What to Do If You Are Injured in a Bus Accident – How Sodhi Law Group Can Help
A bus accident can happen without warning and leave victims facing physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. Whether you were a passenger on a city bus, a commuter shuttle, or a school bus, the aftermath of a bus accident can be overwhelming. Unlike typical car accidents, bus crashes often involve multiple parties, including government entities, private companies, and third-party contractors—making legal claims far more complex.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in California, it’s critical to take the right steps and have experienced legal representation on your side. Sodhi Law Group has years of experience handling personal injury cases, including those involving bus accidents, and we are committed to helping you recover compensation and peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll cover what to do immediately after a bus accident, what your legal rights are, and how Sodhi Law Group can fight for your best interests every step of the way.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Getting injured in a bus accident can be traumatic and confusing. Knowing what to do right away can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records will also serve as vital evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.
2. Call 911 and Report the Accident
Make sure emergency services are alerted. A police report will be a critical document in your case, providing an official account of what happened. The police will also document weather conditions, road status, and collect witness statements.
3. Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, take pictures of the scene—this includes the bus, other vehicles involved, street signs, road conditions, and visible injuries. Try to gather the names and contact information of other passengers and witnesses who saw the accident happen.
4. Get the Bus Driver’s and Company’s Information
You need to gather the name of the bus driver, the bus number or route, and the name of the bus company or government agency that operates the bus. This information will be essential when determining who is liable for your injuries.
5. Do Not Sign Anything or Talk to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often attempt to settle quickly—and cheaply. Do not sign any documents or give a recorded statement without first speaking to an attorney. You may be signing away your right to fair compensation.
Understanding Liability in a Bus Accident
Determining liability in a bus accident case can be far more complex than in a regular auto accident. Multiple parties could be responsible, including:
The bus driver
The bus company or government entity
The bus manufacturer
Maintenance contractors
Another vehicle’s driver involved in the crash
Depending on who owns and operates the bus, the rules for filing a claim may differ. For example, if the accident involved a public bus run by a city or county, you may be required to file a government claim within a very short window—often as little as six months from the date of the accident.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Understanding what caused the bus accident can help determine who is responsible. Common causes include:
Driver fatigue or distraction
Inadequate driver training
Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
Hazardous road conditions
Speeding or reckless driving
Negligence by other drivers on the road
Sodhi Law Group investigates all aspects of your accident to identify all liable parties and maximize the compensation you may be entitled to.
Types of Injuries Common in Bus Accidents
Because buses typically don’t have seatbelts and involve more passengers, injuries from bus accidents can be particularly severe. Common injuries include:
Whiplash and neck injuries
Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Broken bones and fractures
Internal bleeding
Spinal cord injuries
Cuts and bruises
Emotional trauma and PTSD
In some cases, victims may face permanent disability or long-term rehabilitation, which makes it even more critical to pursue full compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be eligible to recover damages for:
Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage (if applicable)
Wrongful death (in fatal accidents)
Every case is unique, and Sodhi Law Group works tirelessly to calculate the full extent of your damages to ensure nothing is left on the table.
How Sodhi Law Group Can Help You
Navigating a bus accident claim without legal help can be overwhelming. Here’s why hiring Sodhi Law Group is the right decision:
1. Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
Our legal team has years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, including public transportation and bus accidents. We know the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them effectively.
2. Thorough Investigation
We gather and preserve evidence, obtain police reports, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts when needed. We leave no stone unturned to build a compelling case on your behalf.
3. Aggressive Negotiation
We deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who push for the highest settlement possible. If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
4. No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. You can focus on recovery while we handle the legal heavy lifting.
5. Compassionate Support
We treat every client with respect and care. You’re not just a case number—you’re a person with a story, and we’re here to help you through one of the most difficult times of your life.
Why Time Matters in a Bus Accident Case
Delaying legal action can seriously affect your case. There are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing a personal injury claim, and these can vary depending on who owns or operates the bus.
For example, claims against a government agency may require a Notice of Claim within just six months of the accident. Failing to file on time could mean losing your right to compensation altogether.
Don’t wait—get legal help immediately to protect your rights.
Serving Modesto, Stockton, Tracy, and Beyond
Sodhi Law Group proudly serves clients across Central California, including Modesto, Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, and surrounding communities. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident, we are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Contact Sodhi Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, don’t wait. You may have limited time to file a claim, and important evidence can disappear quickly. Sodhi Law Group offers a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
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Sodhi Law Group – Your Trusted Injury Attorney for Bus Accidents in California
Helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially—one step at a time.