San FranciscoBus Accident Attorney

Experienced Legal Help After A Serious Bus Crash

When a full bus collides with a car, cyclist, or pedestrian, the results can be life-changing in a matter of seconds. If you or a family member were hurt in a bus crash in San Francisco, you may be facing medical procedures, time away from work, and a lot of unanswered questions.

At Bostwick & Associates, we focus our practice on catastrophic injury cases. For more than 40 years, our team has represented people whose lives were turned upside down by preventable accidents. We have recovered over $1 billion for injured clients, including record-setting verdicts and settlements, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you.

To talk with a bus accident lawyer in San Francisco about your potential claim, call (888) 831-8448 for a free consultation.

Common Types of Buses in SF

San Francisco’s transportation system includes a wide variety of buses, each with its own risks and legal considerations. Common types of buses involved in accidents include:

• Muni Buses (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency): Public city buses operating on fixed routes throughout San Francisco.
• School Buses: Transporting children to and from schools and extracurricular activities.
• Tour Buses: Including double-decker sightseeing buses popular with tourists.
• Charter Buses: Used for corporate events, private groups, and long-distance travel.
• Airport Shuttles: Serving San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and nearby hotels.
• Private Transit and Employer Shuttles: Often used by tech companies and large employers.

Each type of bus may be operated by a different entity, which can significantly impact how a claim is handled and who can be held liable.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can occur for many reasons, often involving negligence by drivers, companies, or third parties. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue or Distraction: Long shifts, cellphone use, or inattention to road conditions.
• Speeding or Unsafe Maneuvers: Especially dangerous on San Francisco’s narrow streets and hills.
• Failure to Yield: At intersections, crosswalks, or during lane changes.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical failures.
• Inadequate Driver Training: Particularly for large buses navigating urban traffic.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Construction zones, poor signage, or defective road design.
• Other Negligent Drivers: Motorists who cut off buses or drive aggressively nearby.

Our San Francisco bus accident lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and determine exactly what caused the accident.

Common Bus Crash Injuries

Because buses are large, heavy vehicles and often lack seatbelts, passengers and others involved in crashes are at high risk of serious injuries. Common bus accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Neck and back injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and burns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Wrongful death

These injuries can require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Our firm works to ensure compensation reflects both immediate and future needs.

California Bus Driving Laws

California imposes strict rules on bus drivers and bus companies to protect public safety. Key regulations include:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Bus drivers must hold a valid CDL with proper endorsements.
• Hours-of-Service Limits: To prevent fatigue, drivers are limited in how long they can operate.
• Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Rules: Regular inspections and maintenance are mandatory.
• Speed and Safety Regulations: Buses may be subject to lower speed limits in certain areas.
• Duty of Care: Bus operators, especially public carriers, owe passengers a heightened duty of care.

Violations of these laws can be powerful evidence of negligence in a bus accident claim.

Liability for a Bus Accident?

Determining liability in a bus accident is often more complicated than in a typical car crash. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The bus driver
• The bus company or operator
• A government entity (such as the City of San Francisco or SFMTA)
• A maintenance or repair company
• A manufacturer of defective bus parts
• Another negligent driver

When a government agency is involved, special rules and strict deadlines apply. Our San Francisco bus accident lawyer can ensure claims are filed correctly and on time.

Compensation Available After a Bus Accident

Victims of bus accidents in San Francisco may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Rehabilitation and long-term care
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

At Bostwick & Associates, we fight for full and fair compensation—not quick settlements that fail to reflect the true cost of your injuries.

Bus Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do after a bus accident in San Francisco?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident, gather witness information if possible, and speak with a bus accident lawyer before dealing with insurance companies.

Is there a deadline to file a bus accident claim in California?

Yes. Most personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, and claims against government entities often have much shorter notice deadlines.

Can I file a claim if I was a bus passenger?

Yes. Injured passengers frequently have valid claims, even if no other vehicle was involved.

What if the bus was operated by a government agency?

Claims involving public buses require special procedures. An experienced attorney can handle these requirements.

How much is my bus accident case worth?

Every case is unique and depends on the severity of injuries, liability, and long-term impact on your life.

Why Injured Riders Choose Our Firm

After a serious bus crash, you have many choices when it comes to legal representation. Families who contact us are usually looking for more than a quick settlement. They want a firm that understands catastrophic injuries, has a proven history in high-stakes litigation, and will devote real time to their case.

Our founding attorney, James S. Bostwick, has spent decades representing people with life-changing injuries. He is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, which is limited to 100 of the nation’s top plaintiff trial lawyers, and he is a former President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1983 and was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in 2012.

Over the course of our practice, we have secured more than $1 billion for clients, including what was once the largest medical malpractice verdict in United States history and multiple record-setting settlements in California. Our reported results reflect present value rather than inflated payout numbers, which reflects our commitment to transparency. We have taken more than 80 jury trials to verdict and achieved record outcomes in five different states.

We deliberately limit the number of cases we handle so we can focus on complex, catastrophic matters such as severe bus accident injuries. This means your case is not one file in a large stack. Our team gets to know you, learns how the injuries have affected your daily life, and builds a strategy that fits your specific needs. Our San Francisco roots run deep, and we are familiar with local courts and how juries here often view public safety issues.

To discuss your potential case with a bus accident attorney in San Francisco, call (888) 831-8448 today.