Bus Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Bus Accident Lawyer

After a bus accident, knowing what to do next can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with severe injuries that involve long-term medical care. The insurance companies may be calling nonstop, wanting you to settle your case right away, even before you have a chance to recover. Having someone on your side who understands the inner workings of these situations is essential. An experienced bus accident lawyer can provide guidance and support to ensure you receive the fair compensation and assistance you need during this challenging time.

For more than 65 years, Munley Law has been helping bus injury victims deal with their personal injury claims. We understand these cases’ complexity; you shouldn’t have to do this alone. Our bus accident attorneys have dealt with commercial bus companies for decades, and we know how to win.

If you were involved in a bus crash, don’t wait. Contact a bus accident lawyer at Munley Law to schedule a free consultation.

Why You Need a Bus Accident Attorney

Any commercial vehicle accident can be challenging to face on your own. Here’s why you should hire a bus accident attorney:

• Severity of injuries: If you’ve suffered serious injuries, an experienced lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Complexity: Bus accident cases often involve multiple parties (bus company, driver, bicyclist, other vehicles, etc.), making them more complicated than typical car accidents.
• Liability disputes: If there’s any question about who the at-fault party is, a lawyer can help gather evidence and build a strong case.
• Insurance negotiations: Lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and can often negotiate better settlements.
• Legal deadlines: A lawyer will ensure you meet all necessary deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits. Missing deadlines can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation, making it essential to have legal representation that manages these timelines with precision and expertise.
• Government involvement: If the bus is publicly owned, special procedures may exist for filing claims against government entities.
• Potential compensation: In cases with catastrophic injuries or significant damages, an experienced bus accident attorney can help maximize your likely compensation.
• Peace of mind: Having a professional handle your case can reduce stress during your recovery.

Speak with a bus accident lawyer near me.

Call Now

Why Choose Munley Law for Your Bus Accident Case

For more than 65 years, Munley Law has been helping bus injury victims deal with their personal injury claims. We understand these cases. Our bus accident attorneys have dealt with commercial bus companies for decades, and we know how to win. Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in compensation for clients throughout Pennsylvania, establishing ourselves as one of the state’s most successful personal injury law firms.

Our track record includes some of the nation’s most significant settlements and verdicts. We’ve achieved a $26 million settlement for a truck accident victim who suffered traumatic brain injury, a $20 million settlement for a commercial vehicle accident, and an $11 million settlement for a woman rear-ended in road construction. We don’t just settle cases; we’re prepared to take every case to trial, which often results in better outcomes for our clients.

Munley Law has earned the highest possible peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the AV Preeminent rating, representing the pinnacle of professional recognition in the legal community. This rating is reserved for an elite group of approximately 10 percent of all attorneys nationwide. LawDragon has recognized multiple Munley Law attorneys as among the country’s 500 Leading Consumer Plaintiffs Lawyers, representing the top 1 percent of the overall legal profession.

At Munley Law, our seasoned injury lawyers assess bus accident victims’ situations and recommend the most effective strategies. Our law firm excels in determining and establishing the liable party, and we diligently explore all potential avenues for compensation on your behalf, regardless of the type of bus you were on. We understand the special laws that govern cases involving government entities and municipal buses.

When you choose Munley Law, you’re selecting bus accident lawyers with the experience, resources, and determination to take on insurance companies and corporations that may try to minimize your claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What to Do After an Accident With a Bus

Following a bus accident, these steps can help protect your well-being and legal rights. First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Always remember that some injuries may not be apparent right away.

Contact emergency services right away. While waiting for the police to arrive, gather as much evidence as possible from the scene. Take photos, collect witness contact information, and note any visible hazards. Document your recollection of the accident as soon as possible. You may tell yourself you can jot it down later, but the details are never as fresh.

When the police arrive, only give factual statements. Get the incident report number so you can get the police report later on. You will need that when you file an insurance claim.

In the days following the crash, avoid discussing fault or giving statements to insurance companies without legal advice. Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any time missed from work.

And most important, contact a bus accident attorney to discuss your personal injury case and understand your legal options. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and help ensure you take all necessary steps to protect your rights and potential compensation.

The Types of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can involve various types of vehicles and circumstances. The most common types of bus crashes include:

• Public Transit/City Bus Accidents: Accidents involving municipal buses require special procedures for filing claims against government entities. These cases often have shorter deadlines and damage caps.
• School Bus Accidents: When children are injured on school buses, multiple parties may be liable, including the bus driver, school district, local government, or bus manufacturer. Special protections and considerations apply to minor victims.
• Tour and Charter Bus Accidents: These accidents may involve interstate travel complications and multiple jurisdictions, especially when touring companies operate across state lines.
• Shuttle Bus Accidents: Airport, hotel, and casino shuttles operate under specific regulations and insurance requirements that affect liability and compensation.
• Interstate Bus Accidents (Greyhound, Megabus): These cases involve federal regulations and often multiple state jurisdictions, adding complexity to the claims process.
• Paratransit and Medical Transport: Accidents involving vulnerable passengers with disabilities or medical conditions require special consideration for their unique damages and needs.

Available to take your call 24/7.

Call Now

The Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Several factors contribute to bus accidents. The following are the most common causes of bus crashes:

• Driver error: Mistakes made by a negligent bus driver, such as speeding, distracted driving (e.g., using a phone or eating), or fatigue, can lead to accidents. These errors reduce the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes or obstacles on the road.
• Poor weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, or fog can make driving more hazardous by reducing visibility and making roads slippery. These conditions can make it harder for bus drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles and affect the bus’s handling and stopping distance.
• Mechanical failures: Mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine problems can cause a bus to become uncontrollable. Regular maintenance ensures all bus parts function correctly to prevent such failures.
• Other drivers’ traffic rule violations: Other drivers on the road who speed, run red lights, make illegal turns, or drive recklessly can create dangerous situations that can lead to bus accidents. Buses are large and less maneuverable, making it harder to avoid collisions caused by reckless drivers.
• Poor road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, with large potholes, uneven surfaces, or a lack of proper signage, can contribute to accidents. Poor road conditions can also make it difficult for bus drivers to navigate safely, especially in large motor vehicles like buses.

