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If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident in San Bernardino, Countrywide Trial Lawyers is here to help. Contact our team of experienced bus accident lawyers in San Bernardino by calling 844-844-9119 today and start your legal journey towards justice.
Getting hurt in a bus accident is never something you plan for. One moment you're on your way to work, school, or home, and the next, you're caught in a situation that leaves you shaken, injured, and unsure of what comes next. In a city like San Bernardino, where buses from OmniTrans, school districts, and private charters regularly travel congested roads like Highland Avenue, E Street, and the I-215 corridor, the risks are real. These collisions often involve large vehicles, multiple passengers, and chaotic scenes that make it hard to understand what really happened.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a bus crash, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with painful injuries, time away from work, or a long list of medical bills. And when the accident involves a public agency or large company, getting fair treatment is rarely simple.
That’s where legal support becomes crucial. Countrywide Trial Lawyers helps San Bernardino residents take back control after serious bus accidents. We are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.
San Bernardino’s busy streets, school zones, and highway corridors make it one of the more dangerous areas in Southern California for bus-related accidents. With frequent stops, high passenger volumes, and a mix of public and private carriers, these large vehicles face unique challenges on the road. Whether you're riding an OmniTrans bus, driving nearby, or walking through a crosswalk, understanding how and why these crashes happen can help protect your rights after a serious injury.
OmniTrans is the primary public bus service in San Bernardino County, with dozens of routes intersecting major roadways, including Highland Avenue, Baseline Street, and E Street. Accidents involving OmniTrans buses often occur at intersections where traffic congestion, limited visibility, and sudden stops make collisions more likely.
One common scenario is a rear-end crash at a bus stop, where a driver fails to slow down or fails to notice the bus stopping to pick up passengers. In other cases, buses may sideswipe vehicles while changing lanes, especially on narrow roads with limited shoulder space.
San Bernardino is home to a wide network of public and private schools, including California State University, San Bernardino, Cajon High School, and Arroyo Valley High. School buses operate on tight schedules during busy traffic hours, frequently stopping near intersections and crosswalks. Charter buses, often used for sports teams or events, add to the traffic flow and sometimes carry out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local streets.
These types of buses are often involved in accidents caused by:
When children are involved, the emotional and legal stakes rise significantly, and having a personal injury attorney with local experience can make a critical difference.
San Bernardino sits at the intersection of major highways, including the I-10, I-215, and Route 210. These routes see a high volume of tour buses, commuter shuttles, and long-distance coaches. At highway speeds, even a minor error can cause devastating chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Common causes of freeway-related bus accidents include:
Tour bus crashes near the I-10/I-215 interchange have led to severe injuries, road closures, and even fatalities in past years.
Bus drivers in San Bernardino are responsible for the safety of dozens of passengers. Unfortunately, driver error remains one of the top causes of bus-related injuries. Whether it's a new hire with minimal training or a seasoned driver working extended hours, mistakes behind the wheel can have catastrophic results.
Negligent actions may include:
Bus accidents in San Bernardino are rarely simple. Often, multiple factors contribute to a single event. Whether it’s human error, equipment failure, or dangerous road conditions, identifying the true cause is the first step in holding the right parties accountable. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, a bus accident attorney can help you uncover the evidence and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Bus accidents often result in serious, life-changing injuries. The size and weight of these vehicles, combined with the lack of seatbelts for most passengers, make collisions especially dangerous. Whether the crash happens on I-10, a downtown street, or near a school zone in San Bernardino, victims often face a long road to recovery. Understanding the types of injuries and the damages you may be entitled to can help you make informed decisions about your legal options.
Bus accidents can affect passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers in nearby vehicles. Some of the most common injuries reported in San Bernardino bus accidents include:
When passengers are thrown from their seats or struck by loose objects, head trauma is a serious risk. Even a mild concussion can have lasting effects on memory and mood, while more severe brain injuries may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
A sudden impact can lead to herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even partial paralysis. These injuries are especially common in rear-end or rollover bus accidents, such as those occurring near freeway ramps or in high-speed zones.
Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are often broken when passengers are thrown against seats, poles, or the floor. Cyclists and pedestrians hit by buses in areas like downtown San Bernardino or near California State University often suffer compound fractures that may require multiple surgeries.
