Being involved in a bus accident—whether as a passenger, a pedestrian, or a driver of another vehicle—can be overwhelming and traumatic. Unlike car accidents, bus accidents often involve multiple passengers, larger vehicles, and complex legal issues. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can make a significant difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
At the Parrish Law Firm, we understand how confusing and stressful life can be after a bus accident. That’s why our Virginia bus accident lawyers are here—to make everything easier for you by handling the legal process, communicating with insurance companies, and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
This step-by-step guide will help you understand exactly what to do after a bus accident so you can protect yourself and strengthen your legal claim.
What Should I Do If There Are Many Injured Passengers?
Bus accidents often involve multiple passengers, which can make the situation more chaotic and difficult to manage. If you’re involved in a bus accident and multiple people are injured, here’s what you should do:
1. Check Yourself First
Before assisting others, check yourself for injuries. If you’re seriously hurt, avoid moving and wait for medical help. If you’re able to move, proceed carefully and be mindful of other injured passengers.
2. Call 911 Immediately
If no one else has called 911, make the call yourself. Provide clear information about the location of the accident, the number of injured passengers, and any immediate dangers (such as fire or fuel leaks).
3. Don’t Try to Move Seriously Injured Passengers
Unless there is an immediate danger (like a fire), avoid moving injured passengers. Moving someone with a spinal injury, for example, can cause further harm.
4. Keep Calm and Encourage Others to Stay Calm
Bus accidents can cause panic among passengers. Try to stay calm and help reassure others while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
5. Provide Basic First Aid If You Can
If you are trained in first aid, you can help stabilize injuries by applying pressure to bleeding wounds or positioning injured passengers to help them breathe more easily.
Emergency responders will prioritize the most severely injured passengers first. Once help arrives, follow their instructions and remain available to give a statement if needed.
How Do I Report a Bus Accident to the Proper Authorities?
Reporting the bus accident correctly is important for both your safety and any future legal action you may need to take.
1. Cooperate with Law Enforcement
When the police arrive, they will create an official accident report. Give them a factual account of what happened but avoid speculating about fault or admitting guilt.
2. Provide Your Information to Authorities
Give the responding officer your name and contact information. If you were a passenger on the bus, make sure to provide your seat location and any details you can remember about the moments leading up to the crash.
3. Ask for a Copy of the Police Report
Once the report is filed, request a copy. This will include important information such as the bus driver’s statement, witness testimony, and any citations issued.
4. Report the Accident to the Bus Company
If you were a passenger on the bus, the company operating the bus should be informed of the accident. This will start the process of filing an insurance claim. However, do not give a detailed statement to the bus company without consulting a lawyer first.
5. Contact a Lawyer
Bus companies and their insurance providers will often try to minimize their liability. Speaking with a lawyer before communicating with the bus company’s representatives can protect you from accepting an unfair settlement.
What If the Bus Driver Was at Fault?
If the bus driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be able to file a claim against both the driver and the company they work for.
Common Examples of Bus Driver Negligence:
- Speeding
- Driving while distracted (texting, eating, etc.)
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Falling asleep at the wheel due to inadequate rest
Who Is Responsible?
In most cases, if the bus driver caused the accident while they were on duty, the bus company will also share liability. Employers are responsible for the actions of their employees under vicarious liability laws.
An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence (such as traffic camera footage, driving logs, and eyewitness testimony) to prove that the driver was at fault.
What If the Bus Company Was at Fault?
In some cases, the bus company itself may be directly responsible for the accident due to poor management, maintenance failures, or unsafe company policies.
Examples of Bus Company Negligence:
- Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
- Failing to train drivers properly
- Not conducting background checks or drug tests
- Scheduling shifts that exceed federal rest limits
- Failing to properly maintain the bus (e.g., brake failure, tire blowouts)
If the bus company cut corners to save money or violated safety regulations, they could be held liable for the accident. A lawyer can subpoena company records, maintenance logs, and employee schedules to uncover company negligence.
What If a Defective Part Caused the Bus Accident?
Sometimes bus accidents happen because of mechanical failures or manufacturing defects. If a faulty part contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or maintenance provider.
Common Defective Bus Parts Include:
- Brake systems
- Steering mechanisms
- Tires (blowouts or tread separation)
- Engine components
- Suspension systems
Who Could Be Held Liable?
- The Manufacturer – If the part was defective from the start
- The Maintenance Provider – If the part failed because it wasn’t installed correctly
- The Bus Company – If the company ignored maintenance schedules or safety recalls
In defective parts cases, your lawyer may work with mechanical experts to analyze the bus’s condition and determine whether a faulty part contributed to the crash.
Contact the Parrish Law Firm for a FREE Bus Accident Consultation
At the Parrish Law Firm, we know how stressful life can be after a bus accident. Medical bills, missed work, and pressure from insurance companies can make the recovery process even more difficult.
That’s why we’re here—to make everything easier for you by handling the legal side of things so you can focus on healing.
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 don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
- We Handle Everything – From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of the hard part so you can focus on getting better.
Don’t Wait to Get the Help You Need
Bus accident claims have strict deadlines in Virginia, especially if the bus is operated by a government entity. Waiting too long could weaken your case or prevent you from filing a claim altogether.
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