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Whether you were riding a city bus, were hit by one while driving in your own car, or your child was injured on a school bus, accidents involving these large vehicles can cause serious, life-altering injuries. Bus accidents also often involve government agencies or large, private transportation companies
But you don’t have to figure out the legalities alone. Our Modesto bus accident lawyers know how to handle cases involving public transit and school transportation, and we’re ready to advocate for you so you get fair compensation for what you’ve gone through.
Let’s talk about your legal options and how we can help you move forward. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION today.
Bus accident cases aren’t like your typical fender-bender. When public transit or school buses are involved, multiple parties may be at fault. That could include the bus driver, a private contractor, the school district, or even a government agency like StanRTA, Modesto’s local transit authority responsible for running city and county bus routes. Each comes with its own set of legal protections and deadlines, making it harder to navigate than a standard insurance claim.
Our Modesto bus accident lawyers understand how local transit systems work and have vast knowledge of local laws to strengthen your case. We’ll help you gather strong evidence, handle communication with city agencies or insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced Modesto bus accident lawyers know how to gather the right evidence and build a strong case for you from the very beginning. From identifying all liable parties to collecting eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, and medical documentation, we make sure no detail is overlooked.
If your case calls for it, we can also tap our network of accident reconstruction experts, partner doctors, and financial specialists to calculate the full impact of your injuries. That way, you only walk away with an amount that reflects the full extent of your pain and suffering.
Whether we’re negotiating with insurers or preparing for trial, our team is focused on securing just compensation for you. That way, you don’t have to worry about anything, and you can focus your time and energy on complete healing.
After you’ve been injured in a bus accident, the last thing you need is added legal stress, especially with the physical pain and all the medical bills you’re facing. That’s why you need a top-tier legal team in your corner to go through the legal troubles on your behalf.
At Thompson Law, we know how high the stakes are, and we’re here to help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your legal representation:
We’re ready to bring your case to victory. Call Thompson Law and schedule your FREE CONSULTATION.
After a bus accident injury, you may be facing a long recovery, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. Whether you were a passenger of the bus, a pedestrian or cyclist on the street, or another motorist involved in the crash, you have the right to pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses.
The amount and type of compensatory damages you could be eligible for depend on the unique circumstances of your case, but our legal team will fight to ensure nothing is left off the table. Here are some of those damages you may be able to recover compensation for:
We offer free consultations to help you understand what you could be entitled to depending on your case. Contact our Modesto bus accident attorneys today and get a FREE CASE REVIEW to learn the estimated value of your claim.
Every time passengers step onto a public transit bus or school bus, they’re placing their safety in someone else’s hands. That trust should never be broken. We approach every case with the belief that no one should suffer because of careless driving or a system that puts cost before care. We fight tirelessly to hold the right people accountable and make sure our clients are compensated fairly for everything they’ve been through.
Yes, as their parent or legal guardian, you can file an injury claim for your child if they were hurt in a school bus accident. Children have the same legal rights to compensation as adults. However, because minors can’t file lawsuits themselves, it’s up to you to advocate for them.
Acting quickly is crucial, especially if a public school district or government agency is involved, as strict deadlines apply. Our Modesto bus accident attorneys can walk you through the process and make sure your child’s rights are protected.
Bus accident cases often involve more parties than typical car accidents, which instantly makes them more complex. While a car crash might involve two drivers and their insurance companies, a bus accident could involve the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance contractors, school districts, or even city and county agencies like StanRTA. Because there are so many potential liable parties, it’s harder to determine who’s at fault and financially responsible.
Another challenge is navigating the specific rules surrounding government entities involved in these crashes. For example, filing a claim against StanRTA, a government agency, requires submitting a claim within a mere six months from the date of the bus accident.
Navigating these nuances while recovering from a severe injury can be too much for anyone. That’s why it helps to have a dedicated attorney from Thompson Law who knows the ins and outs of bus accident litigation.
It can be quite challenging to pinpoint liability in a bus accident. Unlike a typical car crash, these cases often involve several parties beyond just the driver. Depending on the situation, multiple people or organizations may share responsibility for the accident and resulting injuries. Here are some parties that may be held liable:
Not sure who is liable for your case? Our Modesto bus accident lawyers can help identify every party liable for your injuries. That way, you have the chance to pursue every possible avenue for compensation. Book a FREE CASE REVIEW today to learn more.
Bus operations in Modesto are governed by a mix of city regulations, state traffic laws, and federal safety standards. These laws protect both bus passengers and the general public, especially in school zones and busy areas in the city. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key regulations that come into play.
In California, some lanes on the road are set aside just for public buses to help keep them moving on time and avoid traffic delays. Under California Vehicle Code § 21655.1, regular drivers are not allowed to drive in, park, or stop in these bus-only lanes. Transit agencies are required to clearly mark these lanes with signs and signals so there’s no confusion.
