Bus Accident Lawyer

Getting hurt in a bus accident can turn your life upside down. These crashes often involve more than one vehicle or victim, and figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always clear. If you were hit by a bus, or hurt while riding one, you may have options. At Burgess Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we help people across the country figure out what comes next and how to move forward. Reach out to us today to get started.

Why You Need a Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accident cases don’t follow the same rules as most traffic collisions. Whether the crash involved a city bus, a private charter, or a school vehicle, the legal process can move quickly and leave victims behind. The other side usually has legal teams involved from the start. You’ll need someone who knows how these claims work and what steps to take early on.

These Cases Involve More Than Just One Party

Most bus accidents involve more than one company or agency. That includes the bus operator, the driver, the maintenance crew, and sometimes a third-party contractor or another vehicle involved in the crash. Each of them might try to point the blame elsewhere, especially if serious injuries or fatalities are involved. If the bus is owned by a public transit authority or a school district, you may also be required to file a special notice within a short deadline—sometimes just a few months after the crash.

On top of that, bus accident claims usually require specific types of evidence that aren’t easy to get without legal authority. Driver logs, internal reports, surveillance footage, and maintenance records are often key, but you’ll likely need a court order to get them. Having someone who knows where to look—and how to demand it—makes a difference.

Insurance Companies Don’t Make This Easy

In crashes involving buses, multiple people often get hurt. When that happens, insurance companies start thinking about how to limit their payout. They might offer low settlements or try to divide the available coverage between all the injured people, even if one person’s injuries are far more serious than the rest. That’s especially common in school bus or transit accidents where dozens of passengers are involved.

If the crash involves a government-owned vehicle, the insurer may deny coverage or hide behind technical rules about how and when you can file a claim. If it’s a private company, their adjusters will likely delay the process and look for reasons to reduce what they owe. Either way, you’ll need someone who understands the insurance system and knows how to push back. 

A bus accident lawyer can take over communication, make sure all liable parties are identified, and help you avoid mistakes that could cost you compensation down the line.

Types of Bus Accidents We Handle

Bus accidents take many forms, and each one comes with its own legal and logistical issues. Whether the crash involves young children, public commuters, or travelers on a private tour, the injuries can be serious—and the legal process complicated. At Burgess Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we represent victims in a wide range of bus-related incidents.

School Bus Accidents

When a child is hurt in a school bus crash, it isn’t just about physical injuries. There’s often lasting trauma, emotional stress, and unanswered questions. These cases may involve public school districts or private contractors, each with their own legal protections and reporting deadlines. We work to protect the rights of families while making sure no detail is overlooked.

City or Public Transportation Buses

Crashes involving public buses can impact dozens of people at once. Because the buses are usually operated by a government agency, strict rules apply, and claims must be filed quickly. These aren’t standard insurance claims—they require specific procedures, which we know how to handle.

Tour or Charter Bus Crashes

Privately owned buses used for tours, events, or long-distance travel often cross state lines. This adds layers of complexity, from commercial regulations to multiple insurers. We know how to hold tour operators and bus companies accountable for dangerous conditions or driver negligence.

Pedestrian Accidents Involving Buses

Bus-related pedestrian injuries often happen in crosswalks or at bus stops. These cases require careful review of traffic patterns, driver visibility, and timing. We investigate every angle to make sure your side is fully represented.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents rarely happen by chance. They usually stem from avoidable errors or failures, whether by the driver, the bus company, or another party. Understanding the cause is key to building a strong case. At Burgess Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we investigate each accident from every angle.

Driver Fatigue or Inattention

Long hours behind the wheel can wear down even experienced drivers. When a bus driver loses focus or drifts off, even for a second, the results can be life-changing for everyone on board and on the road. Fatigue is often tied to company policies or poor scheduling.

Mechanical Failures

Buses need routine inspections, timely repairs, and proper maintenance. When brakes, tires, or steering systems fail, the company responsible for upkeep may be liable. We dig into maintenance records to identify what went wrong.

Speeding or Reckless Driving

Speeding in heavy traffic or taking curves too fast can cause buses to lose control. Some drivers push limits to stay on schedule, but safety should never come second.

Inadequate Training

If a driver wasn’t trained to handle a large vehicle in traffic or emergency conditions, the company that hired them may share fault. We check training logs, certifications, and supervision records.

Poor Road or Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, potholes, or low visibility don’t excuse negligence. Drivers and companies must adjust routes or slow down when roads aren’t safe. Failure to do so often leads to preventable crashes.

Steps to Take After a Bus Crash

What you do after a bus accident matters. The decisions you make can affect your health, your financial recovery, and your legal options. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, taking the right steps can help protect your rights from the start.

Get Medical Care

Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries take hours or days to show. Getting checked out quickly creates a medical record, which may be important later. Follow all instructions from your doctor and keep copies of every report.

Report the Accident

Make sure the accident is reported to the proper authorities. If police weren’t already called to the scene, file a report as soon as you can. This official record can help confirm key details later on.

Collect Evidence and Witness Info

If you’re able, take photos of the scene, the vehicles, your injuries, and anything else that seems relevant. Also, get names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened.

Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers

Insurance companies often reach out quickly. Don’t answer questions or give recorded statements before speaking to a lawyer. What you say early on can be used against you later—even if you didn’t mean it that way.

Determining Liability in Bus Accident Cases

Figuring out who is legally responsible after a bus crash isn’t always straightforward. These cases can involve multiple parties, each with different duties and levels of control. That’s why identifying all potential sources of liability is a critical step early in the process.

