Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer
Injured on or by a bus in Los Angeles? Claims against LA Metro and other public transit agencies have strict 6-month deadlines. Gary Partamian helps passengers, drivers, and pedestrians file on time and pursue full compensation.
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Recent Vehicle Accident Results
Settlement for a 78-year-old driver who suffered multiple fractures when a semi-truck made an illegal U-turn in Pomona.
Settlement for a client whose car was struck by a semi-truck.
Policy limits recovery for one adult and two minor clients after a car crash.
Read the case summaries: semi-truck settlement and policy limits settlement, or see all case results. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different, and results depend on the facts and law that apply to each matter.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
- Get medical care first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Some injuries do not show symptoms for hours or days.
- Report it. Tell the bus driver, call the police, and note the bus number, route, and time.
- Get witness information. Other passengers are often the best witnesses.
- Document everything. Photograph the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Get witness names and numbers.
- Act quickly. If a public agency runs the bus, a written government claim is usually due within 6 months.
Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?
Bus companies and transit agencies are held to a higher standard than ordinary drivers:
- The highest duty of care. Bus operators are common carriers and must use the utmost care and diligence for their passengers’ safety (Civil Code 2100).
- Public agencies have special rules. Claims against LA Metro, city transit, or school districts generally require a written government claim within 6 months before a lawsuit can be filed.
- Private carriers. Charter, tour, and private shuttle companies are not public agencies, so the normal 2-year deadline usually applies.
- Other drivers. If another vehicle caused the crash, that driver may also be responsible.
Compensation You May Recover
Learn how pain and suffering is calculated in California and about our wrongful death practice.
How Much Is My Bus Accident Case Worth?
There is no average settlement that applies to every bus accident case. In California, the value of a claim depends on:
- Your injuries and future care. The severity of the injury, surgeries, and treatment you will need going forward.
- Lost income. Wages you missed and any reduced ability to work in the future.
- Pain and life impact. How the injury affects your daily life, relationships, and activities.
- Fault. Under California’s comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by any share of fault assigned to you.
- Available insurance. The policies that apply often set a practical ceiling on recovery, so we look for every source.
Claims against public transit agencies follow special government claim rules, and the 6-month deadline makes it important to act quickly to protect the value of your case.
LA Metro and Local Transit Accidents
LA Metro buses and rail, Pasadena Transit, Glendale Beeline, and BurbankBus carry thousands of riders through Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and Alhambra every day. Passengers can be hurt by sudden stops or crashes, and pedestrians and drivers can be hit by buses making wide turns.
California Bus Accident Deadlines
To file a government claim against LA Metro, city transit, or a school district.
To file a personal injury lawsuit against a private bus company or driver in most cases.
To file a claim for damage to your vehicle or property.
Missing a deadline can end your case before it starts, and evidence like video footage disappears quickly. Read how long you have to claim an injury.
Bus Accident FAQs
Can I sue LA Metro for a bus accident?
Yes, but you generally must file a written government claim within 6 months first. If the claim is denied, there are further deadlines to file a lawsuit.
How much can you sue for a bus accident?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and how the accident affected your life. Every case is different.
I was hurt when the bus stopped suddenly. Do I have a claim?
Possibly. Bus operators owe passengers the highest duty of care, and sudden stops or unsafe driving can support a claim.
How long does a bus accident settlement take?
Claims against public agencies follow a formal process and can take longer than ordinary car accident claims.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Gary offers a free consultation so you can understand your options before deciding anything. Ask about fee arrangements during your consultation.
Why Work With Gary Partamian?
Areas we serve: Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Alhambra, Los Angeles County, Riverside, and Orange County.
Related practice areas: Personal injury, Car accidents, Pedestrian accidents, Truck accidents.
Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer
Tell us what happened. Gary will review your situation and explain your options at no cost.
About the attorney: Gary Partamian is the founder of Partamian Law Firm. He previously practiced at a leading Los Angeles plaintiffs’ firm and as a Senior Associate at Kabateck LLP, and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2025. Last updated October 2026.
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.