If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of having to seek compensation after a bus crash in Berks County, you need an experienced Reading bus accident lawyer. Having an attorney in your corner from the start will ensure your interests are protected throughout the process.
Bus accident claims are more complex than typical car accident cases. They may involve private bus companies, public transportation authorities, government agencies, and multiple insurance carriers, each working to pay out as little as possible. Bus accidents often leave passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers facing serious consequences. In addition, determining liability is rarely simple.
Munley Law’s Reading lawyers have nearly seven decades of experience and success holding powerful transportation companies and government entities accountable for local bus crashes. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our Berks County clients, using our substantial resources and connections.
If you were injured or have lost a loved one in a bus accident in Reading, our personal injury lawyers will fight tenaciously for the full compensation due to you – at no cost unless we win your case. Call us today.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Much Compensation Will I Get For a Bus Accident in Reading?
Compensation in a bus accident case varies depending on the types of damages incurred and their severity, as well as the violation that caused the accident. All these factors play a part in determining the amount of compensation you are due. A skilled and experienced attorney from Munley Law will know how to calculate the compensation figure you deserve based on a full investigation of the accident, your medical documents, the accident report, and witness testimonies.
What are the Differences Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages?
- Economic damages cover financial costs that accrued after the accident. This includes but is not limited to current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and funeral costs. Your Reading bus accident lawyer will consult with medical experts and other professionals to determine the full extent of your losses.
- Non-economic damages assist you and your family with damages such as the pain and suffering you experienced because of the accident, as well as mental anguish, loss of companionship, and altered quality of life. It can be difficult to imagine attaching a monetary value to emotional pain and suffering, but the ability to do that is something our personal injury lawyers can offer. No aspect of your suffering should go without compensation.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions were fraudulent, reckless, or malicious. These types of damages are meant to punish the defendant and prevent this behavior from happening again.
How Can a Reading Bus Accident Lawyer Make a Difference in My Case?
Our Reading auto accident lawyers have handled many bus accident claims throughout Pennsylvania and have fought on behalf of many victims of bus accidents. There are different considerations depending on the type of bus that has been involved in the accident, and depending on how many possible violators are responsible. For example, if you wish to pursue a case against a government agency, you must give written notice within six months of the bus accident injury. There may be multiple parties at fault, too.
An experienced bus accident lawyer at Reading Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can review your case and advise you about the best course of action.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What Can Cause a Bus Accident?
Negligence is a major cause of large bus accidents, such as:
- Driver fatigue — Tired drivers from long shifts, and inadequate or no breaks
- Distracted driving – Texting, talking, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, rubbernecking
- Bus driver error — Errors may happen due to fatigue, improper, or rushed training
- Aggressive driving or speeding — Also regarded as reckless driving, breaking
- Intoxicated driving
- Bus mechanical failure — Improperly maintained or inspected vehicles
- Hazardous road conditions — Inclement weather, poorly treated roads, or drivers not taking the proper preventive measures and modifications
Bus accidents can cause severe injuries to everyone involved. Some common injuries found in a bus accident in Reading include:
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Skin lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
What Are the Laws Bus Drivers Must Follow?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes the normal protocol that drivers must be reminded of to ensure the welfare of their occupants:
- Yellow Flashing lights: Bus is preparing to stop or to load/unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop.
- Red flashing lights and extended stop arms: According to Pennsylvania law, motorists must stop their cars at least 10 feet away from a stationary bus when children are getting on or off the bus. Wait until the bus retracts the extended arm, stops flashing its red lights, and begins to move before moving your vehicle again.
What Should I Do After Getting Into a Bus Accident?
Getting medical care and collecting the evidence you can are the major objectives at the bus accident scene. While doing so, be sure not to make statements, as your statements may be manipulated to be used against your attempt to seek compensation.
- Receive immediate medical attention. Even if you think you do not need it, you must be seen by a medical professional in case there is internal bleeding or something that should surface later, and to document that you were evaluated.
- Document what you can. Take photos of the scene and your injuries, and collect names and numbers of witnesses
- Do not make statements about your injuries or the accident. Only share your name and identifying information
- Contact a bus accident lawyer.
In 2024, there were 13,452 bus accidents throughout the U.S., 575 of them occurring in Pennsylvania. Few personal injury law firms have the experience and knowledge needed to handle commercial vehicle accident cases; this is why it’s important to choose carefully. Commercial bus companies have teams that are well-versed in managing bus accident settlements, and they look to resolve cases quickly, with minimal payouts. Also, multiple parties may be responsible: the driver and the commercial line owner. Fortunately, Munley Law is one of the few law firms that understand commercial bus accidents and have the experience needed to take on these types of cases.
Why Choose Munley Law for a Bus Accident Claim in Reading, PA?
There are numerous reasons why Munley Law is your best option for legal representation if you or a loved one has been a victim of a Reading bus accident, including:
- Our client-based approach: Our top priority is to recover the maximum compensation due to you. Our lawyers are compassionate, ethical, and determined, always having your best interests at heart.
- Proven results in complex transportation cases: We are renowned for our ability to secure massive compensation amounts for clients involved in mass-transportation and commercial vehicle accidents, including a $26 million settlement in a truck accident case.
- Nationally recognized trial lawyers: All five of our partners have AV Preeminent Ratings on the Martindale-Hubbell law firm directory – the highest rating available. Our partners have also been named Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
- Resources to take on powerful defendants: Munley Law has the investigative resources needed to stand up to large bus companies, insurers, and government entities.
- No upfront costs: You pay no fees unless we win your case.
FAQs About Bus Accidents in Reading, PA
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident in Reading?
Liability in a bus accident in Reading may rest with the bus driver, the bus company, a government agency, a maintenance contractor, or another negligent driver. More than one party can share responsibility in a bus accident case.
Is a Bus Accident Claim Different from a Car Accident Claim?
Yes. Bus accident claims often involve commercial insurers or government entities, special legal protections, and shorter notice deadlines, making them more complex than standard car accident cases.
What If the Bus Was Operated by a City or School District?
Claims involving government-owned buses are subject to strict rules, including a six-month notice requirement. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
Can Passengers File a Bus Accident Injury Claim in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Bus passengers injured in a crash may pursue compensation even if no other vehicle was involved, as long as negligence contributed to the accident.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents often cause head injuries, spinal trauma, broken bones, burns, and soft-tissue injuries due to the lack of seatbelts and the size of the vehicle.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Reading?
Most bus accident injury claims in Pennsylvania must be filed within two years, though shorter deadlines may apply if a government entity is involved.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
You may still recover compensation for a bus accident if you were less than 51% at fault, though your recovery may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bus Accident Claim?
While not required for a bus accident, a lawyer can help identify all liable parties, handle complex insurance issues, and protect your claim against aggressive defense teams.
Contact Our Reading Bus Accident Lawyer Today
When you work with a Reading bus lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, you can be sure you’re working with the best bus accident lawyer in the region. With millions of dollars recovered in bus accidents alone, the Reading bus accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have the skills and resources to go up against well-established bus companies. If you have been involved in an accident with any of these or any other bus company, call us.
Choose the best bus accident lawyers available: Reading Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. Work with an experienced bus accident attorney whom you can trust.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
