Being injured in a bus accident in Glendale, California, can turn an ordinary day into chaos.
Along with the physical pain, you’re suddenly faced with questions about medical bills, fault, and what steps to take next. When the vehicle involved belongs to a city or public transit agency, the process becomes even more confusing. These claims follow special procedures, strict deadlines, and rules that differ from typical car accident cases. Filing with the wrong agency or missing a step can easily delay or jeopardize your recovery.
This guide breaks down how to file a bus accident claim in Glendale, California, so you understand your rights, know which agency to contact, and can take the right steps toward the compensation you deserve.
Your actions immediately after a bus crash affect the strength of any future claim. Medical treatment comes first, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries like whiplash or internal trauma don’t show symptoms right away. Getting checked by a doctor creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
Report the crash to both the police and the bus driver or operator. A police report documents what happened from an official perspective. The bus company also needs to know about the incident so they can begin their own investigation.
Collect as much information as possible while still at the scene:
Keep records of all medical visits, treatments, and expenses that follow. Save receipts for medications, medical equipment, and travel to appointments. Document how your injuries affect daily activities and work.
Remember, early documentation strengthens your claim and helps prove the full extent of your damages.
Different agencies handle claims depending on which bus system was involved. Identifying the correct entity determines where you file and which procedures apply.
The City of Glendale manages claims involving Glendale Beeline buses through its Risk Management Division. Beeline operates local routes throughout Glendale and connects to regional transit systems. If a Beeline bus caused your injuries, the city handles your claim.
LA Metro bus claims are handled separately under Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Metro operates many routes that pass through Glendale on their way to other destinations. These claims go through Metro’s claims department, not the City of Glendale.
Private bus companies follow different insurance claim processes entirely. School buses, charter buses, and tour buses operated by private companies require filing with the company’s insurance provider rather than a government agency. This distinction changes the deadlines and procedures you must follow.
The California Government Claims Act governs claims against public entities. This law, codified in California Government Code Section 911.2, requires anyone injured by a government agency or employee to file a formal claim before filing a lawsuit.
The purpose of this requirement is to give government agencies early notice of potential claims. This allows them to investigate incidents while the evidence is fresh and potentially resolve claims without litigation. The law applies to any bus owned or operated by a city, county, or public transit authority.
The most important aspect of the Government Claims Act is the six-month filing deadline. You have six months from the date of the accident to submit your claim. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering any compensation, regardless of how serious your injuries or how clear the liability. Courts very rarely grant extensions to this deadline.
Filing a claim against a public transit agency involves specific steps that must be completed correctly and on time.
Government agencies have 45 days to respond to your claim. They can approve it, deny it, or request more information. The agency will investigate by reviewing police reports, interviewing the bus driver, checking surveillance footage, and examining their own records.
If the agency doesn’t respond within 45 days, the law treats this silence as an automatic rejection. You receive the same legal rights as if the agency had formally denied your claim. This prevents agencies from stalling indefinitely.
When a claim is denied, you receive a formal notice explaining the rejection. This denial notice starts a new countdown. You have six months from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit in court. If you don’t file within this six-month window, you permanently lose your right to sue for that accident.
Some claims are approved and settled without going to court. The agency may offer a settlement amount based on their investigation. You can accept this offer or negotiate for more compensation. You’re not required to accept the first offer.
Private bus operators are not covered by the Government Claims Act. This changes the entire claims process. You don’t need to file a formal government claim. Instead, you contact the company’s insurance provider directly to report the accident and start a claim.
The statute of limitations for private bus company claims is two years from the accident date. This gives you much more time than the six months required for government claims.
However, you should still report accidents and begin the claims process quickly while evidence is available.
The same principles of documentation and evidence still apply. You need medical records, photos, witness statements, and proof of damages. Insurance companies evaluate private bus claims the same way government agencies evaluate public transit claims. Strong evidence and clear documentation of your injuries increase the likelihood of fair compensation.
Solid documentation separates strong claims from weak ones. Gather and organize these materials:
Organize these documents chronologically and make copies before submitting them. Keep the originals in a safe place in case you need them for a lawsuit or appeal.
Several errors can doom an otherwise valid claim:
Bus accident claims can include several types of compensation.
Economic losses cover expenses and financial harm that can be calculated:
Non-economic losses address harm that doesn’t have a specific price tag:
In fatal bus accidents, families can claim funeral and burial expenses plus wrongful death damages. Public entities evaluate claims based on the documentation you provide and fairness standards under California law.
If you receive a formal rejection notice, it triggers a strict six-month window to file a lawsuit. This deadline is just as important as the original claim deadline, so mark it down right away to avoid losing your right to take action.
If the denial letter doesn’t explain why your claim was rejected, request a written explanation from the agency. Knowing the reason—such as disputed liability, missing documents, or lack of evidence—will help you decide what to do next.
Use this time to gather additional information that strengthens your case. The agency’s investigation file might reveal gaps or errors in your original submission. Updated medical records, expert opinions, or new witness statements can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and losses.
An experienced attorney can review the evidence, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps if pursuing a lawsuit is the best path forward.
Thompson Law helps Glendale bus accident victims navigate the claims process from start to finish. We identify the correct agency, prepare and file claims within deadlines, gather supporting evidence, and negotiate for fair compensation. If your claim is denied, we can evaluate whether filing a lawsuit makes sense and represent you through trial if necessary.
Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION about your Glendale bus accident claim.
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.
