,000 bus crashes annually, many resulting in serious injuries like fractures or traumatic brain injuries. These statistics underscore the dangers of bus accidents, whether involving school buses, Greyhound, or city transit.

Navigating a bus accident lawsuit requires skilled legal help due to complex liability issues and legal landscape, such as driver negligence or transit company failures. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fresno bus accident attorneys offer personalized representation to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For more on bus safety, visit NHTSA’s School Bus Safety page.

Common Types of Bus Accidents and Injuries

Fresno County has 18 express bus routes and 4 Clovis transit routes. Opening numerous bus routes allows people to have more access to travel. Prior to buses being used for public transportation, inspections must be done to ensure that the buses are in good condition. After everything is cleared, the bus driver can start their shift. Once passengers step foot onto the bus, the bus driver is expected to provide a duty of care to ensure that everyone is safe. Unfortunately, many obstacles, such as negligent drivers, road hazards, and poor weather conditions may alter the outcome of a trip. Serious injuries can occur when an accident occurs due to the lack of safety measures such as seat belts.

Those who have been involved in a bus accident may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the party at-fault for their losses. It is ideal to contact an experienced Fresno bus accident attorney for a bus accident case, highlighting the intricate nature of liability involved. Bus accident cases are intricate due to the involvement of multiple parties. The legal aspects of pursuing a bus accident claim and the importance of having experienced attorneys cannot be overstated. The severity and impact of bus accidents on bus accident victims make legal assistance crucial.

Types of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents have the ability to cause a disastrous outcome. Due to its large size, the impact could involve multiple vehicles. Furthermore, several passengers could suffer from serious injuries or get killed. Each bus accident outcome may differ depending on the type of bus and impact inflicted.

School Bus Accident

A school bus accident may occur while a bus driver is picking up or dropping off children either at home or school. In order to keep these children safe from an accident, California laws have been established to inform drivers of important steps that they need to take to prevent colliding into a school bus. For example:

• In a two-lane road with no median, traffic on both sides are required to stop.
• In a two lane road that has a center turn lane, traffic on both sides are required to stop.
• Vehicles are permitted to pass by a school bus after the stop sign is no longer present, the school bus is driving, or the bus driver gives you a signal to pass.
• When four lanes are present, the side of the road that does not have a stopped school bus may proceed to drive cautiously.
• If a raised divider is present, the side of the road that does not have a stopped school bus may proceed to drive cautiously.
• Vehicles in a two-lane road that have a median are not required to stop if the bus is stopped on the opposite side of the road.

In California, if a driver is caught passing a school bus, they will be fined up to $600.

Public Bus Accident

Public transit bus accidents also share similar outcomes as a school bus accident. The only difference is the passengers on board. Nearly all said passengers are older individuals who rely on public transportation to go to work, home, or other places. Other common types of public transit buses that have been involved in bus accidents include the following:

• Freight Bus. This bus transports cargo from one place to another. There is a specific weight limit for 40 feet freight buses, which is 33,000 pounds. Fully-loaded weights are up to 44,000 pounds. Freight buses that are 60 feet have a weight limit of up to 50,000 pounds. Fully-loaded weights are up to 65,000 pounds. If a freight bus exceeds the maximum limit, then it will be difficult for the driver to control the vehicle.
• Shuttle Bus. Hotels and colleges typically use this bus to transport their guests or students. A shuttle bus can be difficult to operate due to its size and shape.
• Private, Commercial, and Charter Bus. Most of these buses are used for tours or parties. Some are designed as luxury buses. The driver of this type of bus must remain focused on the road to ensure that the passengers arrive safely to their destination. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

It is important to note that all buses should get regular inspections done to ensure that no defective parts are present. Companies that fail to check buses for any issues may be held accountable if it contributes to the cause of a bus accident.

Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accident injuries may vary. It all depends on how powerful the level of impact was between the bus and the other object, such as a vehicle, building, or tree. Common bus accident injuries that have been reported include the following:

Neck Injuries

This occurs when damage is done to the soft tissues of the neck. This type of injury is generally caused by an abrupt accident. You may start to experience symptoms days, weeks, or months later. Notable symptoms to look out for include neck pain, swelling, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, burning sensation, lack of concentration, trouble sleeping, or arm, back, or shoulder pain.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury may occur if the driver or passengers endure forceful impact to their back area. The back being violently slammed into the bus seats or getting ejected out of the vehicle may likely result in a spinal cord injury. Symptoms vary depending on which vertebral segment was affected. However, general symptoms that have been reported include weakness in the muscles, muscle spasms, numbness, difficulty breathing, tingling, digestive issues, or a stinging sensation. The severe consequences of spinal cord damage from bus accidents can include paralysis and the need for lifelong medical care.

Head Injury

A head injury, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), may occur if the bus driver or a passenger violently slam their head onto nearby objects, such as the steering wheel, windows, or bus seats. Symptoms of a head injury include a headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, slurred speech, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, blurred vision, memory issues, mood swings, unconsciousness, seizures, clear fluids that drain from the nose or ears, numbness in the fingers or toes, or change in eating habits. These symptoms may persist for days, weeks, months, or even years.

Broken Bones

Intense contact with any body part, such as the arms or legs, could result in a fractured bone. Symptoms of a broken bone may include intense pain in the injured area, inability to function in the injured area, swelling, bruising, or a bone sticking out of the skin. It typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks for a bone to heal.

Cuts and Bruises

During a bus accident, windows may shatter, which could cause glass to cut through the bus driver’s or passenger’s skin. Bruises are also likely to occur, especially if a passenger is aggressively tossed around and slammed into objects nearby, such as a bus seat or window.

Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can be caused by a multitude of factors, including driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, and road conditions. Driver error, such as distracted driving, speeding, or reckless driving, is a common cause of bus accidents as well. Vehicle maintenance issues, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can also be a major contribution. Additionally, road conditions, such as potholes or uneven surfaces, can increase the risk of accidents. Other factors, such as weather conditions, traffic laws, and safety standards, can also play a role in bus accidents. Our team of investigators can help determine the cause of your bus accident and identify the responsible parties.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Fresno Bus Accident?

After an accident, you may face steep costs and emotional hardship. Our attorneys fight to secure full compensation in your bus accident lawsuit. Key types include:

• Medical expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, and therapy from injuries like fractures or TBIs.
• Lost wages: Reimburses income lost due to recovery time or disability.
• Pain and suffering: Addresses physical pain and emotional distress, like anxiety after a crash.

Multiple parties, such as a negligent bus driver, transit company, or vehicle manufacturer, may be liable. Our attorneys identify all responsible parties to maximize your recovery.

Speak to an Experienced Legal Team in Fresno for Free

If you have sustained injuries in a bus accident as a result of someone’s negligence or deliberate acts of malice, you have the right to hold the guilty party responsible for your losses. A Fresno bus accident lawyer at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you recover compensation for your losses with personalized legal representation.

To schedule a free consultation at our Fresno personal injury law firm, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.