What to Do After a Bus Accident in California 2025

Getting into a bus accident is scary. California’s bustling streets and busy highways, such as U.S. 97 and I-5, see many bus-related accidents every year. Being prepared can help. You should know what to do after a bus accident in California, just in case you find yourself in that position. Before you contact a reputable Redding personal injury lawyer, follow the steps below.

Ensure Your Immediate Safety

The most important thing to do after a bus accident is to ensure your own safety and that of those around you. If you can move to a safer location without risking further injuries, do that. Then, call 911 immediately, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.

Do not leave the accident scene unless it’s to seek emergency help.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel alright after the accident, it’s important to get a full medical evaluation. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, might not show symptoms right away. This also initiates the documentation of your injuries, which may be necessary when you file your claim.

Follow all medical advice, and attend follow-up appointments as necessary. Keep copies of your medical bills, prescriptions, and reports.

Report the Accident

California law requires that bus accidents with injuries and damage be reported to law enforcement. Give a clear and truthful statement to the police. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened. Request a copy of the police accident report for your records. This document can be used to determine liability.

Gather Evidence

If you are physically able, gather evidence from the scene of the accident. This can include:

• Photos. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, your injuries, skid marks on the road, road conditions, and posted traffic signs.
• Witness testimony. Gather eyewitness testimonies and contact information to support your case.
• Bus information. Take note of the bus number, its route, and the driver’s information.

Document Everything

After leaving the accident scene, keep documenting everything. Keep a journal of injuries, pain levels, and any emotional struggles you deal with. Write down any additional memories you have of that day. Be sure to save all receipts for expenses related to the accident, such as property repairs, travel costs, and medical bills.

Organized documentation can strengthen your argument and increase the chances of a favorable outcome in your case.

Determine Liability

Bus accidents can be complicated, especially because of the number of factors that might be involved. In some cases, there may be multiple parties responsible for the accident. Liability can fall on:

• The bus driver
• The bus company
• A government agency (in cases involving public transportation or roadways)
• Bus manufacturers or maintenance companies
• Another motorist involved in the accident

An experienced Redding personal injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case to determine the liable party.

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Without Legal Representation

After your accident, you’ll likely be contacted by insurance companies representing the other bus company or driver. Never provide a recorded statement unless you speak with your attorney first. Insurance companies may try to minimize your payout or shift responsibility for the accident.

Don’t settle too quickly. Early offers from insurers may be lower than what you deserve to cover your damages. A personal injury attorney can handle communication with insurance companies and push for fair settlements that cover your needs.

In the event of an accident, you’re eligible to receive various types of compensation, which can include:

• Medical expenses. The costs of emergency care, surgeries, medicine, rehabilitation, and any future care to treat the resulting injuries are compensable.
• Lost income. You can be compensated for wages lost because of missed work or a diminished future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering. Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and the loss of enjoyment in life can be pursued in a claim.
• Property damage. You can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle or other lost or damaged personal property.

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the responsible party acted especially recklessly.

FAQs About California Bus Accident Law

What Should I Do After a Bus Crash?

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, it’s important to get immediate medical attention to treat injuries and determine if further complications could arise. Report the accident to the police, and document the scene with photographs of injuries, vehicles, and the accident site. Gather witness testimonies and contact information, and call your insurance company to inform them of the accident. A personal injury attorney can navigate the process and increase your chances of obtaining a settlement.

What Is the Protocol for a School Bus Accident in California?

California saw 12,500 school bus injury accidents in 2022. If an accident occurs with a school bus, safety is the top priority. Check on the injuries of everyone involved, and immediately call 911. The school district and law enforcement must be notified. The California Highway Patrol will likely investigate the accident, and the bus driver will undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

How Soon Must an Accident Be Reported to Insurance in California?

It’s good practice to report an accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers require notice within a reasonable amount of time to consider payment. This is often only a matter of days. If the accident involved injuries, death, or property damage, you’ll need to file a Report of Traffic Accident with the DMV.

Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident in California?

Liability in California bus accidents depends on the circumstances and the parties involved. Blame could rest on the bus driver, the transit or school district, or a private bus company. Other motorists may have been responsible for the accident and, therefore, must pay compensation for damages. In some cases, liability could fall on a third party, such as the bus’s manufacturer, if faulty parts were the root cause of the incident.

Contact a California Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Knowing what to do after a bus accident in California can protect your health and legal rights. If you’ve been a victim of a bus accident, contact the Redding personal injury lawyers at Barr and Mudford to schedule a consultation.