Commerce, California
Bus Accident Attorney in Commerce, CA
Injured in a bus accident in Commerce? California Personal Injury Attorneys represent bus accidents victims across Commerce and all of Los Angeles County. No fee unless we recover for you. Free, confidential case review 24/7 — call (800) 800-8910.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a bus accident lawsuit in Commerce, CA?
If the bus is operated by a government entity (LA Metro, Big Blue Bus, Foothill Transit, LADOT, a school district), you must file a Government Tort Claim within 6 months under California Government Code 910. For private bus operators (charter, tour, employer shuttle), the standard 2-year statute under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1 applies. Public-entity deadlines are strict — contact a Commerce bus accident attorney immediately.
What should I do immediately after a Commerce bus accident?
1) Call 911 and accept paramedic evaluation — buses lack seatbelts and even minor collisions cause whiplash and head injuries. 2) Do not exit the bus until medical personnel arrive if you have any pain. 3) Photograph the bus number, route number, driver, your seat location, interior, and any visible injuries. 4) Get contact info for fellow passengers as witnesses. 5) Report the incident to the transit agency in writing. 6) Do not give a recorded statement to the agency's claims office without an attorney.
What if I was partially at fault for my Commerce bus accident?
California follows a pure comparative negligence system established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975). This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $80,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce their payout. An experienced Commerce attorney will fight to keep your fault percentage as low as the evidence supports.
How is fault determined in a Commerce bus accident?
Investigators look at the police TC report, the bus's onboard camera system (most LA Metro and municipal buses have multiple cameras), GPS/AVL data, driver logs, the driver's training and disciplinary file, dispatch communications, and witness statements. Bus operators are "common carriers" under California Civil Code 2100, which imposes the highest duty of care — they must use "the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage."
What damages can I recover from a bus accident case in California?
California allows recovery of: economic damages (all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, out-of-pocket costs); non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life); and in cases of extreme misconduct, punitive damages under Civil Code 3294. There is no cap on personal injury damages in California — your recovery is limited only by the evidence and the defendant's ability to pay.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
The vast majority of California personal injury cases — approximately 95% — settle before trial. However, preparing every case as if it will go to trial is essential for achieving the best settlement. Insurance companies pay higher settlements when they know your attorney is trial-ready. California Personal Injury Attorneys has extensive trial experience in Los Angeles Superior Court, which gives us leverage in negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we will take your case to trial.
How much is my Commerce bus accident case worth?
Bus cases vary widely. Minor whiplash and soft-tissue cases commonly settle for $15,000–$75,000. Cases involving fractures, concussion, or surgery typically resolve for $100,000–$500,000. Catastrophic and wrongful death cases against public agencies can exceed $1–5 million, though public-entity recoveries are sometimes subject to statutory limits. Private charter and tour-bus carriers commonly carry $5–10 million in liability coverage.
Who can I sue after a bus accident?
Liability may rest with the bus driver, the transit agency or private operator, the bus manufacturer (for defects), a maintenance contractor, or a third-party driver whose negligence caused the bus to swerve, brake, or crash. Multiple defendants often mean multiple insurance policies — we identify every responsible party to maximize recovery.
How long does a bus accident case take to resolve in California?
Timeline varies: simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may resolve in 3–9 months. Cases with disputed liability, serious injuries, or complex medical treatment often take 1–3 years. Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases may take 2–5 years if litigation is necessary. We advise waiting until your medical condition has stabilized (Maximum Medical Improvement) before settling to ensure all future costs are captured.
What evidence should be preserved after a Commerce bus crash?
Critical evidence includes onboard camera footage, GPS/AVL telematics, driver hours and pre-trip inspection records, the driver's qualification and training file, prior incident history, maintenance logs, and the police TC report. Transit agencies routinely overwrite camera footage within 7–30 days. Our firm sends a formal preservation/spoliation letter immediately upon being retained.