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I Was Injured in an Accident on a Bus. Now What?

Millions of us step onto city buses, school buses, and motorcoach buses each day without giving it a second thought. It’s one of the most cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly ways to travel to work, school, or any other location. Unfortunately, though, buses, like all forms of transit, can be involved in an accident.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2019, there were 231 fatal crashes involving buses, which caused a total of 258 fatalities, of which 35 were bus occupants[1].  Also, that year there were 13,000 buses involved in injury-causing crashes, injuring a total of 25,000 people[2].

Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can be caused by:

• Driver fatigue
• Lack of proper training for the driver
• Driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Lack of proper bus maintenance
• Mechanical malfunction
• A third party, such as another vehicle driver, creating a situation that results in an accident

Bus Accident Injuries

Injuries can be severe in a bus accident due to the lack of seat belts in most buses. Also, due to their height, buses are more likely to flip over in an accident compared to a car. Injuries can range from cuts and bruises to fractures, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even brain injuries.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, seek medical treatment right away. Make sure to follow through with any physical therapy, medications, or other treatments that the doctor prescribes. If you are able, take photos of your injuries and of the accident scene. In addition, if possible, take down the name and badge number of the officer at the scene. Afterwards, request a copy of the accident report.

You are entitled to recover funds to cover your hospital bills, doctor visits, medicine, rehabilitation, and medical devices. You can also receive compensation for lost wages as well as pain and suffering. If a loved one suffered a wrongful death in a bus accident, you may be able to receive compensation for that as well.

Recovering compensation from a bus accident can be more complex than a car accident. This is due to two key reasons:

• A large number of people may be injured, which complicates the claims process
• If the bus was a government-owned bus (e.g. a city bus), recovering funds from the government is more challenging than from a private company / individual

For these reasons, it is essential that you work with an attorney who is experienced specifically in recovering compensation for victims of bus accidents. If you have been involved in a bus accident, contact ECanter Lawyers. We will thoroughly analyze the details of your case and fight aggressively for you to receive the compensation that you deserve.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specialize in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

Boca Raton | West Palm Beach | Coral Springs | Ft. Lauderdale | Miami 

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[1] Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration. Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2019 (dot.gov) Page 43. Accessed June 29, 2022.

[2] Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration. Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2019 (dot.gov). Page 44. Accessed June 29, 2022.