A collision between a city bus, school bus, or private charter bus presents unique legal and insurance issues, especially where multiple passengers are hurt. An Anaheim bus accident lawyer can help you identify if a public agency, private company, or third party may have been at fault for a crash.
The legal team at Gonzales Law Offices helps those injured in bus accidents determine how the crash occurred, what safety rules may apply, and whether negligence was a factor under California law.
Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer
Gonzales Law Offices serves injured persons throughout California in transportation-related injury cases, including bus accident claims. We investigate each case thoroughly, communicate clearly, and prepare each case diligently, especially when public agencies and private carriers are involved.
Attorney Mark Gonzales has recovered over a million dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients and was a past insurance defense lawyer. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome; every case is different. He understands how insurance companies and their lawyers look at liability and coverage issues, and this understanding is utilized in his current practice.
The firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis so that you can seek justice without incurring any out-of-pocket legal expenses.
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Bus accidents in Anaheim can happen for a number of different operational and roadway reasons. Drivers can be tired, poorly trained, or distracted by technology or roadway hazards. Bus operators have a blind spot that they have to scan and signal before switching lanes. Drivers may be short on time or have a limited turning radius, which can put them in more of a rush. Therefore, they may hit a pedestrian or another vehicle on the roadway.
Bus operators can also fail mechanically, as a result of a failure to maintain the vehicle properly, such as with brakes. In 2025, there were 721 fatal and nonfatal accidents that occurred with buses in California, which is a large number. People may question if the proper procedures were implemented and if sufficient oversight was conducted.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents and Why
People inside a bus can be severely injured due to the size of the bus and limited occupant restraints, such as seatbelts. Buses may not have seatbelts installed, which can mean that people are more at risk of being thrown out of their seats or sliding around in their seats.
Passengers might suffer head injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries, among others, as a result of these collisions. Pedestrians and cyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries if a bus strikes them, due to the size of the vehicle and the limited capacity of a bus to stop. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school bus-related crashes killed 128 people nationwide in 2023.
Who May Be Liable After a Bus Accident in Anaheim
Liability for a bus accident can involve more than the driver. Depending on the facts of a case, the city transit authority, a school district, a private bus company, a maintenance contractor, or even a third-party driver could be liable. If a government agency or public entity owns or operates the bus, certain rules will apply.
In California, if a public entity or its employees cause an injury, the injured victim generally must file a government claim within six months of the incident, per California Government Code § 911.2, before they can sue. Promptly identifying the correct defendant is very important. Insurance coverage and the procedures each type of entity requires differ and can significantly affect a claim.
Meet Attorney Mark Gonzales, Esq.
Lead Counsel, Gonzales Law Offices
Since 2007, Mark has represented injured clients across Southern California in car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His time in insurance defense gives him inside perspective he uses to help clients take on powerful carriers. He has recovered over a million dollars for clients in difficult cases.
Bar: State Bar of California
Affiliations: CAALA, LACBA
Education: University of La Verne College of Law
Offices: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario
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What Should I Do if I Am Injured While Riding a Bus as a Passenger?
Injured bus accident passengers should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if symptoms are mild at first. Reporting the incident to the bus operator or transit authority also establishes an official record.
It’s important to preserve any photos, witness information, or medical documentation. Bus passenger claims can involve unique liability and insurance issues, so early documentation is especially valuable.
Do Different Rules Apply if the Bus Is Operated by a Government Agency?
Yes, bus accidents in Anaheim, California involving buses run by a government agency are governed by special rules. A claim against a public entity must be submitted with a government claim, and the statute of limitations for the claim is shortened. A private car accident would not involve these special notice requirements. Failure to provide notice can bar recovery even if the other driver was clearly at fault and caused serious injuries.
Where Do Bus Accidents Commonly Occur in Anaheim?
Bus accidents are common along Anaheim’s busiest surface streets and transit corridors. Frequent stops and heavy traffic increase the likelihood of a collision in high-usage areas. Major bus routes include Harbor Boulevard, Katella Avenue, and streets near tourist attractions and shopping centers. Congestion, pedestrian traffic, and lane changes are risk factors for crashes along busy Anaheim bus routes.
