Bus Accident Claims

Bus accidents occur in one of the following instances:

• A collision with one or more vehicles
• Hitting a pedestrian on the street
• Crashing against standing objects on the road

It’s important to note that, of all the reported road accidents in Great Britain in 2021, only 34 fatalities were bus accidents and coaches. So, public bus accidents are relatively rare compared to other road traffic accidents.

However, bus collisions still contribute to road accident casualties in the UK. When these accidents happen due to someone else’s fault, your next step should be seeking compensation for physical and emotional damages.

• Collision with another (or multiple) vehicles
• A bus driver operating the vehicle negligently or recklessly
• Poor weather conditions affecting visibility on the road
• Crashing against a standing object or building
• A bus hitting a pedestrian at a road crossing or the bus stop
• Overcrowded public transport vehicles
• Public bus drivers violating traffic rules and regulations
• The bus company operating faulty or poorly maintained vehicles
• Unexpected braking or acceleration in a bus with missing or defective safety features

Typically, yes. You can make a personal injury claim as a public transport collision victim. This legal action allows you to recover compensation from the at-fault party, especially if treating the resulting wounds or illness cost a lot of money.

It’s essential to understand how claims work. Before filing for compensation, it must be evident that the accident injuries were due to someone else’s fault. If a negligent driver caused the crash, their third-party insurance would cover your medical treatment bills and lost wages.

Existing Duty of Care

The at-fault party has a legal obligation to act in your best interests. These include obeying all traffic rules and avoiding dangerous road behaviours like road rage or splitting in and out of traffic.

Breach of Duty

The at-fault party violated the legal duty of care and harmed you. An example of a breached duty is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or running a red light at an intersection.

Now you know what you need to prove with your injury claim, the next step is understanding the critical aspects of the bus accident claim process.

• Firstly, contact a personal injury solicitor to review the facts and determine if you have a legitimate claim.
• Then, the legal professional will collect the necessary evidence to support your claim.
• After, the other party gets a notification of your claim.
• If the at-fault party accepts liability, then an out-of-court settlement occurs. Else, the case goes to court.
• You’ll receive compensation either through settlement negotiations or a court ruling.

Often, trained legal advisors investigate and collect helpful evidence when preparing a case. However, you can further strengthen your claim by carrying out due diligence.

The following steps highlight what to do in a bus accident.

Prepare a written account

Record details of the accident as soon as possible. Describe all the events leading up to the incident, either at the scene or after receiving emergency treatment.

Get witnesses

Identify and speak to anyone who witnessed the crash. Having more reports to support your story makes it easier to make a successful claim. Also, collect their contact details for future reference.