If a driver ignores those signs and enters a bus-only lane, they could face legal consequences. And if a crash happens, that violation can play a big role in figuring out who’s at fault.
Safety around school buses is taken very seriously in California, and rightly so. According to California Vehicle Code § 22454, if you’re driving and come across a school bus that is stopped to pick up or drop off kids, you must stop your vehicle too. A bus doing so will have flashing red lights on and stop sign arm extended. This applies whether you’re approaching from behind or coming from the opposite direction.
You’re not allowed to pass the bus until the red lights stop flashing and its stop arm is gone. This law protects kids getting on or off the bus. Ignoring it can lead to serious penalties or, worse, tragic consequences if an innocent child is hurt.
Under Modesto Code of Ordinances § 3-2.1006, large commercial buses are not allowed to park or stand on streets in residential districts. They are only allowed to do so if they are making a pickup or delivery or actively involved in permitted construction work at a nearby site.
If you were injured in a bus accident involving a public transit agency, like StanRTA, you’ll need to act quickly. In Modesto, claims against government entities follow a much shorter timeline than regular personal injury cases.
You have just six months from the date of the accident to file an administrative claim with the agency. This is very short compared to the regular statute of limitations for personal injuries, which is two years. If you miss this six-month deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Bus accidents in Modesto are rarely without a clear cause. Understanding the most common causes of these accidents can help victims recognize when negligence may be involved. Some frequent causes of bus accidents in Modesto include:
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident in Modesto for one of these reasons, talk to our lawyers to learn your legal options. Book a FREE CONSULTATION today.
Bus accidents typically result in devastating injuries due to the size of the vehicle, lack of seat belts, and the number of people involved. Sometimes, what looks like a minor crash can actually lead to major medical complications. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in bus accidents:
Remember that some injuries take hours or even days to fully appear. If you’ve been hurt in a Modesto bus accident, speak with our lawyers to understand your rights and get the support you need.
Throughout the years, Modesto has faced several serious bus accidents that left a mark on the community. In October 2024, nearly 20 people, most of them elementary school students, were hurt when a semi-truck rear-ended a Honda stopped behind a school bus on Crows Landing Road. The impact crushed the Honda and pushed it into the bus. Fortunately, the kids had only minor injuries, but the scene was a chilling reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.
In July 2021, a StanRTA bus was rear-ended by a car on McHenry Avenue. Two people were hospitalized with pain complaints, and the accident blocked traffic during the morning rush.
And in what might be the most heartbreaking case, a young boy was hit and killed by a city bus outside Tuolumne Elementary while running to his mother across the street. Witnesses said the boy darted around the bus and into its path. This was a tragedy that shook the local school community.
The folks from the Modesto Police Department are often the first responders on the scene after a bus accident. The police secure the area and help anyone who has been injured. The offices then document key details for their official report. They’ll typically gather photos, videos, witness statements, and traffic violations, then include them in the report.
Their findings are vital pieces of information to help determine who’s at fault for the crash, especially in accidents involving school or city buses. Needless to say, that report can be crucial if you decide to file a claim.
Here’s how to contact the Modesto Police Department:
Proving fault in a Modesto bus crash often comes down to solid, well-documented evidence. Police reports, traffic camera footage, photos from the scene, and statements from eyewitnesses can all help paint a clear picture of what happened. Maintenance logs from the bus company may also come into play. Our lawyers at Thompson Law can help gather and preserve this evidence before any of it disappears.
At Thompson Law, we know that bus accidents are life-changing events that leave real people with real pain, stress, and uncertainty. Whether it was your child on a school bus or you commuting on public transit, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Aside from your injuries, you’re dealing with insurance companies, paperwork, and a dozen unanswered questions.
Our Modesto bus accident lawyers are ready to bring a sharp legal strategy with genuine compassion to your case. We won’t stop fighting for your rights until we get you justice that reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through. Call Thompson Law today for a completely FREE CONSULTATION and find out how we can help you move forward after the crash.
Most Modesto bus accident lawyers, including our team, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t have to pay anything upfront. We cover everything first, and you only pay us if we successfully win your case or get you a fair settlement. This setup allows victims to focus on recovery without added financial pressure while still getting the legal representation they deserve.
Yes, you can file a claim against StanRTA if their negligence led to your injuries. A claim against them might be applicable if the bus accident was caused by driver error or a bus malfunction. However, since StanRTA is a government agency, you must follow California’s strict procedures for filing claims against public entities, which include tight deadlines. Our lawyers will make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
If you were hit by a bus while walking or biking, you could still be eligible to file a personal injury claim. If the driver, say, didn’t yield to the pedestrian or cyclist or was driving distractedly, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Talk to our attorneys as soon as possible to get the process started.
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.