Can I File a Claim if Another Driver Caused the Bus Accident?
Yes, you can have a claim even if another motorist caused the accident. Liability is determined by who was at fault, not by the type of vehicle. In some cases, more than one party may be at fault, including both the bus operator and a third-party driver.
The assignment of fault can often be determined by looking at the accident report, witness statements, and traffic evidence instead of jumping to conclusions.
Contact an Anaheim Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accident claims can raise questions of multiple liability and responsibility not involved in most vehicle crashes, especially when public transit or commercial transportation is involved. Injured passengers, pedestrians, and motorists may also have to contend with strict notice requirements, multiple insurance carriers, and complex liability issues.
An Anaheim bus accident lawyer can help you understand these issues by looking at how the crash happened and which parties may be responsible under the law.
Gonzales Law Offices helps people injured in bus accidents in Anaheim and Orange County by explaining their legal rights clearly, evaluating potential claims, and pursuing compensation under California law when negligence contributed to the accident. Schedule a consultation now to hire a bus accident lawyer to fight for you.
Anaheim Bus Accident Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“On April 9th 2024, I was in a very severe accident caused by a reckless driver. I had contacted Gonzalez law firm in which Mrs. Marilyn explain the procedures, and helped me through process. They were very responsive and answered any questions that arose. They were very attentive and if I needed any additional help, they were willing to get me the necessary help I needed. They were very helpful and would highly recommend this law firm.” – Carmen Villalobos
★★★★★
“I am extremely pleased with Gonzalez law. Mr. Mark Gonzalez himself is a very well rounded and educated lawyer in his field. He was communicative, concise, and efficient with handling my personal injury case. I am grateful to have him as my lawyer. His staff was informative and helpful with getting through my process and the he decision to choose this firm was the best decision I could have made. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and your team! Continue to serve the community well. It is very much appreciated!” – Roza Keflom
★★★★★
“Great Experience. Once I entered you can feel they care. They talk with Experience and knowledge. Thankful to be represented by this law firm! Will recommend.” – Edward SerranoWB
I could not be more happy with the help Mark Gonzales provided. He was there for me every step of the way. He explained each step in a way that was easy for me to understand. He was available to me when ever I had a concern. His staff made me feel like I was family. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who needs legal help!
Robert R.
Mark helped me recover all my expenses due to my car accident. The insurance company tried to slow the process and doubted that I was even injured. Mark fought for me and gave me peace of mind. I felt like I had an army on my side since his staff worked tirelessly for me. They got the insurance company off my back and helped me get back on my feet faster than I expected.
April F.
Mark did a fantastic job for me when I slipped in a restaurant. I owner had the nerve to claim it was my heels, when clearly the floor was damaged and caused me to fall. He tried to make himself look like the victim of a scam. Mark put an end to that real fast. He took control of everything for me. He helped me get my medical costs paid as well as compensation for the lost time at work.
Dottie F.
The Law Office of Mark Gonzales was a smooth experience people were great and professional !! I would recommend them to anyone and if I ever need an injury attorney again I will definitely come back. THANK YOU.
Vanessa M.
The people working here are very nice and helped make a bad experience better. They made the process go smoothly and were always willing to help and answer my questions. The attorney was very personable and willing to help. The office makes sure you are comfortable and that you understand the process. I highly recommend them.
Elizabeth R.
I would like to thank the attorney Mark Gonzalez and his staff for the prompt results representing my family with our case, I would highly recommend his office, thank you in advance.
Jose G.
I want to highly recommend the lawyer Mark Gonzalez due to his great work. He took my case and won it even though another lawyer had said it was a lost case. Very friendly environment especially with the secretary at the front desk. Thank you!
Marelena R.
Mr. Gonzales did an amazing job in solving my case. I was feeling helpless and all hope lost, but him and his staff got me through it. I wouldn’t consider any other attorney than Mr. Gonzales himself. 100% recommended!
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