Public transportation in Los Angeles has come a long way. With more people turning to buses, the Metro Rail, and city-run services to avoid traffic or save on gas, millions rely on public transit every year. But just like car accidents, injuries on public transportation happen, and when they do, things can get legally complicated.
If you’ve been injured while using public transportation in Los Angeles, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you have rights. From bus collisions to platform slip-and-falls, knowing how to respond after an incident can make all the difference in protecting your health and securing compensation.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about accidents on public transit in LA: who may be liable, what your legal options are, how timelines differ from regular injury claims, and how a personal injury lawyer can help.
How Common Are Public Transportation Injuries in LA?
Although public transportation is generally safe, accidents do happen more often than people think. In a city as large and busy as Los Angeles, issues like driver error, poorly maintained buses, sudden stops, overcrowded conditions, or malfunctioning equipment can lead to serious injuries for riders.
According to data from the Federal Transit Administration, California consistently ranks among the top states for public transit incidents. In LA, Metro buses and trains serve over a million rides per weekday, which naturally increases the risk of accidents and injuries, especially when operators are under pressure to stay on schedule.
Common Types of Public Transit Accidents
Some of the most common accidents and injuries that occur on public transportation include:
- Bus collisions with other vehicles
- Sudden stops or starts cause passengers to fall
- Slip and falls on wet or damaged bus or train floors
- Injuries due to overcrowding or pushing
- Platform accidents (falling onto tracks, tripping hazards, etc.)
- Assaults or unsafe conditions due to a lack of security
These incidents can lead to a wide range of injuries from sprained wrists to concussions to serious spinal damage. Regardless of the severity, if the accident was caused by negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Who Is Liable If You're Injured on Public Transit?
One of the key differences between public transportation accidents and regular car accidents is who you’re filing a claim against.
If you’re riding Metro, DASH, or any other city-or county-operated system, you’re dealing with a government entity, such as:
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
- Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT)
- Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink)
Because of this, there are special rules and strict deadlines you must follow. You can’t simply file a lawsuit the way you would in a typical car accident. In California, when a government agency may be responsible for your injuries, the California Tort Claims Act comes into play.
California Tort Claims Act: What You Need to Know
Under the California Tort Claims Act, if you're injured by a public agency or employee, you must:
- File an administrative claim within six months of the injury (not two years like standard personal injury cases).
- The government agency has 45 days to respond.
- If denied or ignored, you can then file a lawsuit in court.
Missing the six-month window can completely eliminate your right to recover damages, so acting quickly is critical.
This process applies whether the injury was caused by a Metro bus driver, a broken escalator at a train station, or a hazard in a public shuttle.
What Should You Do After an Injury on Public Transportation?
If you’re hurt while using public transit in Los Angeles, here are the steps to take:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you think it’s “just a bruise” or soreness, get checked out. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and having a medical record right after the accident is crucial for your claim.
2. Report the Incident
Notify the driver, operator, or a transit employee right away. If you’re able, take note of:
- The time and location
- The bus/train number
- Any visible hazards or unsafe conditions
Make sure an official incident report is created.
3. Gather Evidence
Take photos of:
- Your injuries
- The scene (floor, seats, signage, etc.)
- Any hazards that caused your injury
- Any other vehicles involved (if it was a crash)
Get contact info from witnesses and ask for a copy of the incident report if available.
4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Government agencies and their insurers may try to minimize your claim or offer a quick settlement. Don’t agree to anything without speaking to a personal injury lawyer first.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Time is of the essence in public transit injury cases. An experienced personal injury lawyer like Esther The Lawyer can help you file your administrative claim correctly, gather evidence, and fight for full compensation.
What Can You Be Compensated For?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages if you couldn’t work
- Reduced earning capacity (if the injury affects your career long-term)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or scarring
Each case is different, and your compensation depends on how serious the injury was, whether you needed surgery, how much work you missed, and how much it’s affecting your day-to-day life.
What Makes Public Transit Injury Cases More Complex?
There are a few reasons why injuries on public transportation can be more complex than a regular personal injury claim:
1. Multiple Parties Could Be Involved
If you were hurt in a bus crash caused by another vehicle, both the public agency and the other driver may share liability. If you slipped due to poor cleaning by a third-party vendor, that contractor might also be responsible.
A personal injury attorney can investigate and determine all liable parties important when it comes to securing full compensation.
2. The Statute of Limitations is Shorter
As mentioned earlier, you only have six months to file an administrative claim, not two years like in standard cases.
3. Evidence Disappears Fast
Surveillance footage on buses or stations is often recorded over quickly. The sooner an attorney can send a preservation request, the more likely you are to secure critical video evidence.
4. Government Agencies Have Legal Protections
Public agencies often have teams of lawyers and special legal protections under state law. You need someone on your side who knows how to navigate these rules and fight back effectively.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer?
You might be wondering: do I need a lawyer if I was just hurt on a bus?
The truth is, even minor accidents can lead to major complications. Medical bills can pile up. You may miss work. And filing a government claim has no room for error.
A personal injury lawyer helps by:
- Handling all the paperwork and strict deadlines
- Dealing with government adjusters so you don’t have to
- Investigating your accident to prove negligence
- Maximizing your compensation for both economic and non-economic damages
If your case goes to trial or settlement negotiations, you’ll want someone experienced to represent you and make sure your voice is heard.
Why Choose Estrada Law Group for Your Public Transportation Injury?
At Estrada Law Group, we understand the stress and confusion that can follow an accident, especially one involving a government agency. Esther The Lawyer and her team have helped countless clients across Los Angeles navigate these complex claims with compassion, expertise, and results.
We don’t just take on your case, we take on your fight. From medical bills to lost wages to emotional recovery, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Injured on Public Transit in Los Angeles? Call Esther The Lawyer.
If you’ve been hurt on a Metro bus, train, shuttle, or while waiting on a public transit platform, don’t wait. The clock is ticking on your right to file a claim.
Let us help you take action with clarity, confidence, and legal support that puts your needs first.
Contact Estrada Law Group today for a free consultation and learn what your case may be worth.
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You deserve answers. You deserve justice. You deserve Esther The Lawyer on your side.
