Being involved in a bus accident can be overwhelming. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, dealing with the injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims can feel like too much to handle. You might be wondering:
Do I need a lawyer after a bus accident?
The short answer is that if you’re facing serious injuries, medical expenses, or an insurance company giving you the runaround, having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference.
At the Parrish Law Firm, we know how complicated bus accident claims can be. That’s why we’re here to make things easier for you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Is a Bus Accident Considered a “Common Carrier” Case?
Yes, buses are considered “common carriers” under Virginia law. This means bus drivers and companies have a higher duty of care to keep passengers and others on the road safe.
Common carriers include:
- Public city buses
- School buses
- Tour buses
- Shuttle services
- Private charter buses
Since bus companies and transit agencies are held to a higher legal standard, proving negligence is key to a successful claim. If a bus driver or company failed to operate safely and caused your injury, you may have the right to compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?
Bus accidents aren’t like regular car accidents where one driver is typically at fault. Multiple parties can be responsible, including:
1. The Bus Driver
If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated, they may be liable.
2. The Bus Company
If the company failed to train drivers properly, ignored safety regulations, or neglected bus maintenance, they could be responsible.
3. A Government Entity
Public buses are often owned and operated by city or state agencies. If poor maintenance, bad road conditions, or driver negligence caused the accident, you may need to file a government claim, which has strict deadlines.
4. The Bus Manufacturer
If a mechanical defect such as brake failure, tire blowout, or steering issues caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable.
5. Another Driver
If a reckless or negligent third-party driver caused the crash, they might be held responsible.
Bus accident cases can get complicated quickly. Having an experienced attorney helps you figure out who is at fault and ensures you do not get stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.
What Are the Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Bus crashes happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
Driver Negligence – Speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, or fatigue.
Poor Bus Maintenance – Worn brakes, engine issues, or tire blowouts.
Bad Weather or Road Conditions – Icy roads, poor visibility, or construction zones.
Improper Training – Drivers who are not properly trained for emergency situations.
Overloaded or Overcrowded Buses – Too many passengers can affect the bus’s balance and braking ability.
No matter what caused the accident, if negligence played a role, you deserve compensation.
What If I Was Injured on a School Bus?
School bus accidents can be terrifying, especially for parents. If your child was injured in a school bus accident, you have the right to seek compensation. But these cases can be tricky because school buses are often operated by public school districts or private companies.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- The school district if the bus is publicly owned and operated.
- A private bus company if the school contracts an outside provider.
- The bus driver if reckless or negligent driving caused the accident.
- Another driver if they caused the crash.
- The bus manufacturer if a mechanical failure played a role.
Filing a Claim Against a School or Government Agency
If the school bus is owned by a public school district, filing a claim is more complex because government entities have special legal protections.
Deadlines are much shorter for filing claims against a government agency. That is why it is critical to contact a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What If I Was Injured on a City Bus?
If you were hurt while riding a city or public transit bus, you may need to file a claim against the city or transportation authority. However, suing a government agency is different from a regular personal injury case.
Challenges of City Bus Injury Claims:
Shorter Filing Deadlines – Government claims often have much stricter deadlines than regular accident cases.
Liability Limits – Some government entities cap how much money you can recover in damages.
Complex Investigation – It can be harder to obtain bus maintenance records, driver history, and other key evidence.
Because of these challenges, having an experienced bus accident lawyer is crucial if you are pursuing compensation from a city or government-operated bus service.
Contact the Parrish Law Firm for a FREE Bus Accident Consultation
At the Parrish Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming life can be after a bus accident. That is why we are here to take the stress off your shoulders. We will handle the investigation, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us?
- FREE Case Review – We will listen to your story and explain your legal options at no cost to you.
- No Upfront Fees – You do not pay anything unless we win your case.
- We Handle Everything – From filing claims to gathering evidence, we do the hard work for you.
Do Not Wait to Get the Help You Need
Bus accident cases often involve tight deadlines, especially if a government agency is involved. Do not risk missing out on the compensation you deserve.
Call the Parrish Law Firm today for a FREE bus accident case review.
Your recovery starts with one simple step. Let us help you move forward.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form