California School Bus Accident Lawyer

School buses should be one of the safest forms of transportation for children. Unfortunately, school bus accidents still happen in California—and when they do, children and families can be left dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured students and families throughout California in school bus accident injury claims involving public school districts, private transportation contractors, negligent drivers, unsafe loading zones, and dangerous roadway conditions.

Time is critical in school bus cases. If a public school district or other government entity is involved, strict deadlines may apply and waiting too long can permanently bar the claim.

Important Deadlines: Public School Bus Claims May Require Action Within 6 Months

School bus injury cases are not always handled like ordinary car accident claims. When a school bus is owned or operated by a public school district or government agency, California’s Government Claims rules can require a formal claim to be filed within six (6) months of the date of injury.

Missing this deadline can result in losing the case forever—even when the injuries are serious and the school bus driver or district was clearly at fault. Private school bus companies and contractors may involve different rules, but evidence and deadlines still move fast.

Bus companies, school districts, and insurers often begin investigating immediately. Surveillance footage, onboard camera video, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements can disappear quickly. Early legal action helps protect your child’s rights and preserve critical evidence.

How School Bus Accidents Happen in California

School bus accidents can involve multiple vehicles, multiple injured students, and complicated liability questions. They can occur while the bus is driving, during stops, or in school loading zones where children are most vulnerable.

• School bus collisions with other vehicles
• Unsafe lane changes, wide turns, or sudden stops causing passenger injuries
• Driver distraction, fatigue, or inadequate training
• Dangerous loading and unloading procedures
• Children struck in or near school bus loading zones
• Mechanical failures and poor maintenance (brakes, tires, lights, doors)
• Unsafe bus steps, handrails, or interior hazards
• Bus stop placement issues and poor traffic control

Who May Be Liable for a School Bus Accident

Liability depends on who owned the bus, who employed the driver, and what caused the crash or injury. One or more parties may be responsible, including:

• Public school districts and government agencies
• Private bus companies and transportation contractors
• The school bus driver
• Other negligent drivers who caused the crash
• Maintenance providers or contractors responsible for bus safety
• Manufacturers (in cases involving defective bus parts or safety systems)

Special Rules When a Public School District Is Involved

If a public school district or government entity is involved, strict procedural rules may apply. In many cases, a Government Tort Claim must be filed within six months of the injury date. This is a common trap for families because it is much shorter than the normal statute of limitations in typical injury cases.

School bus cases also require quick evidence preservation. Useful evidence may include onboard bus camera footage, route logs, driver training records, inspection and maintenance reports, dispatch records, and witness statements.

Common Injuries in School Bus Accident Cases

Because children may not be wearing seat belts (depending on the bus type and seating), injuries can occur even in lower-speed crashes. Common injuries include:

• Head injuries and concussions
• Facial injuries and dental trauma
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue injuries and sprains
• Psychological trauma after a violent crash

Compensation Available After a School Bus Accident

Depending on the facts, compensation may be available for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Future care needs for serious injuries
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment and recovery

Frequently Asked Questions About School Bus Accident Claims

What if my child was injured on a public school bus?
If a public school district or government agency is involved, a Government Tort Claim may need to be filed within six months. Missing the deadline can permanently bar the claim.

What if the school uses a private bus company?
Private transportation contractors may be liable under standard injury rules, but the facts matter. Sometimes both a contractor and a school district share responsibility.

Can a child be injured without a major crash?
Yes. Sudden stops, unsafe turns, and interior hazards can cause injuries even without a high-speed collision.

What evidence matters most in school bus cases?
Onboard camera footage, route logs, maintenance records, driver training files, witness statements, and the police or incident report can all be critical.

Should I speak with the school district’s insurance company?
It is usually best to get legal advice before giving recorded statements or signing documents. Early guidance helps protect your child’s rights and prevents mistakes.

Protect Your Child’s Rights After a School Bus Accident

If your child was injured in a school bus accident anywhere in California, you may be dealing with medical treatment, missed school, and serious concerns about long-term effects. These cases can involve multiple responsible parties—and strict deadlines may apply when a public school district is involved.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez is here to help. With nearly 30 years of California personal injury experience, we know how to investigate school bus accident cases, preserve evidence quickly, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Call now for a free consultation: 800-816-1529
Or start your case online: thepersonalinjury.com
No fee unless we win.

Click here and visit our California Accident App page. This application will allow you to record and transmit all information related to your School Bus Accident case to our office.