Shattered glass, sharp metal, and crushed vehicle components can lead to deep cuts or damage to internal organs. These injuries are not always apparent at first and can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Even low-speed accidents can result in painful neck, shoulder, and back injuries. These types of injuries are common in collisions on city streets, such as Waterman Avenue or Baseline Street, where buses frequently stop and start.
A serious injury can affect every part of your life, from your ability to work to your mental well-being. Victims of bus accidents in San Bernardino may be entitled to recover a range of damages through a personal injury claim, including:
Injuries from a bus crash can have a lasting impact on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. A San Bernardino bus accident lawyer can help you understand the full value of your claim and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
After a serious bus accident in San Bernardino, you may be facing medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about what to do next. Insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly, and government agencies or private bus companies can be difficult to deal with. This is where Countrywide Trial Lawyers makes a difference. Our legal team steps in when you need strength, support, and experienced guidance the most.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, you're never just a case number. The firm’s commitment to delivering personal attention to every client means you get a legal team that listens to your concerns, understands your goals, and keeps you informed throughout the process. From the first consultation to the final resolution, you’ll always know where your case stands and who’s fighting for you.
Bus accident cases often involve powerful opponents. Whether it’s a city transportation department, a school district, or a national charter company, they have legal teams working to minimize their responsibility. Countrywide Trial Lawyers meets them head-on. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and that preparation gives us leverage in negotiations. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court.
Our legal team understands how to navigate the complexities of claims involving public entities, private bus companies, and multiple liable parties. We’ve handled cases involving serious injuries, contested liability, and multi-vehicle collisions, and we’ve recovered millions for injury victims across Southern California.
Bus accident cases require more than just filling out paperwork. We gather every piece of evidence, from accident reports and medical records to surveillance footage and eyewitness testimony. Our attorneys work closely with investigators and medical professionals to understand what happened and how your injuries will affect your life long-term.
We don’t just aim to settle. We aim to win full and fair compensation that accounts for your present needs and your future well-being.
With deep roots in Southern California, we’re familiar with the roads, courts, and agencies in San Bernardino. We know how to deal with local insurance adjusters, municipal bus systems like OmniTrans, and regional charter companies. That local experience matters when you're facing a complicated and stressful claim.
You don’t have to face this process alone. With Countrywide Trial Lawyers on your side, you’ll have a determined team ready to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
To understand how a bus accident claim may unfold in San Bernardino, consider this example based on the types of cases Countrywide Trial Lawyers handles every day.
A 42-year-old father was driving westbound on Kendall Drive near Cal State San Bernardino during the morning rush hour. As he approached a green light at the intersection with Northpark Boulevard, a school bus from a local district turned left into his path, causing a violent T-bone collision. The bus driver had failed to yield and was later cited by San Bernardino Police for running a protected turn signal.
The crash left the driver with a fractured pelvis, herniated discs in his lower back, and a mild traumatic brain injury. He was unable to return to work as a warehouse manager for several months and required two surgeries followed by extensive physical therapy. His car was totaled.
The injured driver contacted Countrywide Trial Lawyers within days of the crash. Our team immediately launched an investigation, obtained intersection camera footage, interviewed several bus passengers, and subpoenaed the school district’s internal safety records.
It was revealed that the bus driver had previously been involved in two minor incidents and that the district had not required a driver re-evaluation. This failure to address past issues played a critical role in establishing the district’s liability.
While the school district’s insurer initially offered a modest settlement, our team pressed forward with litigation. After months of preparation and just weeks before trial, the district agreed to a $1.3 million settlement to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Bus accident cases can be complex, especially when a public entity is involved. Strict timelines, governmental immunities, and additional procedural steps apply. In this example, swift legal action, detailed evidence gathering, and a readiness to go to trial made a life-changing difference for the client.
While every case is different, Countrywide Trial Lawyers brings the same commitment, strategy, and compassion to every bus accident claim we handle in San Bernardino and beyond.
Filing a personal injury claim after a bus accident in San Bernardino involves multiple steps, strict legal deadlines, and often, powerful defendants. Whether your injury involved a public transit system like OmniTrans, a school district vehicle, or a private charter bus, understanding the process can help you take the right steps toward recovery and justice.
