Bus accidents can be catastrophic. There’s property damage, medical costs, and sometimes a long, drawn-out bureaucratic process. Unlike typical car accidents, a bus accident case often involves multiple parties, government entities, and complex insurance policies, making it harder to navigate. Whether the bus was operated by a public transit agency, a private company, or a school district, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about liability, the claims process, and how much compensation you may be able to recover after a bus accident.
Bus Passenger Accident Claim
Anyone who has suffered financial or personal harm in a bus crash may have the right to a compensation claim. This includes anyone who has suffered injuries or property damage. Potential victims include:
- Bus passengers
- The bus driver
- Pedestrians
- Other drivers on the road
- Cyclists
- Owners of damaged buildings
Who is Liable for a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a bus accident can be more complex than in a standard car crash because multiple parties may share responsibility. Liability often depends on the cause of the accident and which party was in a position to prevent or avoid it. Depending on the facts of the case, one or more of the following parties may be held legally responsible:
1. The Bus Driver
If the bus driver acted negligently, such as speeding, driving while distracted, or failing to follow traffic laws, they may be personally liable. However, their employer (the bus company or transit agency) is typically held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability. Meaning that an employer is usually responsible for torts that an employee commits while performing job responsibilities.
2. The Bus Company or Transit Agency
When the driver is at fault or the accident stems from inadequate driver training, improper vehicle maintenance, or scheduling pressures, the company or agency operating the bus may be liable. Public transit agencies may also be responsible, but claims against them involve special procedures and tighter deadlines under California’s Government Claims Act. For example, a government claim must be filed within six months.
3. Another Driver
If another motorist caused the crash, that driver and their insurance company may be liable for injuries sustained by passengers.
4. Manufacturers or Maintenance Contractors
In cases involving brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues, a parts manufacturer or maintenance provider may be liable for supplying defective components or performing negligent repairs.
5. Government Entities
When a public bus is involved, such as one operated by a city or county, the government entity itself may be responsible for unsafe conditions, including driver negligence, poor road maintenance, or failure to properly maintain the bus fleet.
Bus Injury Compensation
How Much Can You Make from a Bus Injury Claim? There is no fixed amount for bus accident compensation, but victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. As a result, a bus injury claim can vary widely based on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the level of negligence involved.
Economic damages include measurable losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future income loss if the injury affects your ability to work.
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the overall loss of enjoyment of life. For example, if a motorist loses an arm in an accident, they may never be able to hold their child again. In this instance will be substantial emotional damage, and there should be a larger financial settlement.
A minor injury with minimal disruption to your life might result in a settlement of a few thousand dollars. On the other hand, a serious injury, such as a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, could lead to compensation in the hundreds of thousands or even millions, especially if long-term care or permanent disability is involved.
Navigating the Injury Claim Process
Filing a bus injury claim involves several steps and often requires dealing with insurance companies, transportation agencies, or even government entities. The process begins by documenting the injury thoroughly, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This process may be complicated. If you plan to seek compensation after a bus accident, it’s important to work with someone experienced in personal injury law.
Once all evidence has been gathered, you’ll file a personal injury claim. If the bus is operated by a public entity, special rules and shortened deadlines apply. In California, you need to file a government claim within six months of the accident.
Remember to complete your medical treatment during the claim process. Any medical reports you gather will help with the settlement negotiations. If an agreement can’t be reached on the compensation package, it may be necessary to take legal action and file a lawsuit.
Due to the complexities in the claim process, it’s easier to work with a personal injury lawyer. A skilled lawyer can gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and help ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Can You Sue A Bus Driver – FAQ
What Happens if a Bus Gets in an Accident? If a bus is involved in an accident, the first priority is the health and safety of those involved. Emergency services are usually called to the accident scene to provide medical attention to injured passengers and other parties. An investigation and police report will follow to determine the cause of the crash and who is liable. Passengers may be eligible to file injury claims against the bus company, driver, or any third parties involved, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
What Happens if a City Bus Hits your Car? If your vehicle is hit by a city-owned bus, you may be able to file a claim against the government or the company that operates the bus system. Claims against public agencies often involve strict deadlines and procedures under California’s Government Claims Act, so it’s important to act quickly and consult with an attorney who understands these rules.
What Happens if a Bus Driver Crashes? If a bus driver causes an accident due to negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue, the driver and their employer may be held legally responsible. Injured passengers or third parties may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
How Much Compensation for a Bus Accident? Compensation from a bus accident varies widely depending on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term effects of the crash. Minor injury cases might settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe injury victims can receive larger six-figure settlements. With Mr Justice, our experienced personal injury attorneys will give you an accurate estimate for your case and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Can you Sue a Bus Driver? Yes, you can sue a bus driver personally, particularly if their actions were negligent, reckless or intentional. However, most California bus drivers are employed by a company or government agency, meaning liability often falls on their employer. You are generally more likely to recover greater compensation by pursuing a claim against the bus driver’s employer, as companies typically carry higher insurance coverage and greater financial resources than individual drivers.
Related Practice Areas
Car Accident Attorney Glendale
Last Updated on June 12, 2025
