Ultimate Guide to Bus Accidents: Everything You Need to Know

Key Statistics:

• As many as 15,000 bus accidents occur each year. Of these, 47% suffer injury, and 1.5% result in fatality
• Mechanical faults and other mechanical issues are leading causes of bus accidents
• The fatality rate for car occupants was found to be 23 times higher than those for bus occupants
  • Learn more
• US states most at risk of deaths caused on or by a school bus:
  

  Rank	State	Total fatalities per million population
  1	Mississippi	10.13
  2	Montana	8.26
  3	South Dakota	6.73
  4	Indiana	6.05
  5	Nebraska	5.64
  6	Louisiana	5.39
  7	West Virginia	5.03
  8	Georgia	4.95
  9	Iowa	4.40
  9	Maine	4.40
  10	Kansas	4.10

Learn more about states particularly at risk.

What Causes Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents may stem from various factors, often combining driver error with environmental or mechanical issues. Common causes include:

• Driver Distraction
• Drunk Driving: Although less common among bus drivers due to strict regulations, alcohol impairment still plays a role in some accidents.
• Fatigue
• Speeding and Unsafe Driving Practices
• Poor Road Condition (weather)
• Mechanical Failures: Issues with the bus, like brake failures or tire blowouts, can also contribute.

Bus accidents caused by driver negligence often stem from either medical impairment or the pressure to stick to a tight schedule.

Types of Bus Accidents

Different types of bus accidents result in varying levels of injury and damage:

• Rear-End Collisions (the most common type)
• T-bone/Side Impact/Broadside Collisions
• Head-On Collisions (the most severe)
• Sideswipe Accidents
• Single-Vehicle Accidents with stationary objects
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups (chain-reaction accidents)
• Rollover Accidents
• Hit-And-Run Accidents
• Pedestrian/Bicycle Accidents
• Parking Lot Accidents

What Should You Do After a Bus Accident?

1. Check for Injuries & Call 911: Seek immediate medical assistance, and ensure that emergency services are contacted.
2. Move to Safety: If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic.
3. Exchange Information: Document contact information of witnesses and drivers involved.
4. Document the Scene: Photograph the scene, damage, injuries, and road conditions.
5. Contact Your Insurance: Inform your insurer about the accident.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Injuries can sometimes appear later; getting checked is essential.
7. Retain All Records: Keep all medical, insurance, and police documentation.

Learn more about steps to take as a passenger of a bus accident.

What is the Deadline for Filing a Bus Accident Lawsuit?

In Georgia, like other personal injury claims, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. Missing this statute of limitations may result in a loss of your right to claim compensation.

Special rules apply for:

• Claims Against Government Entities: If the bus is owned by a city or the state, you may have only six months to file a claim.
• Wrongful Death: The statute begins on the date of death.
• Minors or Incapacitated Persons: The time limit may pause until they reach 18 or regain mental capacity.

Timing of filing a case is important. The more time that passes, the harder it can be to gather evidence, locate witnesses and build a strong case. At 770Goodlaw, we advice victims to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure the best chances of success.

Can You File a Claim if You Were Partially at Fault?

Yes, in many cases, you can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault for an accident, depending on your state’s laws. In comparative negligence states, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault; for example, if you were 30% at fault, your award would be reduced by 30%. However, in states with modified comparative negligence, you may only recover damages if your fault is below a certain threshold (usually 50% or 51%). Contributory negligence states are more restrictive, as even slight fault (1%) may bar you from recovering damages.

Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage can still help with medical costs regardless of fault. Consulting an attorney can clarify how your state’s rules impact your claim.

 

What Damages Can You Recover?

When filing a claim, you may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Compensation can also cover pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and punitive damages for reckless behavior by the at-fault driver. The specific damages available depend on injury severity, fault, and state laws, so consulting a personal injury attorney is essential to maximize your compensation.