Bus & Public Transit
A subtype of Motor Vehicle Accidents
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About Bus & Public Transit
Bus accidents may involve public transit (Metro, city bus) or private operators (tour buses, school buses). Claims against government-operated buses require filing a Government Tort Claim within 6 months of the accident — far shorter than the standard statute of limitations. Bus accidents may injure multiple passengers, creating complex multi-party litigation. Acting early is the best way to protect your rights.
Frequently asked questions
How is a bus-accident claim different from a car accident?
Two big ways: public transit (Metro, city buses, school districts) is a government entity — you must first file an administrative claim within 6 months (Gov. Code §911.2), far shorter than the usual 2 years; and buses are common carriers owing passengers the utmost duty of care (Civ. Code §2100).
I fell inside a bus during hard braking — can I claim?
Yes. Common carriers must use the utmost care for passenger safety, and standing passengers thrown by hard braking or sharp turns is a classic recoverable scenario. Note the route, time, and bus number, and get medical care promptly.
A school-bus crash injured my child — anything special?
A minor's ordinary deadline is usually tolled until adulthood, but the 6-month government claim deadline against a school district still applies strictly. Missing that window is the most common mistake in these cases.
Do the same rules apply to private buses (tour, shuttle, intercity)?
Private carriers owe the same heightened common-carrier duty, but the government claim process doesn't apply — generally a 2-year deadline, and they typically carry large commercial policies. Whether the operator is public or private determines your deadlines and procedure.
General information, not legal advice.
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