Sacramento, CA — December 31, 2024, a man was injured in a bus accident at about 7 p.m. at the intersection of J Street and 24th Street.

Authorities said a Sacramento Regional Transit bus hit a pedestrian in the intersection, but they have not released any more information how the accident occurred.

The man, who has not been identified at this time, suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

The bus driver and two passengers were not injured in the collision.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I hear about a crash involving a transit bus and a pedestrian, the first question that comes to mind is how the pedestrian came to be in the bus’s path. Pedestrian-involved crashes often highlight issues of visibility, timing and right-of-way, and understanding these factors will be crucial in this investigation.

One key aspect is whether the bus driver had a clear view of the pedestrian. Visibility can be a challenge for bus drivers, particularly in low-light conditions or at intersections with heavy traffic or inadequate lighting. Investigators should examine whether the intersection was well-lit and whether the bus driver had an unobstructed view of the crosswalk or roadway.

Another important question is whether the pedestrian was crossing legally. Was the pedestrian using a marked crosswalk, and were they obeying any signals present at the intersection? If the pedestrian was crossing against a signal or outside a crosswalk, it could complicate questions of liability. At the same time, even in those scenarios, bus drivers have a responsibility to exercise caution and avoid collisions whenever possible.

The design and condition of the intersection itself also merit scrutiny. Intersections are among the most dangerous locations for pedestrian crashes, especially if they lack proper signage, signals or clearly marked crosswalks. If this intersection has a history of similar incidents, that could suggest a need for infrastructure improvements.

Lastly, the role of Sacramento Regional Transit in training its drivers should be examined. Professional drivers are held to a high standard of care, and transit authorities are responsible for ensuring their operators are trained to safely navigate intersections, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity. Investigators should review whether the bus driver followed all appropriate protocols and whether Sacramento Regional Transit’s training and supervision practices are adequate.

Pedestrian crashes like this one remind us of the importance of investigating every detail — driver actions, pedestrian behavior and roadway design — to fully understand what went wrong. The answers to these questions will help determine accountability and, more importantly, may highlight ways to improve safety for all road users.