Bus / Train Accidents

Being involved in a public transportation accident can be life-altering, especially when injuries and financial challenges arise.

Bus / Train Accident Cases

After a bus or train accident, secure reliable and effective legal guidance from Orange Law.

Advocates for Public Transportation Accident Victims

For many Californians, buses and trains are convenient options for commuting to work or enjoying a day out. Unfortunately, accidents involving public transportation are all too common.
Privately owned buses are considered “common carriers” under the law, along with railways, trucking companies, and airlines. As common carriers, they are held to higher standards of liability. If you’ve been injured due to negligence by a bus driver or company, they may be held accountable for your injuries.
Bus companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, have passed background checks, and receive adequate rest between shifts. Neglecting these duties increases the risk of accidents. Victims often face extensive medical treatments, loss of income, and mounting bills. At Orange Law, we’re here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

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22,126 Happy Clients

already receiving their maximum compensation

Get Your Case Review today

Advocates for Public Transportation Accident Victims

For many Californians, buses and trains are convenient options for commuting to work or enjoying a day out. Unfortunately, accidents involving public transportation are all too common.
Privately owned buses are considered “common carriers” under the law, along with railways, trucking companies, and airlines. As common carriers, they are held to higher standards of liability. If you’ve been injured due to negligence by a bus driver or company, they may be held accountable for your injuries.
Bus companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, have passed background checks, and receive adequate rest between shifts. Neglecting these duties increases the risk of accidents. Victims often face extensive medical treatments, loss of income, and mounting bills. At Orange Law, we’re here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Join Over

22,126 Happy Clients

already receiving their maximum compensation

Get Your Case Review today

How Can an Accident Lawyer Help You?

Public transportation accidents often involve complex legal challenges. Operators and insurers may dispute your injuries, and if the accident involves a city-owned system, claims of government immunity may arise. Additionally, the time frame to file a claim against a municipality is limited.

Orange Law’s attorneys are experienced in navigating these cases, holding responsible parties accountable, and helping clients secure the compensation they need. Here’s why you can trust us:

  • A proven track record of success.
  • One-on-one client support.
  • No fees unless your case is won.
  • Tailored strategies for each case.

Whether your case involves a bus or train accident, car crash, slip and fall, or a wrongful death lawsuit for a loved one, Orange Law is here to provide the legal support you need. Contact us today to discuss your case.

How Can an Accident Lawyer Help You?

Public transportation accidents often involve complex legal challenges. Operators and insurers may dispute your injuries, and if the accident involves a city-owned system, claims of government immunity may arise. Additionally, the time frame to file a claim against a municipality is limited.

Orange Law’s attorneys are experienced in navigating these cases, holding responsible parties accountable, and helping clients secure the compensation they need. Here’s why you can trust us:

  • A proven track record of success.
  • One-on-one client support.
  • No fees unless your case is won.
  • Tailored strategies for each case.

Whether your case involves a bus or train accident, car crash, slip and fall, or a wrongful death lawsuit for a loved one, Orange Law is here to provide the legal support you need. Contact us today to discuss your case.

Our Attorneys Can Assist With:

  • Negotiating with insurance companies and other involved parties.
  • Collecting photo and video evidence from the accident scene.
  • Filing necessary legal documents accurately and promptly.
  • Connecting you with medical professionals for treatment.
  • Calculating damages and future expenses.
  • Conducting thorough investigations to support your case.

How Can an Accident Lawyer Help You?

When public transportation accidents occur in California, they are generally very complex cases on many fronts. The company operating the train or bus system will be disputing your injuries, as will the company’s insurer. If you were injured while riding a city-owned train or bus system, the city might also be claiming government immunity from being sued for the accident. Since you will only have minimal time to file an injury claim against a municipality, rely on a train accident attorney to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Trust Orange Law for our legal counsel, support, and high level of care. We have a reputation for getting clients the results they need, and for:
  • Having a proven track record
  • Providing one-on-one contact with clients
  • Not charging fees unless the case is won
  • Taking a personalized approach to every case
Whether you were injured in a train or bus accident, car crash, slip and fall, or if you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased loved one, you can feel confident with us on your side. Call Orange Law today!

