October 24, 2025

What to Do If You Are in a Bus Accident in Los Angeles

On behalf of The Law Offices of Howard Kornberg Posted in Bus Accident

Bus crashes are chaotic, but a few clear steps can protect your health and your rights. This guide explains what to do on scene, how to document what happened, and the time limits that apply in California—especially when the bus is operated by a public agency in Los Angeles. However, many riders delay medical checks, don’t gather key evidence, or miss short government-claim deadlines.

Why People Struggle

Symptoms from head and neck injuries can be delayed for hours or days, so people skip medical evaluation (CDC).
Riders don’t realize public entities (e.g., LA Metro) often require a written government claim within 6 months before a lawsuit (Cal. Gov. Code §911.2).
They don’t know which forms must be filed after an injury crash in California (e.g., DMV SR-1 within 10 days) (CA DMV).
They aren’t sure how to obtain the official collision report for claims (CHP).

In this article, you’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and make informed choices.

On-Scene Priorities: Safety, 9-1-1, and Documentation

Get to safety and call 9-1-1. If you can move safely, follow instructions from the driver or first responders and get out of traffic. Call or text 9-1-1 to report injuries; in Los Angeles County, emergency guidance emphasizes staying on the line and providing precise details (LA County Fire). California’s consumer guidance also advises calling 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt and notifying police when possible (CA Dept. of Insurance).

Report to the transit agency if it’s an LA Metro vehicle. You can report safety issues via LA Metro’s 24/7 hotline (888-950-SAFE) or Transit Watch app; ask a Metro employee or ambassador if present (LA Metro).

Document what you can. Note bus number, route, direction, the driver’s operator ID if visible, your seat/standing location, time, and exact intersection. Photograph vehicle positions, damage, interior (handrails, flooring), visible injuries, and road conditions. Collect names/contacts of witnesses and first responders. To obtain the official collision report later, CHP provides instructions (CHP 190) for parties of interest, including passengers (CHP).

See a clinician promptly—even if you “feel fine.” CDC notes concussion symptoms may appear hours or days after injury; monitoring and medical guidance are recommended (CDC, CDC Patient Instructions). Neck injuries (e.g., whiplash) can also present later (NIH/PMC).

File legally required reports. If anyone is injured (even minor) or property damage exceeds $1,000, California requires the SR-1 report to DMV within 10 days—completed by you, your insurer, or representative (CA DMV).

If your crash happened in or near Inglewood, see Inglewood bus accident attorney for city specific guidance and next steps.

A Common Mistake: Waiting Too Long to Protect Your Claim

Why it happens: Riders assume they have years to act or don’t realize public buses are “common carriers” run by public entities. In California, common carriers owe passengers the “utmost care and diligence” (Cal. Civ. Code §2100; see also the Judicial Council’s jury instruction summarizing the heightened duty, CACI No. 902).

The correct approach: If a government agency (e.g., a city or county transit operator) is involved, you generally must present a written claim to the public entity within six months of the injury under the Government Claims Act before filing suit (Gov. Code §911.2). For most personal-injury lawsuits in California, the general statute of limitations is two years (California Courts), but government-claim rules are shorter and separate.

If a government agency is involved or your injuries are significant, speak with a bus accident lawyer to protect deadlines and preserve evidence.

What Happens Next: Medical Follow-Up, Records, and Data

Medical follow-up: Keep discharge instructions and attend recommended visits; concussion guidance emphasizes monitoring for evolving symptoms and gradual return to activity (CDC HEADS UP).

Records to keep: Save photos, witness lists, the bus pass/ticket, medical bills, work absence records, and the police report number. If needed, request the collision report per CHP’s procedure (CHP).

Context: Federal data show large truck and bus crashes are a persistent safety issue tracked by FMCSA, with annually reported statistics to understand trends and outcomes (FMCSA LTBCF; FMCSA A&I). NHTSA’s latest national overview reported 40,901 traffic deaths in 2023 (down 4.3% from 2022), underscoring the stakes of post-crash care and documentation (NHTSA).

For a recent local example, see the Studio City Metro bus accident involving multiple injuries after a collision with a pole. Also, for a step by step look at timelines in complex cases, see how long it takes to resolve a truck accident claim to understand factors that can also affect bus claims.

FAQs

Should I move after a bus accident or stay seated?

If it’s safe, move away from traffic and hazards; call 9-1-1 for injuries. California consumer guidance emphasizes stopping, moving only if safe, and calling 9-1-1 when there are injuries (CA Dept. of Insurance).

How do I get the official crash report?

Passengers are “parties of interest” and can request the report from the responsible CHP office using CHP-190 (CHP).

What deadlines apply if the bus is public (e.g., LA Metro)?

Before any lawsuit, most claims against a California public entity require a written government claim within 6 months of injury (Gov. Code §911.2).

What if I felt fine but developed symptoms later?

Seek medical care. CDC notes concussion symptoms may appear hours or days after injury and provides recovery guidance (CDC, CDC Patient Instructions).