Bus accident claims can be complex, especially when multiple parties or public transportation agencies are involved.
If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, Daly & Black, P.C. is here to help you understand your legal rights, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to. From school buses and city transit systems to charter and tour buses, our attorneys know how to navigate the legal and insurance obstacles that often stand in your way.
What to Do If You Are in a Bus Accident
Knowing what to do in the moments and days following a bus accident can significantly affect your ability to recover full compensation.
Prioritize Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may not appear right away.
Document the Scene and Gather Witness Info
If you are able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and signage. Collect contact information from witnesses and other involved passengers or drivers.
File a Police Report and Notify Relevant Authorities
Whether the bus was privately owned or operated by a public entity, it’s essential to file an official police report. In cases involving public transit, you may also be required to file notice with the appropriate governmental agency.
Don’t Give a Statement to Insurers Without Legal Help
Insurance companies will often try to obtain recorded statements that may limit or undermine your claim. Politely decline and direct all communication to your attorney.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?
Liability in bus accidents is often shared across multiple parties. An experienced attorney can determine who should be held accountable.
The Bus Driver
If driver negligence contributed to the crash—whether through speeding, distraction, or substance use—they may be personally liable, especially in private bus operations.
The Bus Company or Transit Authority
Employers are often responsible for the actions of their drivers. If the driver was fatigued from being overscheduled or improperly trained, the company may be liable.
Third-Party Drivers or Pedestrians
In some cases, another vehicle or pedestrian may have caused or contributed to the accident. Your claim may need to pursue multiple insurance policies.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
If a brake failure, steering issue, or other mechanical defect caused the accident, a product liability claim may be filed against the manufacturer or maintenance provider.
Government Entities (in Public Bus Cases)
Claims against municipal or state-run transit agencies involve stricter filing deadlines and notice requirements. Legal counsel is critical to avoid losing your right to file.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Bus Accident Claim?
Your bus accident claim may include several types of damages, depending on the extent of your injuries and losses.
Economic Damages
These include measurable financial losse, like:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, prescriptions)
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (e.g., personal belongings destroyed in the crash)
Non-Economic Damages
These address the physical and emotional toll of the accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious negligence (e.g., drunk driving, repeated safety violations), courts may award additional damages to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
How the Bus Accident Claim Process Works
Bus accident claims demand strategic legal action from the start.
Here’s what you can expect.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Daly and Black’s legal team will collect evidence such as accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, driver logs, and black box data to establish fault.
Filing a Claim and Identifying the Defendant(s)
Depending on who owns the bus and where the accident occurred, your claim may involve public or private defendants. Your Daly and Black attorney will ensure proper notice and documentation.
Negotiating with Insurers or Transit Authorities
Most cases begin with settlement negotiations. Daly & Black aggressively represent your interests and push back against lowball offers.
Going to Trial (if necessary)
If negotiations fail, we prepare to take your case to court. Our trial experience gives you the upper hand against large insurance companies and public agencies.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?
Time limits to file a bus accident claim vary by state, and understanding the differences is critical. These time limits, or statutes of limitations, typically vary by state and type of claim but can also be affected by factors such as the nature of the damages sought and whether public entities are defendants.
Statute of Limitations in Texas:
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including bus accident claims, is two years from the date of the accident. However, if your claim involves a government-operated bus, you must comply with the Texas Tort Claims Act, which requires that you file a formal notice of claim within six months of the incident.
Some municipalities, like Houston, impose even shorter deadlines. For example, the City of Houston requires written notice of a claim made against a government entity within 90 days from the date of loss under its city charter.
Statute of Limitations in Louisiana:
In Louisiana, recent legislative updates extended the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including bus accidents, to two years from the date of the accident.
If the case involves a public bus owned by a city or state agency, additional notice requirements may apply. These often require formal notice within months of the accident to preserve your right to sue.
Failing to meet these strict deadlines can permanently bar your right to recover damages. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible ensures critical timelines are not missed.
Why Choose a Bus Accident Attorney at Daly & Black?
Bus accident litigation requires a legal team with skill, resources, and tenacity. At Daly & Black, we’re not just here to file paperwork; we’re here to fight.
Our attorneys have experience taking on commercial carriers, school districts, and government agencies. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.
Daly & Black is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. Contact us today to get the justice you deserve.
FAQ
Who can be held responsible in a bus accident claim?
Depending on the circumstances, the liable parties could include the bus driver, bus company, a third-party driver, a parts manufacturer, or a public entity that owns or operates the bus.
What damages can I recover from a bus accident claim?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim?
In most states, the deadline is two years from the date of the accident. If the bus is government-operated, you may need to file a notice of claim within a period as soon as 30 days.
Injured in a Bus Accident? Let Daly & Black Fight for You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our team will investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to.
Call Daly & Black today to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.