Specific ways in which an attorney
can help include the following:

  • Negotiating and communicating with insurance companies and other parties involved
  • Gathering thorough photographic evidence of the car, the accident scene and your bodily injuries
  • Processing and filing legal forms
  • Connecting you with trusted medical providers as needed
  • Assessing damages and calculating all expenses that you will have for the foreseeable future
  • Putting resources to work to conduct professional investigations

Here for You, Every Step of the Way

We are relentless in protecting your rights, whether in negotiations or the courtroom.

Buses Are Prone to Specific Accident Risks

Longer Stopping Distances

Buses require more distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles, increasing the likelihood of collisions, especially on slick roads.

Rollover Potential

Due to their design, buses have a higher risk of rolling over during accidents, which can result in severe passenger injuries.

Unsecured Objects

Unsecured items like luggage or backpacks can become dangerous projectiles during a crash, causing additional injuries to passengers.

Higher Passenger Counts

Bus accidents often involve more individuals than typical car accidents. While smaller buses carry 18–25 passengers, larger buses can hold up to 60.

Buses Are Prone to Specific Accident Risks

Longer Stopping Distances

Buses require more distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles, increasing the likelihood of collisions, especially on slick roads.

Rollover Potential

Due to their design, buses have a higher risk of rolling over during accidents, which can result in severe passenger injuries.

Unsecured Objects

Unsecured items like luggage or backpacks can become dangerous projectiles during a crash, causing additional injuries to passengers.

Higher Passenger Counts

Bus accidents often involve more individuals than typical car accidents. While smaller buses carry 18–25 passengers, larger buses can hold up to 60.

What to Look for in a Personal Injury Case

“Pain and suffering” covers physical, emotional, and psychological injuries resulting from an accident. These impacts may include:

  • Anxiety or depression.
  • Sleep disturbances or PTSD.
  • Loss of enjoyment in life.
  • Financial and emotional strain.

At Orange Law, we’ll ensure your settlement reflects the full extent of your damages and losses.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Bus / Train Accidents

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the city or another responsible entity even if the accident didn’t occur at a railroad crossing. To prove negligence, your attorney must demonstrate that the property owner or railroad company failed to maintain safe conditions on their property. Additionally, if the railroad company was aware of people crossing at a specific location but took no action to mitigate the risk, they could also be held liable for negligence. A skilled attorney can evaluate your case and gather evidence to build a strong claim.

If you’re injured in a train accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

  • Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
  • Lost wages for time off work and diminished earning capacity.
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma.
  • Pain and suffering caused by the accident.
  • Punitive damages, in cases involving gross negligence or misconduct.
  • Wrongful death compensation, if a loved one lost their life in the accident.

Each case is unique, and an attorney will help you identify all potential damages you may be eligible to recover.

When a train accident occurs, the operator’s claims investigator often arrives on the scene quickly, even before law enforcement. Their role is to protect the train company’s interests, potentially by blaming others for the accident or downplaying the company’s negligence. Without legal representation, your case is at risk of being weakened or misrepresented. An experienced attorney can safeguard your rights by conducting an independent investigation, collecting evidence, and working with experts to build a compelling case against the liable party.
Railroad workers are entitled to specific protections under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Unlike passengers, railroad workers don’t need to prove negligence in the same way to recover compensation for workplace injuries or wrongful death. FELA provides employees with a pathway to seek damages for personal injuries sustained on the job, making it easier for workers and their families to access the coverage they need.
If you’re involved in a bus accident, your health and safety should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the accident scene by taking photos of the bus, vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other involved parties. Report the accident to the authorities and ensure an official report is filed. Finally, consult a bus accident attorney to protect your legal rights and explore your options for compensation.
Liability for a bus or train accident can fall on multiple parties, depending on the circumstances. The bus or train operator may be responsible if their negligence caused the accident. The company that owns or operates the vehicle could also be held liable for inadequate training, poor maintenance, or policy violations. Manufacturers of defective parts, as well as government entities responsible for maintaining safe road or track conditions, may also share responsibility. An attorney can investigate and identify all liable parties to ensure you receive full compensation.
The value of a bus or train accident case depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, determination of liability, and the available insurance coverage. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, future income loss, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. An experienced attorney can assess the details of your case to estimate its value and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

You may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses for current and future treatment.
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma.
  • Emotional anguish and distress.
  • Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence or misconduct.

An attorney will help you determine which damages apply to your case and ensure you seek appropriate compensation.

The statute of limitations for bus and train accidents in California is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involved a government-operated transit system, you must file a tort claim within 180 days. Failing to meet these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible ensures your claim is filed on time and your legal rights are protected.