San Francisco Bus Accident Attorneys

How Common Are Bus Accidents?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) latest data, there were more than 5,000 large truck and bus accidents in the U.S. in 2019, marking a two-percent increase from the previous year. Specifically, the number of fatal bus accidents remained relatively steady from 2018 to 2019, decreasing slightly from 238 to 232.

With its myriad public transportation options, including Muni and BART, San Francisco is home to numerous bus accidents and other large vehicle collisions every year. Although not all of these accidents are fatal, many result in severe injuries and significant damage, costing victims thousands of dollars in economic and non-economic damages.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Just like other types of motor vehicle accidents, most bus accidents are the result of negligence. Sometimes, bus drivers themselves are negligent; in other instances, other third parties are to blame. In any case, such accidents are generally avoidable, and the at-fault party can be held responsible.

Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:

• Bus driver negligence and/or error
• Distracted driving
• Using a cell phone while driving
• Speeding
• Traveling too fast for current conditions
• Inadequate bus maintenance
• Failure to maintain tracks/rails
• Bus driver fatigue
• Hours-of-service violations
• Failure to check blind spots
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Defective buses
• Equipment defects
• Poor weight distribution
• Negligent motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists

At Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard, we conduct exhaustive investigations to determine how an accident occurred and, most importantly, who is liable. Our San Francisco bus accident attorneys have extensive experience and work with teams of experts, including accident reconstructionists and expert witnesses, to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.

Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?

Unlike in most standard car accident claims, liability in bus accident cases does not necessarily lay with the bus driver who caused the accident. Instead, injured parties can typically file personal injury claims with the company that employs the bus driver. This is because most employers are legally responsible for the conduct of their employees when those employees are on the clock.

Some potentially liable parties in a given bus accident case include:

• The bus driver
• The company that employs the bus driver
• The entity that owns or leases the bus
• A manufacturer
• The party responsible for bus maintenance
• Another driver on the road
• A pedestrian or bicyclist
• An engineer

Note that this is not an exhaustive list; there may be another person or party liable for your bus accident injuries and damages. Our team at Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard can help determine who is responsible for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Representing Victims of All Types of Bus Accidents

At Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard, our San Francisco bus accident attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of serious motor vehicle and mass transportation accidents. Whether you were injured while riding a Muni bus, involved in an accident with a private charter bus, or otherwise affected by a serious bus accident, we have what it takes to aggressively fight for you.

Our attorneys represent victims of all types of bus and public transportation accidents, including those involving:

• City buses
• Muni buses
• School buses
• Charter buses
• Private coaches and carriers
• Trolleys
• Street cars
• BART trains
• Tour buses

We can assist you with every detail of your case so that you can focus on your physical recovery. We will work with the insurance company or municipal agency to seek the best possible settlement on your behalf and, if necessary, we are ready to represent you at trial.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Depending on the severity of your injury and other details of your case, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Vocational rehabilitation
• Life-care expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain/suffering
• Medical expenses

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard offers highly professional and personalized legal services to residents of San Francisco and the surrounding areas. We truly care about you and are ready to do everything possible to maximize your compensation so that you can heal and move forward with your life.

We offer all our personal injury services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe any upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you work with our firm. Instead, we only collect legal fees if/when we win your case. If we do not recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf, you do not pay.

Call us at (925) 744-8869 or contact us online to get started with a complimentary case evaluation.