Huntington Beach Bus Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Bus Accident in Huntington Beach? Start Here

Bus accidents in Huntington Beach are not rare, and for some, they’ve been life-altering. In one tragic case, a local man named Richard Collins died after falling into the street as he exited an OCTA bus. The bus pulled away and ran over him, leaving behind unanswered questions and grieving loved ones.

In another serious crash near Edinger Avenue and Graham Street, a black SUV ran a red light, hit a minivan, and slammed into a stopped Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus. The crash sent multiple people to the hospital and killed a dog riding in the SUV.

These accidents show just how quickly a normal day can turn into a medical emergency. Buses are massive vehicles, and when they collide with cars or people, the injuries are often serious.

If you or a family member has been hurt in a bus crash in Huntington Beach, you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team at Thompson Law helps injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians recover compensation for their medical care, lost income, and long-term needs. We know what evidence matters and how to deal with public transit agencies, insurance companies, and corporate carriers.

Talk to our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re ready to fight for your recovery.

Receive a Free Case Review

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

What Compensation Could Be Available After a Bus Crash

Depending on what happened, you may be able to claim:

  • Emergency medical bills and ongoing treatment
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Loss of future earning capacity if you can’t return to your job
  • Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
  • Property damage (like your phone, bike, or car if it was hit)
  • Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed

Even if your injuries seem minor at first, don’t assume the insurance company will offer a fair settlement. They often try to pay less than what your case is worth.

Contact our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We can help you understand what you may be entitled to.

Why Thompson Law Is the Right Choice for Your Bus Accident Claim

Bus accident cases aren’t like regular car crashes. They often involve large transit companies, government agencies, or private contractors. These groups have their own lawyers, and they don’t make things easy.

At Thompson Law, we know how to handle tough cases. We’ve helped victims in Huntington Beach stand up to big insurance companies and recover what they deserve. When you work with us, you get:

  • A free, no-pressure case review
  • Help collecting medical records and building your case
  • An experienced team that knows California transit laws
  • Support from start to finish, we don’t leave you guessing
  • No fees unless we win your case

You don’t need to face this alone. We’re here to fight for you.

Call our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best Bus Accident law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated Bus Accident injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s Huntington Beach Bus Accident lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

 

Huntington Beach Bus Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Injuries

Bus accidents often cause more serious injuries than other traffic crashes. Buses are larger and harder to stop quickly. When something goes wrong, passengers, pedestrians, and nearby drivers can all be at risk.

Here are some of the most common injuries we see after bus-related accidents in Huntington Beach:

  • Head and brain injuries like concussions or trauma from hitting a seat or window
  • Back and spinal injuries such as herniated discs or nerve damage
  • Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or hips
  • Soft tissue injuries like whiplash, torn ligaments, or muscle strains
  • Internal injuries from blunt force to the chest or abdomen
  • Cuts and bruises, including deep wounds from glass or metal

No matter how small your injury might seem, it’s worth getting checked by a doctor and talking to a lawyer. Some injuries take time to develop and can cost more than you expect in treatment, recovery time, and lost work.

If you’re dealing with injuries from a bus crash in Huntington Beach, contact Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’ll help you understand your options and get the support you need.

At Thompson Law

We provide bus accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Huntington Beach injury lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

Contact Us

Helpful Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Bus Injury Claim

To win your bus accident case, you’ll need strong evidence that proves what happened and how it affected you. This can include:

  • The police report from the scene
  • Photos or videos of the crash, damage, or your injuries
  • Witness statements from other passengers or bystanders
  • Your medical records and treatment history
  • Surveillance footage from nearby buildings or traffic cameras
  • Bus company data, like GPS tracking, driver logs, or maintenance records

Sometimes, expert help is needed. We work with accident reconstruction professionals and medical experts who can show how and why the crash occurred.

Let our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers help you collect the right evidence. Start with a FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Public vs. Private Bus Accidents: What It Means for Your Claim

If your crash involved a public bus, like one operated by OCTA, your claim follows different rules. Public agencies are protected by special laws and tight filing deadlines. You usually have just six months to file a claim, not the normal two years for injury lawsuits.

