Public Transportation Accidents Attorney in San Gabriel, CA

Attorney Jonathon Perliss
Written By
Jonathon Perliss

Public Transportation Accidents

When you've been injured in a public transportation accident, the consequences can be life-altering. Whether you were a passenger on a city bus, light rail, or a rideshare vehicle, the injuries sustained in these collisions often lead to mounting expenses. At Perliss Law Firm, we understand how devastating this can be, and we’re here to help you navigate the path to justice and recovery.

With over 30 years of experience and a unique background in prosecution, our team uses its deep legal insight to build strong cases against negligent transit authorities, bus drivers, and rideshare operators. If you've been injured on public transportation in San Gabriel or the surrounding areas, we offer the fierce advocacy and compassionate support you need to move forward.

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About Perliss Law Firm

At Perliss Law Firm, we blend decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that every client receives the focused attention and aggressive representation they deserve.

Our firm’s unique background in prosecution allows us to anticipate opposing strategies and build stronger cases for our clients. We handle a wide variety of personal injury and criminal defense matters, offering bilingual services in English and Mandarin and proudly serving residents across Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

We are committed to guiding you through your legal journey with clarity, confidence, and compassion. With our contingency‑fee arrangement, you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case, so you can focus on recovering without worrying about upfront costs.

Understanding Public Transportation Accidents in California

Public transportation accidents in California can involve:

City or regional buses
Light rail and commuter trains (e.g., Metrolink)
School buses
Airport shuttles
Paratransit services
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft

Because many of these services are operated by government entities or large corporations, injury claims often involve complex legal procedures and strict deadlines. California’s Government Tort Claims Act requires a claim to be filed within six months of the incident when suing a public agency, making time a critical factor. 

At Perliss Law Firm, our team works fast to file public transportation injury claims and navigate any roadblocks strategically. We’re here to handle the legal headaches so you can recover during this difficult time.

Common Causes of Public Transportation Accidents in California

Public transportation systems in California are generally considered safe, but accidents still occur due to a variety of preventable factors. Understanding these common causes can help victims recognize negligence and build stronger legal claims.

At Perliss Law Firm, we take the time to investigate every detail and identify the underlying causes of your accident. Here are some of the most frequent contributors:

Driver negligence or fatigue:

Operators working long shifts without adequate rest can make critical errors that endanger passengers.

Improper vehicle maintenance:

Buses and trains must be regularly serviced. Mechanical failures due to skipped maintenance can lead to serious accidents.

Distracted driving:

Drivers distracted by phones, conversations, or in-vehicle technology can cause collisions and sudden stops.

Inadequate driver training:

Undertrained or improperly certified operators may not know how to respond to emergencies or follow safety procedures.

Hazardous road conditions:

Poor lighting, potholes, construction zones, and inadequate signage can all play a role in accidents involving public transport.

Equipment failure:

Malfunctions in braking systems, doors, or steering mechanisms can directly cause injury or compound a crash’s severity.

These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from sprains and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and long-term disabilities. Identifying the cause is key to holding the right party accountable and securing full compensation for your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability in public transportation accidents isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties could be at fault based on California Civil Code § 2100 and California Civil Code 1714.45:

The public agency operating the bus or rail service

A private contractor or company

The driver of another vehicle involved in the crash

Vehicle or parts manufacturers

We conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault and ensure that every responsible party is held accountable.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Depending on the nature and severity of your public transportation injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)

Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress

Property damage

At Perliss Law Firm, we understand how to quantify the full impact of your injuries and negotiate with insurers—or pursue litigation if necessary—to seek the maximum compensation possible.

Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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Client Reviews

Reviewer Profile
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Vincent R.
5 Stars

"I personally was recommended to Sanford Perliss. My situation was dire. After our first meeting I Immediately felt relieved, I knew I was in good hands. He handled the case diligently and with the utmost professionalism. I don't know where I would be without the help of this man.  Thank you Sandy, I will recommend you to anybody I know."

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Brian L.
5 Stars

"I can’t thank Perliss Law Firm enough for their outstanding representation. I felt confident I was in good hands from the moment I walked into their office. They explained every step of the process regarding my case and made sure I was fully informed about my options. Perliss Law Firm is professional and cares greatly about their clients. Highly recommend!"

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Jessica M.
5 Stars

"Perliss Law Firm’s attorneys are extremely experienced and skilled。 They treated me with respect and were always available to answer any questions I had. I am extremely grateful and would recommend their firm if you’re looking for a dedicated and trustworthy defense team."

The Public Transportation Injury Claims Process in California

If you've been injured in a public transportation accident in California, it's important to understand the legal steps involved in seeking compensation.

The process may seem complex—especially when government entities are involved—but with guidance from a skilled attorney, you can confidently navigate each stage. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

1
Initial Consultation:

The process begins with a free consultation at Perliss Law Firm. During this meeting, we’ll discuss the details of your accident, assess the strength of your case, and explain your rights and legal options.

If we move forward, you pay NOTHING unless we win your case.

2
Investigation and Evidence Gathering:

Our legal team will launch a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all potentially liable parties. We gather evidence such as:

Accident reports and incident logs

Surveillance footage (if available)

Medical records

Eyewitness statements

Maintenance logs and vehicle inspection reports

3
Filing a Government Claim (If Applicable):

If your claim involves a government agency (like a city-run bus or regional transit authority), California law requires you to file a notice of claim within six months of the incident. This step is critical. Missing the deadline can result in your case being dismissed.

4
Negotiation and Demand Letter:

Once the investigation is complete and your damages are calculated, we’ll prepare a formal demand letter outlining the compensation you’re seeking. In many cases, this begins the negotiation process with the insurer or responsible party.

5
Settlement or Litigation:

If a fair settlement is offered, we’ll review it with you and determine if it meets your needs. If the opposing side refuses to offer adequate compensation, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and litigate in court. Our attorneys will represent you at every step—through discovery, depositions, and trial, if needed.

6
Resolution and Recovery:

Whether through settlement or court verdict, the goal is to secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Once your case is resolved, we ensure all paperwork is finalized and assist with the proper disbursement of your award.

Navigating a public transportation claim can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Perliss Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Perliss Law Firm?

Choosing the right law firm after a public transportation accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Perliss Law Firm, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families.

That’s why we offer more than just legal representation. We offer a partnership rooted in trust, communication, and a commitment to justice. Here’s what makes us the preferred choice for clients in San Gabriel and beyond:

Proven Experience:

Over 30 years of successful personal injury representation.

Prosecutorial Background:

Unique legal insight to anticipate the tactics of the opposition.

Client-Centered Advocacy:

We prioritize trust, transparency, and results.

Multilingual Services:

We proudly serve both English and Mandarin-speaking clients.

Free Consultations:

In-person or same-day consultations are available in many cases.

We proudly serve San Gabriel and the surrounding areas within Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

Let Us Help You Reclaim Control

A public transportation accident should not derail your life. At Perliss Law Firm, we take the weight off your shoulders, managing every legal detail so you can focus on healing. From the initial consultation to the final settlement or trial, we are by your side, aggressively protecting your rights.

Don’t delay. Contact us today for your free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys serve San Gabriel and the surrounding areas, including Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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Why Choose Us?

1
We are experts from both sides of the courtroom.
Former California Prosecutor Now Fighting For You.
2
Dedicated to the aggressive and zealous representation
Often able to achieve results that other lawyers cannot.
3
Generational trial law experience.
Trial lawyer of over 40 years.
4
Experienced lawyers and staff members
We have the means to help you with your criminal case, and keep you informed throughout the process.

Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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