Anaheim Bus Accident Lawyers

Types of Bus Accidents Our Anaheim Bus Accident Attorneys Can Handle

There are plenty of buses traversing the roads of Anaheim, from public buses to tour shuttles owned by private bus companies. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling road accidents involving all sorts of buses. Here are just some of the many kinds of bus accidents we can handle with our expertise:

• Public transit buses that traverse the Anaheim Transportation Network
• School bus accidents that your children were in might have left them injured or traumatized
• Privately hired tour or charter buses going around the city’s attractions
• Hotel and airport buses or shuttles

Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver of another vehicle on the road struck by a bus, our Anaheim bus accident lawyers are ready to lend a hand. Call us today to schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Bus Accident Hotspots in Anaheim

Bus accidents can happen anywhere in Anaheim. However, they’re more likely to happen in attractions and roads with high-volume traffic and tons of tourists. Here are just some of the busiest areas in the city that are prone to becoming the scene of a bus accident:

• Disneyland Resort Area:  People from all around the world flock to Anaheim to see one of the most iconic Disneyland resorts in the world. A lot of the traffic in the area is because of big buses carrying tourists, making accidents involving these huge vehicles very much a possibility at any time.
• Harbour Boulevard:  This is one of the busiest roads in all of Anaheim. With such close proximity to Disneyland and other trendy areas in the city, it’s prone to road accidents.
• Katella Avenue:  This is another high-traffic road that people use to access some of the city’s most popular attractions, like the Anaheim Convention Center and Angel Stadium.
• State College Boulevard:  The area is bustling with shopping centers and schools with tons of traffic during rush hours.
• Anaheim Hills:  A residential neighborhood with a school district, which means lots of school buses and commuter buses traverse this area.

When you’re driving, walking, or taking a bus in these areas, be extra vigilant about your surroundings. You never know what’s going to happen on the road, so always be alert and keep yourself safe.

Who Can Be Found Liable in a Bus Accident in Anaheim?

Every bus accident is unique, which means anyone involved in it can be found liable for the road collision, depending on the circumstances.

Many times, an irresponsible bus driver might have full liability for the accident due to distracted driving or ignoring traffic signals. Fault can also be found in the bus company or operator if it’s proven that the vehicle had little to no maintenance or if they force unsafe, unfeasible schedules on the drivers they employ.

Of course, it’s not always the driver’s fault. Third parties like an irresponsible motorist or a pedestrian, could also very well cause a bus accident. Sometimes, you might even be able to hold the City of Anaheim responsible for the incident if it was caused by poor road conditions or a lack of traffic lights or signs in the area.

Suing Public vs. Private Bus Operators

There’s a huge difference between suing a private bus operator and a government entity that regulates a public transit bus line. If you’re filing a claim against a private bus, like a tour bus or a shuttle to go to Disneyland, it would be like filing any other personal injury claim against a third party. But if you’re suing the City of Anaheim for a bus crash involving school buses or a public commuter bus, things get a little more complicated.

The starkest difference between suing public vs. private is that if you’re suing a government entity, the deadline is much shorter. The statute of limitations for filing a claim against the City of Anaheim is just six months after the bus accident, unlike suing a private entity or individual, which gives you a more comfortable two-year deadline. They might also have certain legal protections that limit the compensation you can obtain from the case.

Our bus accident lawyers can help you navigate the different laws, deadlines, and legal implications of suing public vs. private entities. Discover what we can do for your case by booking a FREE CASE REVIEW with Thompson Law today.

What Evidence Helps Prove Fault in a Bus Crash Case?

There are many forms of evidence that can help our team prove that one or more parties are responsible for the trauma and injuries you’ve experienced. Here are examples of evidence that is crucial for determining fault in a bus accident in Anaheim:

• Police reports detailing the circumstances of the bus accident, from where it happened to who was involved
• Witness statements that recount how the accident played out
• Dashcam footage showing the driver’s actions and the surrounding environment that might have caused those actions
• Bus maintenance records that might be able to demonstrate a private company’s failure to fix defective parts in the vehicle
• Photos and videos of the bus accident scene
• The bus driver’s schedule, which shows how many hours a day they are required to drive and when their rest periods are

If you’re able, gather these forms of evidence as soon as you can at the scene of the bus crash. Then, immediately share it with your lawyer so they can start building a strong case for you.

What Damages Am I Entitled to After a Bus Accident?

If another party is found liable for the injuries you incurred in a bus accident, they may be obligated to cover the damages you’ve incurred.

These include economic damages, which are expenses you’ve shouldered for medical bills, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation from physical therapy, lost wages if you had to miss work, and property damage if your vehicle was compromised in the crash.

You could also secure compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life, if you sustained permanent disability. You may be able to get punitive damages as well if the party at fault is proven to have acted out of extreme negligence or malice.

In cases involving a wrongful death, a victim’s family members can get additional damages for losing their loved one, too, like funeral costs and loss of financial support. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers will be able to help calculate damages for your devastating loss, too.

Devastating Bus Crashes in Anaheim, According to Local Reports

Over the years, many bus accidents in Anaheim have made the headlines of local news, leaving a huge impact on the city’s residents. Here are just some of those road crashes and the reasons they occurred, whether negligent or unintentional.

