Chula Vista Bus Accident Lawyers

Why You Should Consult With a Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents typically involve complex liability issues and multiple insurance policies. An experienced bus accident attorney understands how to uncover the root cause of the crash and identify every liable party. Acting quickly gives your attorney the best chance to gather evidence before it disappears or memories fade.

Legal help can:

• Protect your rights:  Insurance companies will not look out for your best interests. We will.
• Preserve crucial evidence:  We act fast to secure witness statements, video footage, and police reports before they’re lost or altered.
• Maximize compensation:  We’ll calculate damages that include medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
• Negotiate with insurance and large transportation companies:  We know their tactics and push for full accountability.
• Handle paperwork:  We manage the legal side and so you can focus on getting your life back.

What Sets Thompson Law Apart in Bus Accident Cases?

With over $1.9 billion recovered for clients and a reputation built on relentless advocacy, Thompson Law stands out among injury law firms. Led by Ryan “The Lion” Thompson, we take pride in aggressive representation backed by compassionate service.

Our firm offers:

24/ Availability

You can reach us whenever you need us, including nights and weekends. Accidents aren’t bound by work hours, and neither is our dedication.

No Fees Unless We Win

You don’t pay out of pocket. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. With Thompson Law, you can pursue justice without financial risk.

Trial-Ready Attorneys

We’re always prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. We won’t hesitate to fight for the compensation you are owed in front of a judge and jury.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

We’ve seen the devastation that bus accidents can cause: physically, emotionally, and financially. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Our team offers tireless representation backed by genuine care and compassion. With no upfront costs and a free consultation, you risk nothing by reaching out. Let us help you find clarity and compensation during one of life’s most difficult moments.

How Our Attorneys Help Victims of Bus Collisions

Bus accident cases are not one-size-fits-all. At Thompson Law, we handle a wide range of claims involving different types of buses and scenarios, including:

• School bus accidents:  These often involve children and raise complex issues of supervision and government liability.
• Public transit accidents:  Injuries on city buses or trolleys may involve filing against government entities.
• Private charter or tour bus collisions:  We pursue claims against the companies and operators responsible.
• Pedestrian and cyclist accidents:  When a bus strikes someone on foot or on a bike, injuries can be catastrophic. We are there for you when this happens.
• Bus passenger injuries:  From sudden stops to onboard hazards, passengers have the right to safe transport.

No matter the circumstances, our legal team is equipped to investigate, build, and win your case. Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION with Thompson Law today.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bus Accident?

Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse victims for the losses they have suffered due to someone else’s negligence. These damages aim to restore the injured party, as much as possible, to the position they were in before the accident occurred.

Compensatory damages are either special or general. Punitive damages are another category of damages, and they’re usually awarded not to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer.

Special damages

These are out-of-pocket expenses like hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medication, and lost income.

General damages

These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic effects of your injury.

Punitive damages

In cases of extreme negligence, such as a bus driver under the influence, courts may award additional compensation to punish wrongdoing and stop similar future behavior.

How Is Pain and Suffering Given a Value?

Pain and suffering are subjective but very real damages that deserve fair compensation. Courts and insurance adjusters often use two main methods to determine their value:

The per diem method

• Assigns a daily dollar amount to your pain
• This dollar amount is multiplied by the number of days you are expected to experience it.

The multiplier method

• Takes your total special damages (medical bills and lost wages)
• The total is then multiplied by a number, typically between 1.5 and 5, based on the severity of your injury.

At Thompson Law, we work with medical experts and legal economists to present a firm, evidence-backed valuation of your pain and suffering.

Who’s Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Bus Accident?

Many bus accidents involve multiple vehicles, making liability complicated. The fault may lie with:

• The bus driver:  If they were distracted, speeding, or impaired
• The bus company:  For hiring unqualified drivers or skipping maintenance
• Other vehicle drivers:  Whose recklessness may have contributed to the crash
• Parts manufacturers:  If faulty brakes, tires, or engine systems caused or worsened the accident
• Government entities:  If dangerous road conditions or poor signage were involved

Our team performs in-depth investigations to identify all negligent parties and hold them accountable.

Suing Public vs. Private Bus Operators

There’s a big difference between filing claims against public entities and private companies. If your crash involved a city or county bus, you may be dealing with a government agency. This adds extra legal steps and shorter deadlines.

Filing against a public transit system typically involves a Government Tort Claim, which must be submitted within six months of the incident. Private companies, however, operate under standard civil personal injury law, giving you up to two years to file a claim.

No matter who owns the bus, we know how to build a winning case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start building your case. Contact us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Leading Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can happen for many reasons, often involving negligence or unsafe driving conditions. Some common causes include:

Distracted Driving

Cell phones, GPS systems, and even conversations with passengers can pull a driver’s attention from the road.

For example:

A bus driver checking his tablet for directions rear-ended three vehicles during afternoon traffic, sending multiple people to the hospital.

Driver Fatigue

Bus drivers often work long hours, increasing the risk of drowsy driving and delayed reactions.

For example:

A San Diego County bus operator was found asleep at the wheel when he drifted into oncoming traffic, causing a multi-vehicle crash that left passengers injured.

