Hero

Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?

Image for Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 60,000 bus accidents occur in the U.S. annually. If you’re ever involved in one, consider hiring a catastrophic accident lawyer to help take legal action against the party responsible for your bus crash. This may make it possible for you to make a quicker recovery from your accident injuries.

Determining liability in a bus accident case isn’t always easy. Any number of parties may have demonstrated negligence and led to your bus crash taking place.

So, who could be to blame for an accident involving a bus? Check out several potential options below and begin working through them with the personal injury lawyer you bring on board to provide legal representation.

Bus Driver

When you’re first wondering who may have been to blame for a bus accident you were in, the first person you’ll likely consider is the bus driver who was behind the wheel at the time of your crash. They might be held responsible for an accident if they showed any signs of negligence.

A bus driver may receive the bulk of the blame for an accident if they caused your crash by:

  • Speeding
  • Performing improper driving maneuvers
  • Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol

A bus driver might also come under fire if they were distracted by their smartphone, their GPS, or even the passengers they were transporting during an accident.

Contact our team today so we can fight to help you get the compensation you deserve.


Bus Company

In the immediate aftermath of a bus accident, it’s only natural for a bus driver to shoulder some of the blame, at least at first. But they aren’t the only party placed under a microscope during a bus crash investigation.

The bus company that employs the driver involved in the accident might also share responsibility. You may include a company in an accident claim if you can prove it:

  • Fails to provide its bus drivers with adequate training
  • Neglects to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs on buses in its fleet
  • Hires bus drivers without conducting enough background checks

Vicarious liability is a legal concept that sometimes applies to bus crash cases. This means that attorneys can hold an employer responsible for a bus driver’s actions.

Proving bus company responsibility is tricky from a legal perspective, so those who plan to go this route must work with lawyers experienced in this particular aspect of personal law. The lawyer you hire to help with your case should know the ins and outs of common carrier duty and how it factors into the equation to build a compelling case.

Another Driver

Buses are much larger than the average passenger car. Because of this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that many people automatically pin the blame for bus accidents on bus drivers and/or the companies they work for.

However, you’ll find that bus drivers and bus companies aren’t always the problem in accidents when you sift through the latest bus crash facts. In some instances, other drivers cut buses off, slam into the backs of buses, and cause bus crashes by making otherwise dangerous driving maneuvers.

You may maintain the right to sue another driver and their auto insurance company to recover damages following a bus crash. However, these cases can quickly become complicated if others who were on a bus with you follow your lead. It’s another good example of a time when it will help to have a reliable accident attorney on your side.

Free Consultation 24/7, call (844) 343-9609


Government Agency

Were you using public transportation when you were involved in a bus accident? In this case, a government agency might shoulder some blame for a bus crash.

Just like with suing a private bus company, you will need to prove that this agency didn’t do enough to train the bus driver who caused your crash. You might also want to explore the idea of proving that this agency doesn’t maintain and repair its buses enough, which played a part in your accident.

One important thing to remember is that the statute of limitations for accident claims involving government agencies is sometimes shorter than usual. In certain states, you might only have a matter of months to take legal action against agencies that operate public buses rather than several years like usual.

Bus Manufacturer

Did an investigation into your bus accident find that faulty parts in a bus were the cause of your crash? You might want to look into suing a bus company or a government agency for not doing enough to repair and/or replace these parts accordingly.

But you don’t necessarily need to stop there. The company that manufactured the bus you were on when it crashed is another party you should consider taking legal action against. If you can showcase negligence on the part of this company, a judge or jury may hold it liable for an accident.

Your accident case might also quickly turn into a product liability case if any of the faulty parts used in a bus were produced by a third-party company other than a bus manufacturer. You may include a bus parts supplier in your legal complaint and aim to hold it accountable for its flawed product designs.

Bus crash lawsuits that involve bus manufacturers and bus part suppliers are usually very complex. You’ll need to hire a bus crash lawyer with the right blend of experience and knowledge to guide you down the right path.