Special Considerations for Bus Passengers

Bus accident victims face challenges that differ from typical car accident cases. Unlike car accidents, where you deal with your insurance, bus passengers must navigate claims through the bus company’s commercial insurance, adding complexity to the process.

Bus accidents often involve numerous injured passengers, affecting how insurance companies handle claims. With multiple victims seeking treatment at various facilities, coordinating care and ensuring proper documentation becomes more complex than single-victim accidents.

Most buses don’t have seatbelts, leading to specific injury patterns and removing any potential contributory negligence arguments about seatbelt use. Additionally, passengers who were standing when the accident occurred often suffer more severe injuries and face unique challenges in proving the mechanics of their injuries.

Accessing bus surveillance footage, driver records, and maintenance logs requires quick action and often legal intervention before evidence is destroyed or overwritten.

That’s why hiring a bus accident lawyer as soon as the accident occurs is your best course of action. Contact our bus accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Bus Crash?

Following a bus wreck, several parties may be held responsible, depending on the specific circumstances:

• Bus driver: If the driver was negligent, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or being distracted, they can be liable for the accident.
• Bus company: The company that owns and operates the bus can be responsible if it fails to maintain the bus properly, doesn’t follow safety regulations, or hires an unqualified driver.
• Bus manufacturer: If a defect in the bus or its parts, like faulty brakes or steering, caused the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
• Government entities: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other issues related to road maintenance, the local or state government could be responsible.
• Other drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the bus wreck, they could be liable for damages.
• Maintenance contractor: If an independent contractor was responsible for the bus’s maintenance and failed to perform their duties correctly, they could be held accountable for the accident.

Damages Available in a Bus Accident Lawsuit

In a bus accident case, several types of damages may be available to compensate victims for their losses and injuries:

• Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery from injuries caused by the bus accident. This may also cover lost earning capacity if injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages intended to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident and injuries.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement costs of personal property damaged or destroyed in a bus accident, such as vehicles or other belongings.
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of injuries on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family, including loss of companionship, support, and services.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the bus company or driver, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Funeral and burial costs: In some cases, a bus accident may turn into a wrongful death case. If you lost a loved one in a tragic bus crash, speak with our attorneys right away.

When pursuing a bus accident claim, it is important to understand the types of damages available and their potential value. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help evaluate your case, determine the appropriate damages to seek, and advocate effectively for your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can I Sue If I Was Injured on a Transit Bus?

Accidents involving municipal buses or public transportation can present unique challenges. Special laws govern cases involving government entities, often limiting the recoverable damages. This doesn’t mean you should write off the possibility of financial compensation — it just means it might be a little more complicated.

At Munley Law, our seasoned bus accident lawyers assess bus accident victims’ situations and recommend the most effective strategies. Our law firm excels in determining and establishing the liable party, and we diligently explore all potential avenues for monetary compensation on your behalf, regardless of the type of bus you were on.

My Child Was Injured on a School Bus. What Can I Do?

If your child was involved in a school bus accident, you might have a valid personal injury claim. Several parties, such as the bus driver, school district, local government, or bus manufacturer, could be held responsible depending on the accident details. It’s wise to consult a school bus accident attorney as soon as possible to evaluate who may be liable and determine the best legal approach.

School buses are meant to be safe for children, and when accidents occur, those at fault should be held accountable. An experienced bus accident lawyer can help ensure your child’s rights are protected and that you pursue appropriate compensation for any bus accident injuries or damages sustained.

What Should I Do if Someone From the Bus Company Calls Me Before I Speak With a Lawyer?

If you receive a call from someone at the bus company before consulting with a lawyer, proceed cautiously. Be polite but limit your conversation, refraining from discussing accident details or your injuries.

Don’t provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without legal advice. Avoid admitting fault or making speculative comments about the accident. Do not agree to any settlement offers or discuss your medical condition. Remember, anything you say could potentially be used against your claim.

Do take note of the caller’s information and inform them that you are seeking legal counsel. After the call, document the details of the conversation.

Most importantly, promptly contact a bus accident lawyer to discuss your situation and receive proper guidance. An experienced lawyer can safeguard your interests and manage communications with the bus company, ensuring you don’t inadvertently compromise your case.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Bus Accidents?

Yes, a statute of limitations on bus accidents specifies when a legal action must be filed. The statute of limitations can vary depending on where the accident occurred and other specific circumstances. In many jurisdictions in the United States, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bus accidents, typically ranges from 1 to 6 years from the accident date.

Failing to file a claim within the specified period can result in losing your right to seek compensation for injuries and damages sustained in the bus accident. It’s advisable to consult with a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after a bus accident to understand your legal rights, ensure timely filing of your claim, and protect your interests.

Call Today for a FREE Consultation With Our Bus Accident Lawyers

Munley Law remains one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms. Call today for a free initial consultation with our bus accident attorneys at Munley Law to understand your legal options and rights. The attorneys at our law offices specialize in bus accident cases, bringing years of experience and a track record of success in securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We provide personalized attention, listening to your story and tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Contact us now for a free case evaluation to receive expert guidance without any upfront costs.

Don’t delay. Let us fight for you and ensure you receive the maximum compensation and justice you deserve.

Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on August 7, 2025.