West Covina Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus Accident Attorney in West Covina, CA

Bus accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. They affect both the passengers and the bus driver, but also drivers and passengers in vehicles traveling close to the bus. Accidents involving a bus can happen for many reasons. Regardless of the accident’s cause, you need a knowledgeable West Covina bus accident lawyer to help you receive fair compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer

When you hire a bus accident lawyer, you want one with experience handling bus or other large commercial vehicle accidents. Accidents involving large vehicles are almost always more complicated than accidents involving passenger vehicles. At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we have over 40 years of experience representing Los Angeles County residents in personal injury cases.

California Bus Accidents

Bus crash information in California is recorded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Management Information System. In 2025, there were a total of 712 bus crashes recorded in California. Of those crashes:

• 3 were fatal
• 3 total fatalities occurred
• 709 were non-fatal
• 565 total injuries occurred

Your first attempt to receive a fair settlement after a bus accident should be through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance agency. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you can file a civil claim in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are more likely to occur in areas with heavy traffic congestion, high speeds, and construction zones. Some of the most dangerous areas for bus accidents in West Covina include:

• Interstate 10
• Interstate 210 before Rosemead Boulevard
• Interstate 5
• Interstate 405

Buses are a unique form of transportation that carry a large number of passengers over large distances or along predetermined routes. Frequent stops and the unpredictable nature of some passengers can lead to accidents. Some common causes of bus accidents include:

• Distracted driving. This can include using a cellphone, texting, changing the radio station, talking on a two-way radio, talking to passengers, road rage, or eating or drinking.
• Driver errors. Mistakes can occur when a driver is fatigued, speeding, or if they have not received proper training.
• Dangerous passing. Sometimes a bus driver underestimates how much room they have to maneuver on the road, or passenger vehicles pass too closely. These can lead to accidents.
• Overcrowding. Overloading the bus can lead to increased distractions for the driver or difficulties maintaining control of the vehicle. The passengers and their possessions affect the weight distribution of the bus.
• Improperly maintained vehicles. This can lead to accidents due to mechanical failures, such as brakes failing, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or issues with the engine.
• Road conditions. Weather-related circumstances make driving more treacherous. Roads are often poorly maintained or in areas with road construction.

Types of Compensation After a Bus Accident

There are two main categories of compensation that you may be entitled to when involved in a bus accident. Any settlement offer you receive should consider both categories. The two categories are:

1. Economic damages. These cover the tangible losses you suffered because of the accident. They include medical expenses, lost wages, the cost to repair or replace damaged property, loss of earning capacity, and other trackable expenses related to the accident.
2. Non-economic damages. These are intangible and harder to track. They include your pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, or loss of consortium.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can You Get After a Bus Accident?

The amount of compensation you can get after a bus accident is based on the nature and severity of any injuries or property damage. A fair settlement should take into consideration the immediate cost of injuries and the possible need for long-term treatment. You should also be compensated for any lost wages due to the inability to work while recovering. An attorney might be needed to advocate for these damages.

How Much Do Bus Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

Bus accident attorneys typically charge a flat fee in California. Bus accident cases are most often handled by personal injury attorneys with experience representing bus accident victims. The flat fee is a percentage of the final settlement offer. Cases that are settled through negotiations often have a lower fee than cases handled through a trial. If your case is unsuccessful, you may not owe anything to your attorney.

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer After a Bus Accident in California?

Yes, it is generally worth it to get a lawyer after a bus accident in California. Bus accidents are unique because they involve multiple potentially liable parties. There are different laws for government and private transportation systems, which can also make claims more challenging. A lawyer can help you obtain full compensation and handle the challenge of negotiating with multiple insurance agencies.

What Duties of Care Do Bus Companies Owe Passengers in California?

Bus companies in California are considered common carriers, and as such, they owe passengers a higher standard of care than other types of carriers. Under California’s common carrier liability law, bus drivers and the parent company must provide the highest level of care for the safe transportation of passengers. They also have a duty to use reasonable care, skill, and foresight to avoid causing injuries to passengers.

Do Most Bus Accident Cases Settle Out of Court?

Yes, most bus accident cases settle out of court. When the bus company’s insurance agency offers to negotiate a settlement, they are often hoping you are willing to take a low amount without negotiating for your interests. With an experienced bus accident attorney, you are more likely to receive a higher settlement offer that covers all of the damages you suffered during the accident.

Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor Today

Following a bus accident, you are likely to be overwhelmed. You need time and rest to recover from your injuries. Our team can represent your interests in the pursuit of the fair compensation you deserve. Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor today to schedule your initial consultation.