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Riverside Bus Accident Lawyers

Buses are ten times safer than cars. For this reason, fatal bus crashes are rare. This is a fact that makes fatal crashes even more devastating and shocking when they do occur. 

Each year, over 60,000 bus accidents occur due to distracted driving, speeding, improper vehicle maintenance, and other causes. Unfortunately, Riverside bus accident lawyers continue to see these numbers rise. As bus accidents become more common, so do the number of fatalities and debilitating injuries. 

If you lost a loved one to a Riverside bus accident or were severely injured in a bus accident, you may be due financial compensation. This is especially true if the accident was due to the negligence of a driver or government agency. 

Premier Truck Accident Lawyers is an award-winning California legal team comprised of experienced attorneys capable of ensuring that bus accident victims and/or family members receive a thorough accident investigation and financial consideration.

Call toll free 866-999-9085 to speak with an attorney today.

Cars, buses, and traffic lights in Downtown Riverside, California.

Types of Bus Accidents 101

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a bus accident involves a carrier vehicle that can hold at least nine passengers. Tour buses, school buses, private charters, trolleys, coaches, airport buses, and transit buses all fall into this category. 

Because of the safety regulations regarding buses and their drivers, bus accidents are much rarer than passenger car crashes and semi-truck accidents. However, when they do occur, they are usually devastating. 

It’s easy to assume that only bus riders would be injured in a bus accident, but that is a common myth. Pedestrians and passengers of cars hit by buses are more often injured in bus accidents. 

The bus accident attorneys at Premier Truck Accident Lawyers say this was the case in a 2022 bus crash on the 91 Freeway by Van Buren Boulevard. Police reports state a motorcyclist was traveling down the freeway’s westbound lanes when they collided with a Jeep. This initial impact caused them to fall off the motorcycle and into the road. The motorcyclist was then hit by a commuter bus and pronounced dead at the scene. 

Who was likely at fault? The motorcyclist? The driver of the Jeep? The bus driver? This is something that would require further investigation or a case evaluation.

When Your Bus Accident Occurs on a Riverside City Bus

If you ever find yourself involved in an accident owned by a government entity (e.g., a city bus), you’ll want to seek help and support from a qualified accident attorney immediately. This is because lawsuits involving governmental agencies have different guidelines. 

For example, if a pedestrian or passenger is injured in a bus accident involving a Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), they only have six months to file a claim. The clock starts from the date of the accident, and there are very few exceptions.

Thankfully, governmental entities can be held financially responsible for losses related to bus accidents. This is due partly to the Federal Tort Claims Act, which covers governmental agency immunity. 

If you can prove one of the following occurred during the bus accident, you may have a viable claim:

  • Fault or negligence lies with the driver of the bus.
  • The agency failed to provide the driver with proper training.
  • The bus was poorly maintained or had serious defects (e.g., faulty tires).
  • Hazardous road conditions contributed to the bus accident.
  • An improperly marked construction zone contributed to the accident.
Passenger exchanging information with driver on Riverside bus.

What Should I Do If I’m in a Bus Accident?

If you are involved in a bus accident, Premier Truck Accident Lawyers’ Riverside bus accident attorneys suggest you:

  • Call 911 and seek medical treatment right away. If you are seriously injured, try not to move. Even if you don’t feel like your injuries are severe, you should get evaluated by a medical professional. 
  • Make a list of everything you remember about the accident. As time goes on, it is easy to forget specific details. Make lots of notes while your memory is fresh. If your injuries allow, take down names and take pictures.
  • Request necessary reports. This includes witness reports, police reports, and medical records.
  • Stay quiet. Do not admit fault of any kind. Do not give oral or written statements to anyone other than the police.
  • Speak with a personal injury attorney. If you’re serious about seeking compensation for your losses, don’t wait. You’ll want to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. 

What Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Do to Help Victims?

Negotiating with insurance companies and advancing a case or settlement requires persistence, depth of knowledge, and skill. This is something Premier Truck Accident Lawyers’ Riverside bus accident lawyers are trained to do. 

We can help by: 

  • Investigating any accident/police reports.
  • Analyzing medical reports.
  • Finding evidence that proves liability.
  • Negotiating with insurance claims adjusters.
  • Navigating communications with the other parties.

Why Choose California Law firm Premier Truck Accident Lawyers?

If you have been involved in a bus accident in Riverside County or another community in California, consider requesting your case evaluation by calling toll-free 866-999-9085 or by filling out the form on our site.

Riverside Bus Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Should I avoid riding on a bus for safety reasons?

No. Even with the lack of seat belts and the occurrence of bus accidents, buses are one of the safest modes of transportation. Most drivers are highly trained and operate these vehicles with safety standards in mind.

How long do I have to file a claim against the bus regarding an accident in California?

In the state of California, you only have 180 days to file a tort claim notice against a public body, such as a government owned public transportation company. Therefore, it is important to seek legal counsel quickly.

If you or a loved one has been in a bus accident resulting in an injury or loss, you should seek the legal counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney at Premier Truck Accident Lawyers as soon as possible by calling 866-999-9085.

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