Orange County
Serious bus crashes demand a careful investigation—and an advocate who understands the laws governing public transportation and what is at stake for you and your family.
When the unexpected changes everything
Thousands of Orange County residents rely on buses and other forms of public transportation every day. A collision involving a city bus, school bus, airport shuttle, trolley, tour bus, church bus, large passenger van, or interstate carrier can cause serious physical injuries, lasting emotional harm, medical expenses, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next.
Orange County bus accident attorney Chris Purcell can investigate the crash, identify those responsible, explain your legal options, and pursue compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, and other accident-related damages.
For more than three decades, Chris has advocated for thousands of accident victims throughout Orange County, including people in Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, and the surrounding communities.
Understanding the crash
A careful investigation may reveal one or several forms of driver, operator, or transportation-company negligence.
01 / Driver conduct
A bus driver may be distracted by a phone, radio, or another electronic device. Accidents may also result from speeding, reckless driving, alcohol or drug impairment, or driver fatigue caused by overscheduling.
02 / Operations & safety
Bus companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and providing appropriate training and supervision. Overcrowding, improper passenger seating, unsafe loading procedures, and inadequate supervision can place passengers at risk.
03 / Vehicle & road
A poorly maintained bus, defective component, missed inspection, or dangerous roadway condition may cause or contribute to a collision. In these cases, responsibility may extend to a maintenance provider, transportation company, manufacturer, or public agency.
Identifying every responsible party
Responsibility may extend beyond the bus driver. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve a private bus company, maintenance contractor, parts manufacturer, school district, public transit authority, state or local government agency, or another negligent motorist.
A bus company may be responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing proper training, complying with passenger-capacity requirements, and keeping its vehicles safe. A maintenance company may be liable if inadequate repairs or inspections contributed to the collision. Another driver may also bear responsibility if that person’s negligence caused the crash.
Thousands of schoolchildren and teenagers rely on buses for transportation throughout Orange County. Children may be injured while riding, boarding, or exiting a school bus, and the consequences can affect their physical health, emotional well-being, education, and development.
Purcell Law examines whether the driver, school district, private bus operator, maintenance provider, another motorist, or another responsible party failed to take reasonable steps to protect the child.
Evidence to examine
Focused on your recovery
A serious bus accident can affect nearly every part of your life. A claim may address emergency care, current and future medical treatment, lost income, reduced earning ability, physical pain, emotional distress, permanent disability, and diminished quality of life. Chris gathers and preserves evidence, interviews witnesses, reviews company and government records, and works with appropriate experts to determine how the collision occurred and who should be held accountable.
Because buses are legally considered common carriers, their drivers and operators have a duty to act responsibly and provide safe transportation. Chris evaluates whether a driver, operator, company, or public agency failed to meet its legal obligations.
Common questions
Depending on the evidence, the responsible parties may include the bus driver, bus company, maintenance provider, parts manufacturer, school district, public agency, or another negligent motorist. A case may involve more than one responsible party.
Claims involving a city, county, school district, transit authority, or another government entity may have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines. Prompt legal guidance is important to protect your right to pursue compensation.
You do not need to have every answer before contacting an attorney. An investigation can examine physical evidence, onboard video, maintenance records, electronic data, witness accounts, and other available information.
Purcell Law offers a free consultation. Personal injury matters are handled on a contingency-fee basis, meaning attorney fees are paid only if compensation is recovered.
Take the next step
Purcell Law can help you understand your options after a serious bus collision. Reach out for a free, confidential conversation about what happened and the next steps available to you.
Call Purcell Law to discuss your Orange County bus accident case.
No attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. Case results do not guarantee a similar outcome.