Injured in a Bus Accident? Let Us Fight for Your Rights

Millions of people rely on buses for commuting, school, or even long-distance travel.

Unfortunately, accidents involving buses can and do occur, often leaving victims with devastating injuries, financial burdens, and complex legal challenges. 

On average, nearly 60,000 bus accidents occur each year in the United States, leaving victims wondering what to do after a bus accident, how to recover compensation, and whether they need a bus accident lawyer to help. 

Often, bus companies try to avoid taking responsibility for a bus accident—and that means not providing victims with the proper compensation they need and deserve to fully recover from the accident. 

If you’re unsure if working with a lawyer is right for your case, read below to get all the facts before you make a decision.

The Complex Nature of Bus Accident Cases

Bus accidents differ significantly from typical car accidents due to the unique factors involved. These cases often require a deep understanding of the law, extensive investigation, and the ability to navigate complex liability issues. Some of the complexities include:

• Multiple Parties Involved: Unlike typical car accidents that usually involve two drivers, bus accidents may involve multiple liable parties, including bus drivers, transit companies, maintenance crews, and even government entities.
• Serious Injuries: Due to the size and weight of buses, accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and fatalities.
• Government Involvement: Many buses are operated by government agencies. Filing a claim against a government entity often involves strict deadlines and additional procedural requirements.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Understanding the common causes of bus accidents can help identify who may be at fault—and if you are owed compensation. Some common causes include:

• Driver Negligence: Distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or failure to obey traffic laws can all lead to accidents.
• Poor Maintenance: Failing to properly maintain buses can result in mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
• Third-Party Negligence: Other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists who act recklessly can also cause bus accidents.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Poorly designed or maintained roads, inadequate signage, or inclement weather can contribute to crashes.

Common Injuries in Bus Accidents

Victims of bus accidents may suffer a wide range of injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries can result from head impacts during collisions and may lead to long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Passengers may be thrown from their seats, resulting in fractures.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, and strains are common due to the sudden jolt of a crash.
• Psychological Trauma: Victims may experience anxiety, PTSD, or depression after an accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Determining liability in a bus accident can be challenging due to the number of parties potentially involved. An experienced bus accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the incident to identify all responsible parties, which may include:

• The Bus Driver: If the driver was negligent, distracted, or impaired, they could be held liable.
• The Bus Company: Companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, ensuring proper maintenance, and adhering to safety regulations.
• Government Entities: If the bus is owned by a city or state agency, they may be held accountable for negligence.
• Manufacturers: Defective parts or design flaws in the bus can lead to accidents, making manufacturers liable.
• Third Parties: Other drivers or pedestrians whose negligence contributed to the accident may also share liability.

The Role of a Bus Accident Lawyer

Hiring a bus accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan is critical to ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation. Here’s how a lawyer can help:

Thorough Investigation

A skilled lawyer will gather crucial evidence to build a strong case, including:

• Police reports
• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Maintenance records
• Driver’s logs and employment history

Determining Liability

Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, and your lawyer will identify who is responsible for the crash.

Handling Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. A lawyer will handle negotiations and ensure you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement offer.

Meeting Deadlines

Claims against government entities often have shorter deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. Your lawyer will ensure all paperwork is filed on time.

Maximizing Compensation

A bus accident lawyer will fight for full compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (if applicable)

What to Do After a Bus Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, consult a doctor as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the Accident: Notify the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurers: Do not provide statements to insurance companies without consulting a lawyer.
• Contact Morgan & Morgan: Reach out to an experienced bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?

At Morgan & Morgan, you won’t pay unless we secure a settlement or court award on your behalf. That’s right—the Fee Is Free®, and you only pay if we win.

Our bus accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award. Otherwise, you won’t owe a dime.

What if I’m partially at fault?

If you’re partially at fault for an incident, your ability to recover compensation may depend on the laws in your state and the details of your case. Many states follow one of the following legal doctrines to determine fault and compensation:

Comparative Negligence

• Pure Comparative Negligence: You can recover compensation even if you’re mostly at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 70% at fault for a car accident and the damages amount to $10,000, you would still be entitled to $3,000.
• Modified Comparative Negligence: You can recover damages only if your fault is below a certain threshold, typically 50% or 51%, depending on the state. If your fault exceeds that limit, you may not be entitled to any compensation.

Contributory Negligence

In a few states, if you are even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This is a strict standard and can be challenging for victims.

Steps to Take If You’re Partially at Fault

• Avoid Admitting Fault: After an accident, refrain from admitting fault at the scene or to insurance companies. Fault is determined after a thorough investigation.
• Consult an Attorney: WHen you reach out to Morgan & Morgan, an experienced attorney can review your case, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf, even if you share some responsibility.
• Document Everything: Collect photos, witness statements, and other relevant information to help establish the facts of your case and potentially reduce your percentage of fault.

Even if you think you’re partially at fault, don’t assume you can’t recover damages. Laws vary, and an attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

How long do I have to file a claim?

The amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, some exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered right away.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by state and situation, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

What if the bus company denies liability?

If the bus company denies liability for an accident or injury, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Determine Why They Denied Liability

The bus company may deny liability for several reasons, such as:

• Claiming the accident was caused by another party (a car driver, pedestrian, or another company).
• Asserting that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
• Arguing that you were at fault or partially at fault.
• Citing a lack of sufficient evidence proving negligence on their part.

Request a detailed explanation of the denial, which can help you and your attorney build a stronger case.

2. Gather Evidence

To challenge the denial, you’ll need to collect as much evidence as possible, such as:

• Accident Reports: Police or official accident reports often include impartial assessments of what happened.
• Surveillance Footage: Buses often have onboard cameras, and nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have recorded the incident.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from other passengers, pedestrians, or drivers can support your claim.
• Medical Records: These can connect your injuries directly to the accident and demonstrate the impact on your life.
• Maintenance Records: If the accident was caused by faulty equipment, maintenance logs could prove negligence.

3. Determine If the Bus Company Is Liable

Bus companies, especially those providing public transportation, have a duty of care to ensure passenger safety. They may be liable if the accident resulted from:

• Driver negligence (speeding, distracted driving, or DUI).
• Poor vehicle maintenance.
• Violations of safety regulations.
• Hiring unqualified or inadequately trained drivers.

Even if the bus company denies liability, they may still share responsibility for the accident under certain circumstances.

4. Contact Morgan & Morgan

If the bus company refuses to accept responsibility, an experienced attorney can:

• Investigate the incident.
• Subpoena key evidence, such as driver records, maintenance logs, or video footage.
• Negotiate with the bus company or their insurance provider.
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

5. File a Claim or Lawsuit

If negotiations fail, you may need to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the bus company. Keep in mind:

• If the bus company is a public entity (a city transit authority), you may need to follow specific rules, such as filing a notice of claim within a strict deadline.
• Your attorney can help ensure you meet all necessary legal requirements.

6. Don’t Give Up

A denial of liability is not the end of your case. With the right evidence and legal representation, you may still secure the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Why Choose Morgan & Morgan?

Bus accidents can have life-altering consequences for victims and their families. Navigating the legal complexities of these cases requires the expertise of a dedicated bus accident lawyer. At Morgan & Morgan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from investigating the accident to securing the compensation you deserve.

Morgan & Morgan has been fighting For the People for over three decades. Our experienced bus accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. With a proven track record of success, we’re ready to fight for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.