Experienced and Trusted Bus Accident Law Firm

San Diego Bus Accident Attorneys

Representing San Diego Bus Accident Injury Victims

Bus crashes occur far too often in the San Diego area. For example, a pickup truck collided with a school bus in the Ramona area in March 2023, causing injuries to the bus driver and death to the driver of the pickup. In February 2020, a charter bus rolled off a Southern California highway, killing three people and injuring 18, as reported by USA Today. If you have been hurt in a bus accident, contact an experienced San Diego auto accident attorney at (619) 209-6066 as soon as possible.

How Frequently Do Bus Accidents Occur?

Collisions involving buses occur more frequently than you may suspect. In the most recently reported year, 46 school buses, nine intercity buses, and 86 transit buses were involved in fatal crashes in the U.S., as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The agency reported Injury crashes involving 7,000 buses injured 14,000 individuals.

How Do Bus Accidents Happen?

Public transportation in San Diego includes bus routes offering service throughout the county. School buses and tour buses are also on the roads. Bus accidents can happen in a number of ways. They may be caused by hazardous road conditions or bus company negligence in failing to properly maintain their vehicles or train their drivers. Many bus crashes are caused by some type of driver negligence, such as:

• Distracted driving: Bus drivers who are texting, conversing with passengers, or otherwise distracted can cause deadly accidents.
• Reckless driving: In trying to make up for delays and get back on schedule, bus drivers may drive faster and more aggressively than is safe.
• Impaired driving: DUI is dangerous under any circumstances, and particularly behind the wheel of a bus. Safely operating a large bus requires unimpaired concentration. Consuming illegal substances, alcohol, and even some prescription medications can significantly impair driving ability.
• Negligent driving: Bus drivers who make unsafe lane changes, follow too closely, run yellow lights, misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles, fail to yield the right of way, or make other driving errors can put their passengers and others on the road at risk.

Who Is Liable for Bus Accidents?

Liability for a bus accident can depend on what type of bus is involved, where the crash occurred, and whose negligence caused it. In the case of an accident caused by bus driver’s negligence, the driver may be personally liable. If the driver is employed by a bus company or if the wreck resulted from failure to maintain the vehicle or other company negligence, the company itself may be liable.

Some buses involved in accidents are owned by government entities. In this case, special rules, time limits, and procedures will apply. In California, when the defendant is a government entity, you must give that entity notice of your claim within six months of the date of injury, as compared to the normal two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you or your loved one has been injured in a bus accident, it is in your best interests to speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer right away.

How Can a San Diego Bus Accident Attorney Help?

Our legal team can thoroughly investigate your bus accident to determine fault and liability and secure evidence to support your claim. We can calculate the full extent of your damages, follow the necessary procedures, and work to recover full compensation for your losses. Our experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf and present a strong case to a judge and jury if necessary. Contact us today at (619) 209-6066.

Additional Information

• School Zone Safety: A Shared Responsibility
• Charter Bus Safety