Illegal Right Turn

In May 2023, an Orange County Transportation Authority bus and a sedan collided late at night just outside of Disneyland, in one of the high-traffic intersections along Harbour Boulevard. The driver of the sedan was on the left turn lane but ignored traffic laws and made a right turn, slamming into the bus as they did so. Five people were injured in the crash and were immediately transported to the hospital.

Loss of Control of Vehicle

In a now infamous bus crash, 12 people were injured when a school bus in Anaheim Hills crashed into a tree and lamp post back in 2014. One of the injured was the school bus driver, who lost control of the vehicle in the hilly streets of the neighborhood while bringing students from El Rancho Charter Middle School home at about 4 PM. The other 11 injured were all students, two of whom were treated at a trauma center for their injuries.

Medical Emergency

A fatal bus crash in 2016 killed one and injured 17 when a sedan crossed all lanes and slammed into a bus along Harbour Boulevard. The driver of the sedan seemed to have had a medical emergency while on the road, ultimately leading to the collision. The driver was pronounced dead after being brought to the hospital, while 17 of the bus passengers were also treated for injuries.

Local Anaheim Traffic Laws Involving Buses

Anaheim has extensive traffic laws for all motorists and pedestrians to keep the roads safe. But the city also has laws specific to buses to keep these vehicles in line and protect passengers at every turn. Here are just some of these laws that our team of bus accident lawyers in Anaheim uses to determine fault in many bus crash cases:

• Bus Loading Zone Time Limit:  According to the Anaheim Municipal Code Section 14.32.050, buses are only allowed to load and unload passengers at designated areas for a maximum of 15 minutes. By controlling how long buses can stay in one spot, other motorists’ visibility of the bus lane is significantly improved.
• Private Buses in Traffic Lanes:  The Anaheim Municipal Code Section 14.32.070 prohibits private buses from loading or unloading passengers in traffic lanes unless there is a specific sign in the area allowing them to do so.
• Drop-Off Zones at Hotels:  The City Engineer of Anaheim signed an ordinance requiring all hotels and motels to provide at least one designated drop-off area for tour buses and airport shuttles unloading passengers. Hotels with 250 or more rooms must also have parking spaces available for these buses so they don’t cause congestion at the establishment’s driveways.

Police Stations to Contact After a Bus Accident in Anaheim

One of the first things you should do after finding yourself in the midst of a bus accident is to call the authorities right away. You could dial 911, but it’s also important to be aware of the nearby police stations in Anaheim to contact for additional help.

If you’re in the busier areas of Anaheim, reach out to the Main Station at Harbor Boulevard, reachable at (714) 765-1900. If you’re in the eastern part of the city, call up the East Station located across the Anaheim Hills Festival shopping center at (714) 765-3800.

Our Anaheim Bus Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Fight for You

Our team understands bus accidents, and we’re ready to represent you, whether you got hurt in a public transit bus or a private shuttle. Remember, you don’t have to face the aftermath of a horrific crash on your own. If anything, your job is to focus on healing. Leave the hard work and action in court to our team of Anaheim bus accident lawyers.

We’ll hold your hand throughout the legal process to make sure you get the financial compensation you need to fully recover from the accident. Don’t wait; allow us to stand up for your rights immediately. Book a FREE CASE REVIEW today for no upfront costs!

FAQs About Bus Accidents in Anaheim

What should I do immediately after a bus accident in Anaheim?

The most important thing to do after getting hurt in a bus accident is to seek medical attention right away. Call 911 to report the accident and ask for help from paramedics. You should also request for police to be at the scene so the accident can officially be documented in a police report. Take as many photos and videos as you can of the crash to use as evidence in your case later on. Finally, call a lawyer to be your trusted legal counsel for your next moves, like filing a lawsuit or talking to insurance providers.

How much compensation can you get from a bus accident in Anaheim?

The value of your claim heavily depends on the damages you incurred after your injury. Minor injuries with a few medical treatments might get you less than $100,000. But more serious injuries coupled with damages like lost wages or pain and suffering, as well as those resulting in wrongful deaths, can be worth over $500,000, sometimes even a million dollars.

Can I file a claim if I was a pedestrian hit by a bus?

Yes, definitely. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable to any kind of road accident, including bus crashes. You’re allowed to file a lawsuit whether you were harmed in a crash involving a public bus or one owned by a private company.

Can I sue the City of Anaheim if I was injured in a public transit bus accident?

Yes, you can sue the City of Anaheim if you sustained injuries in an accident involving a public transit bus. You can do this whether you were a passenger of the bus, another motorist, or a pedestrian on the road who got struck by the bus. However, suing a government entity can be a little more complicated than suing private companies that own buses. Consult with a trusted bus accident lawyer to be fully aware of any government immunity laws and deadlines for suing the City of Anaheim.

When is the deadline for filing a bus accident claim in Anaheim?

In Anaheim, you have two years from the date of a bus accident to file any personal injury claims. But if you’re suing a government entity after using a public transit bus, like the City of Anaheim, that deadline shrinks to only six months.