For most personal injury cases in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, claims against government entities, such as public bus services or school districts, require much faster action.
Under California law, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the accident when a public agency is involved. If that claim is denied or not resolved within 45 days, you may then proceed with a lawsuit, but the timeline is short. Missing this window can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
This makes it essential to speak with a San Bernardino bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Your attorney will meet with you to discuss the facts of the accident, review medical records, and begin collecting evidence. This may include police reports from the San Bernardino Police Department, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness statements. If you were treated at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center or Dignity Health - Community Hospital of San Bernardino, those medical records will be key to documenting your injuries.
Bus accident cases often involve multiple parties that are responsible. These may include:
Determining who is liable requires a thorough legal review and may involve expert opinions.
Your attorney will either file a claim with the private insurer or a government tort claim if a public agency is involved. Strong documentation, including photos, damage assessments, and wage loss verification, will support your demand for compensation.
Many bus accident cases are resolved through negotiation. Insurance companies often push back, but with a trial-ready attorney, you’re more likely to receive a fair offer. If the insurer refuses to be reasonable, your case can move to the next phase.
If no settlement is reached, your lawyer may file a lawsuit at the San Bernardino County Superior Court, located on Arrowhead Avenue. This stage involves legal filings, discovery (the exchange of evidence), depositions, and potentially mediation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines the outcome.
Legal procedures can feel overwhelming, especially while recovering from an injury. Countrywide Trial Lawyers helps clients navigate this process step by step, offering clarity, strategic advice, and aggressive representation every step of the way.
Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Then, report the accident to the police and collect contact information from witnesses if possible. Document everything, including photos, injuries, and damages. Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, contact a personal injury attorney familiar with San Bernardino cases.
Yes, but the process is different than suing a private party. Claims against public entities like OmniTrans must follow the California Government Claims Act. This means you must file a notice of claim within six months of the accident. An attorney can help you meet these strict deadlines and protect your rights.
Liable parties can include the bus driver, the operating company (public or private), another negligent driver, or even the bus manufacturer. In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility. A lawyer can investigate to determine all potential sources of liability in your specific case.
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the at-fault party is a government agency, such as a school district or public transit authority, you may have only six months to file a government claim.
Even minor injuries can lead to major complications later. Insurance companies often minimize claims or deny valid ones. Speaking with a personal injury attorney ensures you understand your rights and gives you the best chance of recovering full compensation.
Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and property damage. If the injury causes long-term disability or emotional trauma, you may also pursue damages for reduced quality of life.
School bus accidents often involve government liability, which means shorter filing deadlines. You may be able to file a claim against the school district, the driver, or a third party. A lawyer can help preserve your child’s rights and handle the legal process while you focus on their recovery.
Investigations may involve the San Bernardino Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, or federal transit authorities. Your attorney can also hire independent investigators to gather video footage, maintenance records, and expert analysis to strengthen your case.
Many bus accident claims are resolved through settlement. However, if the other side refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. Countrywide Trial Lawyers prepare every case with litigation in mind to ensure you’re fully protected.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees come from a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t win your case, you owe nothing. This makes legal help accessible to injury victims across San Bernardino.
Bus accidents often leave behind more than just wreckage. Passengers, pedestrians, and drivers alike are vulnerable when large commercial or public transit vehicles collide with smaller vehicles or lose control on crowded roads. Victims may face broken bones, head trauma, or emotional distress that doesn’t go away once the scene clears. And when the bus is owned by a public agency, pursuing justice involves more than a typical insurance claim. There are shorter filing deadlines, complex procedures, and powerful institutions on the other side.
What makes it worse? The complicated claims process, especially when a public transit agency, school district, or large corporation is involved. These organizations don’t move quickly, but your medical bills are piling up now. And if you miss key deadlines or give the wrong information, you could lose your chance at fair compensation altogether.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we take that pressure off your shoulders. Our team is familiar with local laws, the relevant agencies, and how to construct a strong case from the outset. Whether your crash happened on I-10, near the San Bernardino Transit Center, or in a quiet residential zone, we’re ready to help.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in San Bernardino or a nearby city, call us today at 844-844-9119 for a free consultation. Let us protect your rights and fight for what you deserve.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