Private bus companies, on the other hand, don’t follow these strict timelines. They are usually covered by commercial insurance policies, and your case might involve different types of legal issues, such as driver training or company policies.

Knowing who owns and operates the bus matters. It changes how and when your case should be filed.

Our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers understand these differences. Reach out now for a FREE CONSULTATION so we can protect your rights on time.

Who Might Be Liable in a Huntington Beach Bus Accident Case

Many people think the bus driver is always at fault, but liability can fall on several parties:

  • The bus driver, if they were distracted, speeding, or careless
  • The transit agency or bus company, if they failed to train drivers or maintain vehicles
  • A third-party driver, if another car caused the crash
  • A manufacturer, if a defective bus part caused the collision
  • A city or county agency, if poor road conditions played a role

Bus accident cases often involve multiple layers of fault. We dig into every detail to find out who should be held accountable.

If you’re not sure who’s responsible, don’t worry. Contact our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’ll investigate and explain your options.

Actions to Take After a Bus Crash in Huntington Beach

Once the dust settles after a bus accident, many victims are left wondering what to do next, especially if they’re facing hospital bills, missed work, or ongoing pain. Your actions in the hours and days that follow can make a big difference in your legal claim. Here’s what we recommend:

Get Medical Treatment and Keep All Records

Even if you were treated at the scene, follow up with a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, show up later. Make sure to keep all discharge papers, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions. These documents can help prove how the crash affected you.

Report the Accident to the Bus Company

If the crash involved an OCTA or private bus company, filing a formal report creates an official record. Ask for a copy and write down the name of the representative you spoke with. This step becomes more important if you were a passenger and didn’t speak to the police on the scene.

Write Down Everything You Remember

Your memory is sharpest in the days after the crash. Take time to jot down what you saw, heard, and felt during the incident. Include the time, location, vehicle details, and anything the driver or other passengers said. These notes can be valuable months later when filing a claim.

Track All Your Expenses

Save receipts and invoices for any crash-related costs. This includes hospital bills, pharmacy payments, ride shares, missed work, and even things like replacing a broken phone or eyeglasses. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.

Avoid Posting About the Crash Online

It might feel natural to talk about the accident on social media, but those posts can be used against you. Insurance companies often look for reasons to downplay your injuries. To be safe, don’t share photos or updates until your claim is resolved.

Let a Lawyer Handle the Bus Company and Insurers

Once you’ve reported the accident and gathered your records, it’s smart to have an attorney take it from there. Bus companies and their insurers may reach out quickly, asking for statements or offering fast settlements. Don’t sign anything or agree to any amount without legal advice.

Our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers can guide you through every step after the crash. Reach out today for a FREE CASE REVIEW and let us help you protect your rights and your recovery.

Local Rules and Traffic Laws That Apply to Bus Collisions in Huntington Beach

When a bus crash happens in Huntington Beach, it’s not just traffic signals and driver speed that matter. City and state laws play a big role in figuring out what happened, who’s responsible, and how a claim is handled. Here’s a breakdown of local rules that often come into play after bus accidents.

Marked Loading and Passenger Zones

The city marks specific curb areas for loading and unloading. These zones are color-coded:

  • Yellow means loading materials or passengers only. Material loading is limited to 20 minutes, and passenger loading to 3 minutes.
  • White zones are for passenger pickup and drop-off only, with the same 3-minute rule.
  • Red means no stopping at all, except for buses at designated red curb bus stops.
  • Blue is reserved for vehicles displaying disabled placards or plates.

Violating these curb rules during loading or bus movement could be a factor in assigning fault after a crash.

Bus Zones and Curb Use

Only buses are allowed to stop in bus zones, which are established by the Director of Public Works. If a car blocks a bus zone or parks improperly near a designated stop, that can cause or contribute to a collision.

Restrictions Near Schools and Public Buildings

Student loading zones have added protections. No vehicle can stop near a school between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days unless it’s actively dropping off or picking up a passenger. The same applies to curbs near hospitals, police stations, and fire hydrants.

Oversized Vehicle Parking Rules

Larger vehicles like recreational buses or those pulling trailers have strict limits. Only Huntington Beach residents can request an Oversized Vehicle permit, and it only allows loading or unloading. Street parking with these vehicles is limited to 3 days at a time, up to 12 times a month. Parking without a permit results in escalating fines.

