Why You Need a Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer

Every day, thousands of people rely on buses in Los Angeles — from LA Metro buses to school buses, private charter buses, and long-distance Greyhound routes. While buses are supposed to be a safe and efficient way to travel, serious accidents happen far too often in Los Angeles.

A single bus crash can leave dozens of victims injured — passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and even people in other vehicles. Victims face medical bills, lost wages, and long-term trauma, while massive transit authorities and insurance companies fight to limit their payouts.

That’s why, if you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Los Angeles, you need an experienced and aggressive bus accident lawyer on your side. At The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, we’ve been protecting injured victims across Los Angeles County for more than 38 years.

Our firm has a proven track record of standing up to powerful government agencies, corporations, and insurers to get our clients the justice and compensation they deserve.

The Reality of Bus Accidents in Los Angeles

Bus accidents are more common — and more devastating — than most people realize. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California Highway Patrol:

• Every year, hundreds of bus accidents occur in Los Angeles County.

• LA Metro buses alone transport nearly a million riders daily, making accidents inevitable.

• Victims often include bus passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers of smaller cars.

• Bus crashes often result in multiple severe injuries or fatalities because of the bus’s size and weight.

In Los Angeles, the most common types of bus accidents involve:

• LA Metro buses

• School buses

• Tour buses and charter buses

• Airport and hotel shuttle buses

• Private transportation company buses (Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus, etc.)

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

As a top Los Angeles bus accident attorney, Gerald Marcus has seen how negligence leads to devastating crashes. The most common causes include:

• Driver Negligence – Distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or reckless behavior.

• Improper Training – Bus companies failing to train drivers properly.

• Mechanical Failures – Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or poor maintenance.

• Dangerous Road Conditions – Potholes, poor lighting, or inadequate signage.

• Other Drivers – Cars cutting in front of buses or failing to yield.

• Overloaded Buses – Too many passengers or unsecured baggage causing imbalance.

Each accident requires a thorough investigation to determine exactly who is responsible. That’s where having an aggressive Los Angeles bus accident lawyer is crucial.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?

Bus accident cases are complex because multiple parties may be responsible, including:

• Bus driver – If negligent behind the wheel.

• Bus company or agency – LA Metro, LADOT, private bus companies, or schools.

• Government agencies – When public transit is involved.

• Bus manufacturers – For defective parts or poor design.

• Maintenance companies – If they failed to properly service the bus.

• Other negligent drivers – Cars, trucks, or motorcycles involved in the crash.

At The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, we aggressively pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents often cause devastating injuries because of the size, weight, and lack of seatbelts on many buses. Victims often suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Spinal cord injuries & paralysis

• Broken bones & fractures

• Internal bleeding & organ damage

• Amputations

• Severe lacerations and disfigurement

• Wrongful death

These injuries require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and often cause permanent disability.

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident in Los Angeles

If you’ve been injured on a bus in Los Angeles, here are the critical steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the crash and request emergency medical services.

2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries may appear later.

3. Document the scene – Take photos, videos, and gather witness contact information.

4. Get a copy of the accident report – From LAPD, CHP, or the bus company.

5. Do not speak with insurance adjusters – They will try to minimize your claim.

6. Contact a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer immediately – Time is critical in these cases.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of bus accidents in Los Angeles may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical bills (emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment)

• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent disability and disfigurement

• Property damage

• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Our firm fights for maximum compensation and refuses to settle for less than you deserve.

Challenges in Bus Accident Claims

Unlike standard car accidents, bus accident claims in Los Angeles are more complex because:

• Public transit cases involve government entities (like LA Metro), which require filing special government tort claims within 6 months of the accident.

• Multiple victims may file claims at the same time, making the process competitive.

• Powerful insurance companies and government lawyers will try to limit payouts.

• Evidence must be gathered quickly before bus companies repair vehicles or erase data.

This is why hiring an experienced Los Angeles bus accident attorney is essential.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus?

Here’s why victims trust us as their Los Angeles bus accident lawyers:

• Over 38 years of experience in personal injury law.

• Tens of millions recovered for accident victims across Los Angeles County.

• Aggressive courtroom reputation — insurance companies know we will go to trial.

• Personal attention — every client gets treated like family.

• Proven results in transit and bus accident cases.

We don’t back down — not from LA Metro, not from Greyhound, and not from massive insurance carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless we win.

2. How long do I have to file a claim after a bus accident?
For public transit cases (like LA Metro), you must file a government claim within 6 months. For private bus companies, the general statute of limitations is 2 years.

3. Can I sue LA Metro for a bus accident?
Yes. But you must follow strict procedures and deadlines. We handle this process for you.

4. What if I was a pedestrian or another driver hit by a bus?
You can still pursue compensation. Liability may extend to the bus company, the driver, or both.

5. What if my child was hurt on a school bus?
School districts and private bus contractors may be held accountable. We have experience handling these sensitive cases.

Case Results: Fighting for Los Angeles Bus Accident Victims

We’ve successfully represented bus accident victims throughout Los Angeles, securing major results including:

• $3.6 million settlement for a pedestrian struck by a city bus.

• $2.1 million verdict for a passenger injured in a charter bus rollover.

• $950,000 settlement for a client injured in a school bus crash.

When it comes to bus accidents, results matter — and our results prove our power.

Areas We Serve Across Los Angeles County

We represent bus accident victims in:

• Downtown Los Angeles

• Hollywood & West Hollywood

• Santa Monica & Venice

• San Fernando Valley

• Pasadena & Glendale

• Long Beach

• All of Los Angeles County

No matter where your accident happened, we’re ready to fight for you.

Call a Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Los Angeles, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and deadlines are short — especially in claims against LA Metro and other government agencies.

Call The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus at (818) 784-8544  today for a FREE consultation.

We’re available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Aggressive. Relentless. Results-driven. That’s how we fight for bus accident victims in Los Angeles.