Bus Accident Attorney in San Bernardino

Legal Help For Injured Bus Passengers

Bus crashes can leave you hurt, confused, and unsure where to turn. One moment you are riding to work, school, or across town, and the next you are dealing with emergency responders, medical visits, and insurance calls. When a bus accident upends your life here in San Bernardino, you should not have to face the legal fallout on your own. Our bus accident attorneys in San Bernardino are here for you.

At Bullard & Powell, APC., we represent people who have been injured in collisions involving city buses, school buses, shuttles, and charter buses. With more than 30 years of combined personal injury and trial experience, our attorneys handle serious cases that can change the course of a client’s future. We focus on meaningful results and on guiding you through every step of the process with clear, honest communication.

Our founding partners, Jeffrey Bullard and Sarah Powell, are directly involved in every case our firm accepts. You are not handed off to junior lawyers or case managers. 

To schedule a free consultation with our bus accident attorneys in San Bernardino, call (909) 771-2304 or contact us online.

Why Injured Bus Riders Choose Our Firm

After a serious bus accident, most people worry about two things. They want a strong legal team that can stand up to insurance companies and public agencies, and they want to be treated with respect and compassion while their case is pending. Our firm is built around both of those needs.

We have more than three decades of combined experience handling high-stakes personal injury matters in the Inland Empire. During that time, we have helped hundreds of clients pursue life-changing verdicts and settlements, including cases with damages in the millions. That track record matters in bus cases because large insurers and transit entities pay close attention to whether your lawyer is truly prepared to take a case to trial.

Every file we accept receives partner-level attention. Attorneys Bullard and Powell personally develop a strategy, review evidence, and communicate with you about major decisions. This approach is different from high-volume firms that rely heavily on staff and standardized processes. Our clients consistently report that they feel like their case is a priority, not just another number in a system.

Our bus accident lawyers in San Bernardino have earned significant peer recognition for their courtroom performance and professionalism. Jeffrey Bullard has been named to The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” list and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel “Top One Percent.” Sarah Powell has repeatedly been recognized by Super Lawyers and holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. These honors are based on reviews by other attorneys and judges, and they reflect how seriously we take our work.

Just as important, our client reviews focus on communication and empathy. With more than 2,950 five-star online ratings, we are known for returning calls, explaining the legal process in plain language, and treating clients with dignity during some of the hardest moments of their lives. For someone recovering from a bus accident, that mix of legal strength and human support can make a difficult situation more manageable.

Who May Be Liable After A Bus Crash

One of the most confusing parts of a bus accident is figuring out who is legally responsible. Unlike a typical two-car collision, bus incidents often involve several companies or agencies, each with its own insurance coverage and legal team. Determining fault usually requires a careful review of records, policies, and physical evidence.

The driver behind the wheel may be responsible if they were distracted, speeding, following too closely, or violating traffic laws. In other situations, fault may lie with the company or agency that owns the bus for creating unsafe schedules, failing to train drivers properly, or cutting corners on inspections and repairs. If a private charter or tour company operates the bus, that business may also share responsibility.

Sometimes, another motorist triggers the collision by driving aggressively, failing to yield, or running a red light. Parts manufacturers or maintenance contractors can be involved when defective brakes, tires, or steering components contribute to a crash. Even entities responsible for road design or construction may play a role if dangerous roadway conditions are a factor.

Potentially responsible parties in a bus accident can include:

• The bus driver and their direct employer
• City or county transit agencies and school districts
• Private bus, shuttle, or tour companies
• Maintenance or repair contractors
• Other drivers involved in the collision
• Manufacturers of buses or key components

At our firm, our bus accident attorneys in San Bernardino approach each bus case as if it could go to trial. We work to gather driver logs, maintenance records, surveillance video, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence. By carefully examining how each party contributed to the event, we aim to build a strong liability picture before we sit down with insurers or step into a courtroom.

How Our Lawyers Help Bus Victims

Hiring the right legal team can significantly change how a bus accident claim feels and how it progresses. From the first call, our bus accident attorney in San Bernardino works to give you a clear picture of your options and to take control of the communication with insurance carriers and public entities. Our attorneys handle the legal work so you can concentrate on getting better.

We typically begin with a free consultation where we listen to your story, review available documents, and answer questions about the process. If we move forward together, we investigate the crash, gather records, and consult with appropriate professionals to understand how the collision happened and how your injuries affect your life. We then prepare insurance claims or court filings designed to preserve your rights and set out your damages clearly.

Our cases are prepared from the outset as if a trial might be necessary. That means we pay attention to evidence, witness credibility, and potential defenses long before a court date is scheduled. This level of preparation can provide leverage in settlement negotiations with bus companies, government agencies, and their insurers. They know we are prepared to pursue the case in court if a fair resolution is not offered.

Compensation in bus accident cases may include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost income, and damage to personal property. In more serious cases, it can also address future medical needs, reduced earning capacity, and the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured. The exact value of any claim depends on many factors, including the nature of your injuries, how clearly fault can be proven, and the available insurance coverage.

Throughout this process, we focus on communication. We strive to return calls promptly, provide regular updates, and give you straightforward advice about settlement offers and key decisions. If you are searching for a bus accident attorney San Bernadino can offer who will treat your case with this level of care, our team is ready to talk with you. 

If you were hurt in a bus crash and want to understand your options, we invite you to call (909) 771-2304 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Your Firm?

We offer free initial consultations so you can learn about your options without upfront cost. In many personal injury matters, legal fees are collected as a percentage of a recovery, if there is one. We explain our fee structure clearly at the start so you know what to expect.

What Should I Bring to Our First Meeting?

Bring any documents you have related to the bus crash. These may include incident or police reports, medical records, hospital discharge papers, photos, insurance letters, and notes with witness contact information. If you do not have everything yet, we can often help gather missing records later.

Can You Handle Claims Against a City Bus or School District?

We do handle injury claims that may involve public entities, such as city transit agencies or school districts. Those cases often involve special government claim rules and shorter deadlines. During a consultation, we can review who may be involved and outline the timing requirements that could apply.

How Long Will My Bus Accident Case Take?

The length of a bus accident case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, how long medical treatment lasts, and whether defendants dispute fault. Some claims resolve in months, while others take longer if a lawsuit or trial becomes necessary. We keep you informed throughout.

Will I Work Directly With an Attorney on My Case?

Yes. At our firm, founding partners Jeffrey Bullard and Sarah Powell are directly involved in every case. You can expect to meet with and communicate with an attorney who knows your file, rather than being passed from person to person. Our goal is to provide consistent, attentive representation.

To speak with a bus accident lawyer San Bernadino residents can turn to for guidance, call (909) 771-2304 today.