Poor Maintenance

Faulty brakes, worn tires, or engine failures due to skipped inspections put passengers and other drivers in danger.

For example:

A tour bus operating with bald tires lost control on a highway exit ramp, resulting in several serious injuries.

Aggressive Driving

Speeding, tailgating, or weaving between lanes are all reckless behaviors that increase crash risk.

For example:

A commuter bus speeding to stay on schedule side-swiped a parked vehicle and struck a bicyclist who later required surgery.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Potholes, debris, or wet pavement can lead to loss of vehicle control, especially for large buses.

For example:

A rainy-day crash occurred after a bus hydroplaned on a poorly maintained stretch of road near the freeway entrance.

Bus Crash Statistics in Chula Vista, CA

When it comes to road safety, numbers don’t lie, and in Chula Vista, the numbers are telling us something needs to change.

According to the 2022 data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the city reported 948 people killed or injured in vehicle crashes on local roads. Among 15 California cities of similar size, Chula Vista ranked 12th, signaling significant room for improvement.

Key crash data for Chula Vista in 2022 include:

• 93 incidents involved alcohol, ranking 14th out of 15.
• 57 incidents involved drivers aged 21-34 who have been drinking, ranking 8th out of 15.
• 68 incidents involved motorcycles, ranking 7th out of 15.
• 66 incidents involved pedestrians, ranking 14th out of 15.
• 31 incidents involved bikes, ranking 15th out of 15.

Additional concerning factors in Chula Vista’s traffic incidents:

• 197 incidents were caused by speeding drivers, ranking 8th out of 15.
• 110 incidents happened at night (9 PM – 2:59 AM), ranking 11th out of 15.
• 66 incidents fell under the hit-and-run category, ranking 14th out of 15.

While rankings like these don’t tell the whole story, they point to ongoing safety challenges, particularly around impaired driving, speeding, and nighttime collisions.

At Thompson Law, we see the human side of these statistics every day. Behind every number is a person trying to recover from injuries, replace a bike, or mourn a loved one. Speak to a personal injury attorney now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Actions to Take After a Bus Crash

The steps you take after a bus accident can protect your rights and improve your chances of compensation:

1. Call 911 and make sure emergency services are dispatched and injuries are treated immediately.
2. Take out your phone and document videos of damage, injuries, and vehicle positions.
3. Go to the hospital or urgent care even if you feel okay. Delayed pain is common in bus collisions.
4. Get names, numbers, and insurance details from all involved parties.
5. Call an attorney. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your case will be.
6. Get a copy of the police report. This will serve as a critical piece of evidence later.
7. Refrain from posting about the accident online while your case is active.

We offer a FREE CASE EVALUATION to help you start your recovery process the right way.

Where to Get Medical Care After a Bus Accident in Chula Vista

Prompt medical treatment is essential. Local providers include:

Rady Children’s Hospital

• Pediatric specialty care offering expert treatment for infants, children, and teens.
• 386 E H St Ste 202, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• (858)-966-1720

Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

• Full-service hospital known for advanced emergency care, surgery, and heart health services.
• 751 Medical Center Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91911
• (619)-502-5800

Scripps Mercy Hospital, Chula Vista

• Trusted for its 24/7 emergency services and personalized inpatient care close to downtown Chula Vista.
• 435 H Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
• (619)-691-7000

UC San Diego Health

• Outpatient clinic offering primary care, specialty services, and access to world-class UCSD physicians.
• 2295 Otay Lakes Road, Suite 110, Chula Vista, CA 91915
• (619)-502-7855

Keep records of every medical visit and follow-up to strengthen your case.

How to Report a Bus Crash to Chula Vista Police

If police did not respond to the scene, you should still file a report. Here’s how:

• For emergencies, call 911 immediately.
• For non-emergencies, contact the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.
• Online reports on minor incidents are available at the city’s official website.

Request a copy of your report, as it can serve as vital evidence for your claim.

We Will Help You Get Justice After a Bus Accident

Bus accident claims are more complex than most collisions. Between government entities, bus companies, and layered insurance policies, figuring out who’s responsible can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. That’s where we come in.

At Thompson Law, we dig into the details, investigate every angle, and fight to hold the right parties accountable. City transit bus, school bus, or private shuttle; no matter the type of vehicle, we’ll build a legal strategy that puts your recovery first.

We offer aggressive representation, honest guidance, and a FREE CONSULTATION to help you get started. And you never pay us out of pocket. You don’t owe us a dime unless we win.

FAQs About Bus Accident Cases in Chula Vista

What steps do I take if I’m hurt in a bus accident and don’t feel symptoms right away?

Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms for hours or days. Delayed treatment can also weaken your claim, so getting checked helps protect your health and your case.

If the accident was partially my fault, can I still sue?

Yes, California follows a comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Your compensation will simply be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury from a bus crash?

Yes, even minor injuries can evolve into chronic conditions. A lawyer can help ensure you receive a fair settlement and that your rights are protected throughout the process. Insurance companies often undervalue claims without legal representation.