Bus Drivers

When a driver’s distraction, fatigue, or poor decision causes a crash, they can be held accountable. However, the driver is often just one link in a much larger chain of responsibility.

Bus Companies or Private Carriers

Private companies are required to hire qualified drivers, maintain safe vehicles, and follow all transportation regulations. If they fail in any of those areas, they may be directly liable for the harm caused.

Municipal or School Districts

When the bus is operated by a public school or transit agency, a government entity may be involved. Special rules often apply to these cases, including shorter deadlines for filing claims.

Manufacturers or Maintenance Contractors

If the crash was caused by a mechanical defect or a failed repair, the company that built or worked on the bus could share responsibility. These claims usually require technical evidence and expert review to pursue effectively.

Bus Accident Injuries Can Be Severe

In a bus crash, passengers often have little protection. Many aren’t wearing seatbelts, and sudden stops or collisions can cause the body to be thrown or pinned. The size and weight of the vehicle, combined with crowded seating, makes serious injuries more likely.

Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries

A sudden impact can lead to concussions, slipped discs, or even spinal cord damage. These injuries may not show up immediately, yet they can lead to chronic pain, nerve issues, or long-term disability.

Broken Bones and Internal Trauma

It’s not uncommon for victims to suffer fractured ribs, pelvis, or limbs. Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, often require surgery and may not be visible right away.

Psychological Injuries, PTSD

Beyond physical harm, the trauma from a violent crash can cause lasting mental effects. Anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress can interfere with daily life even after the body heals.

Common Injuries to Children in School Bus Cases

Children are especially vulnerable due to their size and the lack of restraints on most school buses. They often suffer head injuries, broken bones, or emotional trauma, especially if they witnessed classmates get hurt.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

After a bus accident, the financial strain can be immediate and long-term. Depending on the severity of your injuries and losses, you may be eligible for a range of damages. These fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

These cover the direct financial costs tied to your injuries and recovery.

• Medical bills and long-term care: This includes ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future care needs related to the injury.
• Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working—temporarily or permanently—you can seek compensation for wages you’ve already lost and your reduced ability to earn in the future.
• Property damage: If your personal items, like a vehicle or phone, were damaged in the crash, repair or replacement costs may be included.

Non-Economic Damages

These account for the harder-to-measure impact of the accident.

• Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional toll your injuries have caused.
• Wrongful death damages: If a family member was killed, compensation may be available for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related hardships.

Why Work With L. Clayton Burgess?

Choosing the right legal team after a bus accident can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. At L. Clayton Burgess, we offer resources, experience, and focus that allow us to take on complex cases—whether the bus is privately owned or operated by a government entity.

Nationwide Service

Because bus accidents often involve companies or agencies that operate across state lines, we’re equipped to represent clients throughout the country. Our reach allows us to act quickly no matter where the crash occurred.

Private and Public Sector Claims

Some firms only take on cases against private bus companies. We routinely handle cases involving school districts, city-run transit systems, charter operators, and more. This gives us the background needed to navigate both types of claims.

Trial-Ready Reputation

We don’t take shortcuts, and we’re not afraid of court. Opposing counsel knows we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often helps us negotiate from a stronger position.

No Fees Unless We Win

You won’t pay us anything upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you, which means we’re fully invested in getting the best result possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you were injured in a bus accident, you likely have questions about your rights and what steps to take next. Below are answers to some of the most common issues people face after these types of crashes.

Can I sue if I was on a city bus?

Yes, but the process is different from suing a private company. Since city buses are usually run by government agencies, your claim must follow specific procedures and strict deadlines. In most cases, you’ll need to file a notice of claim first, which gives the agency time to investigate. If you skip that step or wait too long, you may lose your right to sue, even if the evidence clearly supports your case.

What if my child was hurt on a school bus?

If your child was injured, you may have a claim against the school district, the bus driver, or even a third party. These cases often involve specific immunity laws and timelines, especially if a public school is involved. Because minors can’t file legal claims themselves, the parent or guardian typically acts on their behalf. It’s also important to preserve records right away since buses don’t always carry external cameras.

What if the bus company denies fault?

Even if the company denies wrongdoing, you can still move forward. Liability is often disputed in bus cases, especially when multiple vehicles are involved or when the driver’s actions aren’t obvious. What matters is gathering solid evidence early on—like maintenance logs, camera footage, and eyewitness statements. That material can speak louder than any denial. If needed, your lawyer can subpoena records or bring in an expert to explain how the crash occurred.

How long do I have to file a claim?

It depends on who owns the bus. If it’s run by a government agency, the deadline to file notice is often just a few months from the date of the crash. Lawsuits against private companies usually give you more time—often up to a couple of years—but waiting is still risky. Evidence disappears quickly. An experienced lawyer can figure out the exact time limits for your case and make sure the right steps are taken.

Contact a Nationwide Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were hurt in a bus crash, you shouldn’t have to handle the legal fallout alone. These cases are rarely simple, especially when multiple parties or government entities are involved, which is why having a lawyer who understands how to navigate them can make a real difference. Our firm has handled complex bus accident claims across the country and we’re ready to help you too. Contact us today for a free consultation—there’s no fee unless we win your case.

Local Firm With Experience

Burgess Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is not a legal mill; our results far exceed solicitors that go in for prompt settlement. Our legal representatives are courageous, diligent, and empathetic. Our experienced Bus Accident Attorneys strive hard to provide you the maximum settlement that you are entitled to. What’s more, we offer free initial consultation to analyze the potential of your bus accident case.

If you’re looking for an experienced car accident attorney and want results, then Don’t Delay! Call Clay!