San Francisco Bus Accident Lawyer

In dense metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, accidents on the road are unfortunately a frequent occurrence. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are an estimated 808,000 residents living in the city and due to the high population, public transportation plays a vital role for commuters. The San Francisco Municipal Railway, also known as “Muni”, is an integral part of the city and has a weekday boarding average of over 400,000 residents per week according to data collected from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).

With such high demand for public transportation options, Muni has become a reliable and relatively safe alternative to driving. However, according to an accident report by the SFMTA, there have been nearly over 3,625 San Francisco Muni accidents from 2020 to 2023, which equates to over a thousand accidents per year. So if you have suffered injuries in a bus accident and would like to seek compensation for damages, it is important that you hire an accident attorney who is experienced in handling personal injury cases such as bus crashes.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of bus accident lawyers are ready to represent you and your personal injury claim. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our team of accident attorneys are confident that they can help get the compensation you deserve for your damages and losses.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our clients who have sustained serious injuries and ongoing medical expenses from a bus crash and we will continue to do our duty and guide our clients throughout the entire legal process. Whether you were hit by a bus or sustained injuries while you were riding a bus, our team of lawyers will be there 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your personal injury lawsuit.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Types of Bus Accidents

Every San Francisco bus accident case is different because the liability will sometimes be entirely dependent on the type of bus. For instance, if the liability of a metro bus/muni accident was due to the negligence of the bus driver or improper maintenance then the city can be held liable for all damages and injuries. This is also applicable to school bus accidents where school districts can be held liable, however, there is larger responsibility on the bus manufacturer and the bus driver.

For private buses, such as a charter bus or tour bus, the liability can be placed on the bus company and the driver if they were negligent in their duty to safely transport passengers. While most of these types of accidents are typically due to the involvement of a random driver, bus drivers can still potentially cause an accident. So if you are unsure who is liable, a bus accident lawyer will be able determine liability no matter what type of bus accident you have been involved in.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in San Francisco

There are so many factors that can contribute to the cause of a bus accident, sometimes due to negligent factors, other times due to environmental hazards. However, from what is typically seen in San Francisco, speeding, narrow streets, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are some of the most common causes of bus accidents. If you are filing a personal injury claim, it is important to understand the differences between these causes in order to get a better understanding of the total value of your claim.

Speeding Buses

Speeding is one of the most common factors of a bus accident. Oftentimes, bus drivers may find themselves running late from their schedule of picking up and dropping off passengers, which may compel them to speed. However, it is not condoned for a driver to exceed the posted speed limit regardless of the reason. If they do decide to speed, then the Muni bus driver could create a dangerous environment for passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers nearby.

Congested and Narrow Streets

San Francisco is known for its hilly terrain and narrow one way roads throughout the city. With nearly 500,000 residents that own a car, there is a significant amount of commuters that clog the roads and neighboring highways. As such, the chances of an accident occurring due to these narrow roads are practically inevitable and very likely. With that in mind, if bus drivers are not careful when maneuvering around these streets then they could become responsible for all sorts of damages.

Distracted Drivers

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign, 8% of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by distracted drivers and over 32,000 people have unfortunately perished as a result of it. As most drivers may feel the need to check their phone for any notifications, such as a missed call or text message, bus drivers are no different. Regardless of whether it was a quick glance, a bus driver should always keep their eyes on the road, especially if they are responsible for the safety of the passengers on board.

Driving Under the Influence 

The CDC has reported in a drunk driving report that more than 28% of all fatal crashes in the U.S. result from impaired driving. While most bus drivers are trained to not drink and drive, this doesn’t protect them from other vehicles with drivers who may be drunk driving. As drunk driving is one of the largest factors of traffic accidents, the chances of a drunk driver hitting a bus is more likely than one would assume, because buses are a larger target and they cannot make any sudden moves to avoid a drunk driver.

Available Damages for a Bus Accident

If you were injured in a bus accident as a result of the negligence of another driver or the bus company, you may be entitled to receive damages. Certain damages such as economic and non-economic damages can be compensated depending on the scale and severity of the accident.

Damages such as loss of earning capacity, medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering are all common examples of damages that can be recovered by accident victims. These damages are usually paid out by the responsible party or their insurance company, however, if there is a dispute regarding the amount or the time of compensation, it is recommended to consult with a San Francisco bus accident lawyer about it.

How Much is My San Francisco Bus Accident Worth?

While the average cost of a San Francisco bus accident will vary on a case-by-case basis, the scale, severity, and the type of sustained injuries will have an impact on your compensation. For example, larger and more complex bus accident cases usually tend to trend upwards of six-figures while minor cases typically settle out for under $100,000. However, more severe cases such as a wrongful death claim or TBI’s are valued much higher than the latter, where the average settlement value can range anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000 depending on different factors.

The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases

For all personal injury cases, the statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the incident as per section 335.1 of California’s legislation. So it is recommended to file a claim as soon as possible, because whether you choose to file a claim yourself or through an attorney, it can potentially take some time to file depending on the nature of the accident.

Should you wait to file a personal injury claim, you risk not filing your claim in time and when that happens, you waive your right to pursue compensation and justice for the accident. In addition, any attempt to file would be immediately dismissed in the court.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you were involved in a bus accident and would like to pursue a lawsuit against the party at-fault, it is important that you hire an experienced accident lawyer who can help you get the legal assistance you need. As filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a stressful experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the law, an accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and what kind of damages you deserve in an accident.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of bus accident attorneys are ready to fight for you and make sure you get the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses. We are a personal injury law firm that specializes in personal injury claims for those who have suffered in unfortunate accidents. With over 20 years of legal experience, we pride ourselves on representing those who need legal guidance in their case.

With over $1.6 billion recovered for our clients, we are devoted to serving justice to bus accident victims and are confident that we will deliver results that will satisfy our clients. Recoverable damages in a San Francisco bus accident case may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even a wrongful death. As such, our team of lawyers will be there 24/7 to address every question and legal concern you may have.

To schedule a FREE initial consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Bus Accidents

How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Bus Accident in San Francisco?

Those involved in a bus accident have exactly two years since the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. The California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1 applies to all negligence claims including injury or wrongful death and if you wait too long to file a claim then you would become ineligible to recover any damages for the accident in question.

How Much Does a Bus Accident Lawyer Cost?

Bus accident attorneys typically operate under a contingency-fee basis, which means that they won’t get paid unless they win or achieve a settlement with opposing counsel. In the event where either scenario occurs, they would charge a fee around 25-40%, but most tend to average around 33%.  

When Should I Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer? 

You should contact a personal injury attorney with experience in bus accidents as soon as possible. Time is of the essence and the longer you wait to get a consultation, the less of a chance you have at winning your lawsuit.