Any time you’re on the road in California, you’re at risk of getting in an accident. This is true even when you’re not the one driving, which is why it’s important to understand your rights if you suffer injuries from a bus accident. A Riverside bus accident lawyer can assess your case and help you seek justice by holding the at-fault party accountable.
With approximately 318,858 people living in Riverside, there are a lot of people on the roads on any given day. You’re at risk of being in an accident every time you drive, even when you’re not the one behind the wheel. Here are the six key steps to take after you’re injured in a bus accident in Riverside.
Contact law enforcement. After a transportation accident, it’s important to get everyone out of immediate danger and to contact the Riverside Police Department. It’s also crucial to seek medical attention to ensure you have no serious or delayed injuries.
Document the scene. Document as much of the accident scene as possible and exchange information with anyone involved and any witnesses. It’s also wise to take pictures and videos of damages, injuries, and anything else that can help support your injury claim.
Gather evidence. It’s crucial to prove fault for a bus accident, which is why you must get as much evidence that supports your case as possible. A Riverside bus accident attorney can help you obtain key pieces of evidence such as bus driver records, bus security videos, medical records, street cam videos, witness statements, and more.
Report to insurance companies. After a bus accident, you can report the incident to the bus company. If your vehicle was also involved, you can report the accident to them as well.
File a bus accident claim. If you plan to file a claim against the at-fault party, you typically must do so within two years of the bus accident. However, you must file within six months if the bus is owned by a government entity.
Enter negotiations or go to trial. Most bus injury cases are resolved outside of court through negotiations, but you may have to go to trial if you can’t reach a settlement agreement. Regardless, a Riverside bus accident lawyer can help guide you through the process.
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
Free Consultation No Fees Unless We Win Se Habla Español
What Makes Bus Accidents Different Than Regular Vehicle Accidents
Since buses are markedly larger and more difficult to maneuver than a standard motor vehicle like cars, bus drivers need a special class of license. They are also more likely to cause serious damage and injuries in a crash due to their large size. In 2024, there were 918 non-fatal crashes and 18 fatal crashes involving buses in California. So far, in 2025, there have been 50 non-fatal bus crashes and no fatal ones.
Depending on who owns the bus that is involved in the accident, you can hold different people liable for an accident, including the bus driver or the company that owns the bus. If the bus is owned by a government entity like a public transit agency, you have a different statute of limitations to follow, so it’s important to understand who you’re filing against.
It’s also possible for multiple parties to be involved if a bus accident involves multiple transportation vehicles or injures multiple passengers on the bus. Regardless of who is at fault in a bus accident, it’s important to gather as much information from the scene of the accident from anyone involved. That way, you can present a more complete case backed by evidence from as many points of view as possible.
FAQs
How Much Compensation Can I Get From a Bus Accident in Riverside?
A bus accident in Riverside can have severe consequences on the victims, including emotional distress, physical injuries, and property damage. That’s why you’re eligible to recover several economic and non-economic damages, including financial losses, future medical treatment, lost wages and loss of future earnings, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Can I Claim Whiplash From a Bus Accident in Riverside?
Whiplash is among the most common injuries people suffer in motor vehicle accidents, including bus crashes. If you got whiplash from a bus accident in Riverside, you could file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Your chance of success in your case depends heavily on the strength of the evidence you can provide. A Riverside bus accident lawyer can help gather important evidence and secure the maximum compensation for your losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Riverside?
In most cases, you have two years to file a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim from a bus accident in Riverside. In the case of wrongful death, you are filing two years from the date of the death, not the accident that caused it. If a bus involved in an accident is owned or operated by a government entity, you must file your claim within six months of the accident instead.
What Is a Common Mistake to Avoid After a Bus Accident in Riverside?
The most common mistake most people make after being involved in a bus accident is not gathering information before leaving the scene. The key to winning a personal injury case in Riverside is solid evidence, so it’s pertinent to collect as much information as possible from the drivers involved and any witnesses. You can request a copy of the police report, and it’s wise to get copies of any medical records, too. A Riverside personal injury lawyer can help you understand what documentation is crucial and guide you through the legal process to strengthen your claim.
Riverside Bus Accident Lawyer
Recovering from a bus accident can be challenging enough without bringing the legal process into it. By working with a Riverside bus accident lawyer at Gonzales Law Offices, you can focus on feeling better while skilled professionals help you recover financial damages you may deserve.
If you’re ready to talk about your situation in more detail, contact our office to set up an appointment with a Riverside bus accident lawyer today.
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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