Time Limits Are Strictly Enforced

Even when loading or unloading is allowed, the city limits how long a vehicle can stay:

  • No more than 20 minutes for materials.
  • No more than 3 minutes for passengers or personal items.

If a vehicle overstays or misuses a loading zone, that could lead to citations, and could matter in legal claims if the delay contributed to a crash.

Violation Penalties

Any violation of these traffic rules is considered an infraction, with fines up to $100. For oversized vehicle permit violations, the fines increase with each offense, reaching up to $264 by the third citation.

Bus accident claims often hinge on local parking behavior, time limits, and designated use zones. If you’ve been injured in a Huntington Beach bus crash, let our lawyers at Thompson Law review the traffic conditions involved and hold the right parties accountable. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Medical Centers in Huntington Beach That Treat Bus Accident Victims

Getting checked by a doctor after a bus accident is one of the smartest things you can do, even if your injuries feel minor. Pain or symptoms can show up hours or days later, and having medical records helps protect both your health and your legal claim.

Here are trusted hospitals and clinics near Huntington Beach that regularly care for vehicle crash victims:

  • Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
  • Huntington Beach Hospital
  • Hoag Health Center Huntington Beach
  • Orange Coast Medical Center
  • UCI Medical Center

If you were treated at any of these facilities, hold on to your records, bills, and discharge notes. They’re essential for documenting your injuries and proving the full impact of the crash.

Our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for medical costs and recovery needs. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

How to Obtain an Official Police Report for Your Bus Crash Case

An official police report is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence after a bus accident. It includes officer statements, crash location, driver info, and witness names, all of which can support your claim. Here’s how to request yours if the crash happened in Huntington Beach.

Request in Person

Head to the Records Bureau at the Huntington Beach Police Department:

  • 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
  • Office hours:
    – Tuesday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    – Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12 noon
    – Bring a valid photo ID and any crash details you have.

Request Online

You can also request a report through the city’s online portal. You’ll need:

  • Your full name and contact info
  • Details of the crash (date, location)
  • The report number (if available)

Note: Online requests may include a small service fee. In-person requests do not.

Before You File

  • Reports usually take around 5 business days to be processed
  • Not every report is eligible for public release
  • If your report isn’t available or involves a death, call the Records Department at 714-536-5641 for help

If the crash caused injuries or over $1,000 in property damage, California law requires you to file a DMV SR-1 form within 10 days.

Need help with this process or unsure what documents you need? Contact our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’ll make sure nothing gets missed.

Let’s Talk About Your Case, Free Consultation With Our Huntington Beach Legal Team

You don’t need to figure this out alone. A bus crash can turn your life upside down, but legal help is one phone call away.

At Thompson Law, we make the process simple. Our team will:

  • Listen to your story with care and attention
  • Explain your legal rights in plain language
  • Gather evidence and build a strong claim
  • Handle all communication with insurers
  • Only get paid if we win your case

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you or someone you love was injured in a bus-related accident, don’t wait to ask for help.

Call our Huntington Beach bus accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re ready to fight for the care and compensation you deserve.

 

No Win No Fee for

FAQs About Bus Accident Claims in Huntington Beach

What if I was standing when the bus suddenly stopped and I fell?

You may still have a valid injury claim, even if no crash occurred. Sudden stops that cause injuries can sometimes be linked to driver negligence, poor training, or mechanical issues.

Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. Under California’s comparative fault laws, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible. Your final award may be reduced based on your share of fault.

Do bus accident cases take longer than regular car accident claims?

Often, yes. Bus cases may involve more parties, such as public agencies or large insurance carriers, which can slow the process. But strong legal guidance can help move things along and avoid delays.

Will I need to go to court for my bus accident claim?

Not always. Many claims settle out of court through negotiation. However, if the bus company or insurer won’t offer a fair amount, going to trial may be necessary. A lawyer can guide you on what’s best.

What if I was injured while getting on or off the bus?

Accidents during boarding or exiting may still qualify for compensation. These situations can involve unsafe conditions, driver error, or bus stop hazards. Your injury doesn’t need to come from a moving vehicle to justify a claim.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.