Bus and Public Transportation Accidents

Buses carry millions of passengers every day, and the companies and agencies that operate them are held to a high standard of care. When a bus driver, operator or maintenance provider falls short, passengers, pedestrians and other motorists can suffer serious harm.

Our attorneys handle claims involving city and transit buses, school buses, charter and tour buses and shuttle services. These cases often involve public agencies with special notice rules, so early action matters.

Case Types We Handle

Our Bus and Public Transportation Accidents practice includes 11 case types. Select one to learn more.

• City Bus AccidentsCity bus accidents often involve municipal transit agencies, special notice requirements and onboard video evidence.
• Public Transit Bus AccidentsPublic transit bus accidents may involve government operators with shortened deadlines and procedural requirements.
• School Bus AccidentsSchool bus accidents involve school districts or contractors responsible for safely transporting children.
• Charter Bus AccidentsCharter bus accidents may involve interstate carriers subject to federal safety regulations.
• Tour Bus AccidentsTour bus accidents can involve driver fatigue, maintenance and operator safety issues.
• Shuttle Bus AccidentsShuttle bus accidents involve hotels, airports, employers and private operators that transport passengers.
• Bus Passenger InjuriesBus passenger injuries often result from sudden stops, sharp turns and collisions while passengers are standing or unbelted.
• Bus Pedestrian AccidentsBus pedestrian accidents occur when buses turn, pull away from stops or fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Bus Boarding and Exiting InjuriesBus boarding and exiting injuries occur when doors close on passengers, buses move too soon or steps and lifts malfunction.
• Negligent Bus Driver ClaimsNegligent bus driver claims focus on unsafe driving, inadequate training or fatigue by drivers responsible for passengers.
• Fatal Bus AccidentsFatal bus accidents may give rise to wrongful death claims against operators, agencies and other responsible parties.

Common Causes of Bus and Public Transportation Accidents

• Driver distraction, fatigue or inadequate training
• Sudden stops, starts and sharp turns
• Doors closing on boarding or exiting passengers
• Poor vehicle maintenance and brake failures
• Wide right turns and blind spots
• Overcrowding and unsecured passengers

Injuries and Losses We See

• Falls inside the bus causing fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Injuries to pedestrians struck by buses
• Fatal injuries

Claims Against Public Transit Agencies

When a government agency operates the bus, special rules usually apply — including formal notice of claim requirements, shortened deadlines and in some cases limits on damages. Private bus companies may be considered common carriers with a heightened duty of care to passengers. We identify the operator early and meet every procedural requirement.

How We Investigate Bus and Public Transportation Accidents Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Bus video recordings and GPS data
• Driver training, licensing and work-hour records
• Maintenance and inspection logs
• Transit agency incident reports
• Witness and passenger statements

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• Bus drivers and bus companies
• Public transit authorities
• School districts and contractors
• Maintenance contractors and manufacturers

What to Do After an Incident

1. Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine
2. Report the crash to police and get the report number
3. Photograph the vehicles, scene, road conditions and your injuries
4. Exchange insurance information and collect witness contact details
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurer
6. Speak with an attorney before signing anything

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.