Look for the Right Bus Accident Lawyer To Handle Your Lawsuit

Following a bus crash, your first instinct might be to blame whoever comes to mind first. You may improve your chances of scoring a settlement or judgment in a bus accident case by narrowing down the list of parties that could be responsible for a crash.

Accident Hotline can help you locate the right personal injury attorneys in your area to work on your bus crash case. Give us a call at (844) 343-9609 today to connect with a local accident lawyer for a free consultation.

For a free consultation, call (844) 343-9609


Blog Posts:

Image for The Role of Expert Witnesses in Injury Litigation

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Injury Litigation

Why Expert Witnesses Matter in Personal Injury Cases In personal injury litigation, facts alone are often not enough. While evidence like medical records, photographs, and witness statements paint part of the picture, juries and insurance companies frequently need context and explanation to understand the full scope of an injury and its impact. This is where expert witnesses play a pivotal role. Expert witnesses are professionals—often doctors, engineers, economists, or accident reconstruction specialists—who provide testimony based on their specialized knowledge. Their objective is not to advocate for one side but to clarify complex issues that require professional interpretation. In many cases, their opinions help bridge the gap between evidence and understanding, making them critical to achieving fair compensation.

Image for How Insurance Companies Evaluate Injury Claims

How Insurance Companies Evaluate Injury Claims

How the Evaluation Process Really Works When you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company begins a process that is anything but simple. Behind every offer or denial, there's a calculated evaluation designed to protect their bottom line. Insurers use data-driven methods, past claim outcomes, and internal guidelines to assess how much—if anything—they believe your case is worth. The goal of the insurance adjuster is straightforward: to settle your claim for as little as possible while closing the file quickly. They'll review your medical records, accident details, and even statements you've made to determine liability and damages. The more organized and detailed your claim presentation, the harder it is for them to undervalue it.

Image for The Dangers of Handling a Personal Injury Case Without Legal Help

The Dangers of Handling a Personal Injury Case Without Legal Help

Understanding What's at Stake After an accident, it's natural to want to resolve things quickly. Medical bills begin piling up, your work may be disrupted, and insurance adjusters often seem eager to "help." Many people believe they can handle their personal injury claim on their own—especially if the situation seems straightforward. But personal injury law is complex, and even minor missteps can lead to significant financial loss. Without professional guidance, you may underestimate your claim's value, miss critical deadlines, or make statements that insurers later use against you. The legal process is designed to protect both sides, and insurance companies have experienced professionals working to limit payouts. Without an equally skilled advocate on your side, you're at a clear disadvantage. That's why consulting a personal injury lawyer early in the process is often the difference between fair compensation and a costly mistake.

Image for When Should You Switch to a Different Injury Lawyer?

When Should You Switch to a Different Injury Lawyer?

Knowing When It's Time for a Change Choosing the right attorney after an accident is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your recovery journey. However, not every lawyer-client relationship is a perfect fit. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may realize that your current representation isn't meeting your expectations. Whether it's poor communication, lack of progress, or a sense that your case isn't being handled effectively, recognizing when to switch attorneys can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. Switching to a new personal injury lawyer doesn't mean starting over from scratch—it means taking control of your case and ensuring it receives the attention and effort it deserves. Understanding what to expect from your legal representation can help you identify the warning signs that it might be time for a change.

Get an agent on the line in seconds

Responsive
Legal Assistance

Our personal injury attorneys advocate for the funds necessary to cover bills, secure medical treatment, recoup lost wages, and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

  • Are you facing unfair treatment from the insurance company?

  • Do you know the value of your case?

  • Is the insurance company asserting that the accident is your responsibility?

Call to Action Banner

We'll get back to you ASAP.

Get Your Free Consultation

You Pay Nothing Unless We Recover Compensation For You

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Accident Hotline, the registered trade name of RP Legal Group, LLC. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.