Seeking Justice After a School Bus Accident: Your Guide to Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

School buses carry thousands of California children daily, symbolizing safety and trust for parents. Unfortunately, when a school bus accident occurs, it can cause devastating injuries or even wrongful death. Victims and their families face mounting medical expenses, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about their rights.

Attorney Art Majlessi and The Majlessi Law Firm provide compassionate, aggressive legal representation to protect injured children and hold negligent parties accountable.

Understanding School Bus Accident Laws in California

School bus accidents are legally complex due to multiple potentially liable parties and strict rules governing public transportation. These cases may involve:

• Government Entities: Public school districts can be held liable, but claims against them must meet special filing deadlines under California’s Government Claims Act.
• Private Contractors: Private schools or contracted bus services must ensure safe drivers and properly maintained buses.
• Manufacturers: If a design defect or faulty part contributed to the crash, the bus or parts manufacturer may be liable.
• Other Drivers: Negligent motorists causing collisions with school buses can also be held accountable.

Common Causes of School Bus Accidents

• Driver negligence (distracted driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic laws)
• Poor bus maintenance or defective safety equipment
• Improperly trained or unlicensed drivers
• Hazardous road conditions or inadequate signage
• Collisions caused by third-party drivers

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of school bus accidents may be eligible for compensation covering:

• Medical Expenses: Immediate treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Lost Income: Wages lost by parents caring for an injured child or loss of earning potential due to permanent injury
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases of egregious negligence or misconduct

Steps to Take After a School Bus Accident

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your child’s safety and document all injuries.
2. Report the Accident: Notify school officials and law enforcement promptly.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos, obtain police reports, and collect witness statements.
4. Consult an Experienced Attorney: School bus accident claims have strict filing requirements, especially when involving public schools or municipalities. Contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights.

How The Majlessi Law Firm Can Help

• Conduct thorough investigations with accident reconstruction experts
• Identify all liable parties, including school districts, contractors, and manufacturers
• Handle complex government claims procedures and court filings
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for maximum compensation
• Litigate cases when fair settlements are not offered

Our priority is ensuring children and families receive justice while promoting safer school transportation across California.

📞 Free Consultation – California School Bus Accident Lawyer

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident or you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal crash, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact The Majlessi Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis—no fees unless we win.

• Los Angeles: (310) 724-6222
• San Francisco: (415) 629-0109

Frequently Asked Questions About School Bus Accident Claims

Who can be sued after a school bus accident?

Potential defendants include bus drivers, school districts, private bus contractors, bus manufacturers, and negligent third-party drivers.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Claims against public entities must typically be filed within 6 months of the accident under California’s Government Claims Act. Other claims usually have a 2-year statute of limitations.

What if my child was partially at fault?

California follows comparative negligence law, meaning compensation can still be recovered even if the victim was partially responsible. The award will be reduced by the percentage of fault.

Does insurance cover school bus accidents?

School districts and private contractors carry liability insurance to cover injuries, but insurers often dispute claims. An attorney ensures fair treatment and maximum recovery.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your case, please consult a licensed California attorney.