Involved in a bus accident?

If you have been injured in a bus accident, you could be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

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Bus Accident Claims

If you have been injured in a bus accident and someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to make a bus accident claim. In addition to pain and suffering, bus accident compensation can cover other losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, and loss of amenities.

Bus accidents can be caused by driver negligence, vehicle malfunctions, road defects, or the negligence of other road users. They can result in various injuries, ranging from bruises and lacerations to severe head and spinal trauma, with potentially life-changing consequences.

For a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 today or arrange a call back with a friendly legal adviser. They can advise you on the strength of your claim and answer any questions you may have. If you can proceed, you will be offered a no win no fee service and support at every step of the process.

Key points about bus accident claims

Can I claim?
You may be able to claim compensation if you were injured on a bus due to a collision, erratic braking, or an unsafe environment.
Who is liable?
Responsibility could lie with the bus driver, bus company, another road user, or the local authority.
What is the time limit?
You generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a claim, with exceptions for children.
How much can I claim?
The amount will depend on the type and severity of your injury, any lost income, and other expenses.
Can I claim on a no win, no fee basis?
Your solicitor will work on a no win, no fee basis – so if they don’t win your claim, you won’t pay a solicitor’s fee.

If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.

Find out if you can claim

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Table of Contents

Who can make a claim following a bus accident?

Anyone involved in a bus accident due to someone else’s negligence may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation, including:

Bus passengers injured due to a bus crash or unsafe conditions on board.
Pedestrians hit by a bus while crossing the street.
Drivers and passengers of other vehicles involved in a collision with a bus.
Cyclists or motorcyclists knocked off their bikes by a bus.
Children injured in a school bus accident.
Bus drivers injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Am I entitled to claim compensation for a bus accident?

If you have suffered an injury due to a bus accident, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim as long as the following elements can be established:

Another party owed you a legal duty of care.
This duty was breached, leading to a bus accident.
You suffered injuries as a direct result.
You are within the legal time limit for starting a claim (usually 3 years).

Who could be liable in a bus accident compensation claim?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, various parties could be responsible for an accident with or on a bus, including:

The bus driver – If they violated traffic laws or acted negligently, such as by speeding or using their phone while driving.
The driver’s employer – Will often be held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability if they failed to ensure the driver is properly trained and qualified.
The bus company – If they have failed to maintain the bus properly, or pressured the driver to make unsafe decisions.
A manufacturing company – If a defective part in one of the vehicles involved in an accident contributed to the crash.
A maintenance company – If the accident was due to their failure to service a bus adequately
Another driver or road user – If their actions caused a bus accident to occur.

What are the legal responsibilities of bus operators and drivers?

Bus operators and drivers have various legal responsibilities, including:

Obey all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits, traffic signals, and lane restrictions.
Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of buses and promptly address issues.
Comply with the laws set out by the Department for Transport, the Road Traffic Act 1988 and any other relevant legislation.
Hire and train competent drivers who have the necessary skills to operate a bus safely.
Keep accurate records of vehicles, drivers, and maintenance schedules.

Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in legal liability for any resulting injuries or damages in a public transport accident claim.

Are there any time limits when making a bus accident claim?

In most cases, you have a time limit of three years from the date you were injured in a bus accident to start a claim. There are several exceptions to the limitation period:

An injured child claim can be made by a parent or legal guardian up until the child’s 18th birthday.
The time limit is suspended indefinitely if the claimant lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim.
If a loved one has passed away as a result of a bus accident, the 3-year time limit begins from the date of their death.
The time limit to claim for an accident that occurred outside of the UK can vary depending on the country in which you were injured.

How to make a bus accident claim?

If you want to pursue bus accident compensation, the first step is to have your case assessed by an experienced legal adviser. You can request a call back using our contact form or by calling 0800 470 0474, completely free of charge.

If you meet the criteria and you would like to pursue your legal right to claim compensation, the next steps in the claims process will be:

Assess liability for your accident, injuries and financial losses.
Gather evidence to prove a breach of duty and the damages you suffered.
A free medical assessment of your injuries and long-term care needs.
Send a claim notification form to the other party to inform them of your intentions to pursue compensation.
Negotiate a settlement or issue court proceedings if liability is denied.
Receive compensation if your case is successful.

Your solicitor will take care of all the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on your recovery and your loved ones.

How much compensation am I entitled to claim for a bus accident?

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to claim for a bus accident will be calculated based on two types of damages:

General damages cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the accident and depend on the type and severity of your injuries.
Special damages cover the financial impact of the accident, such as lost wages from having to take time off work, medical treatment and care costs.

According to the guidelines published by the Judicial College, you could receive the following awards in a bus injury claim:

Injury Description	Average Payout
Head injuries with minimal brain damage	£2,690 to £15,580
Mild shoulder injuries, such as soft tissue damage, with full recovery between 3 and 24 months	£5,310 to £9,630
Soft tissue damage or a broken wrist with some degree of permanent disability	£10,750 to £20,900
Moderate leg injuries that cause some degree of instability and mobility issues	£15,320 to £46,780
Severe back injuries leading to loss of function and ongoing pain	£47,320 to £85,100
Serious injuries to the neck resulting in permanent and significant disability	£80,240 to £159,770
Severe brain injuries that cause significant physical or mental disability	£267,340 to £344,150

For more information about your bus accident compensation prospects, you can view our compensation calculator or call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser.

Can I claim bus accident compensation using no win no fee?

Yes, if you may be entitled to make a bus or coach accident compensation claim, you can do so using a no win no fee agreement, also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA). That means you will not have to pay any legal or solicitor fees if your claim is unsuccessful.

However, if you win the case, your solicitor will take a percentage of your compensation as their fee. This success fee will be agreed upon before they start working on your case and cannot exceed 25% of your settlement.

What to do if you get injured in an accident involving a bus

If you suffered an injury in a bus accident, any supporting evidence you can provide could help secure bus accident compensation at a later time. Here is a checklist of things you may need to do, both at the scene and later:

At the scene:

Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver.
Get the bus driver’s name, driver number and their employer’s information.
Record the year, make, model, and license plate of all vehicles involved.
Take clear photos of the vehicles, damage, your injuries and the accident scene.
Ask for the names and contact information of witnesses.
Report the accident to the police and ask for a copy of their report.

After the accident:

Seek prompt medical care if you didn’t need an ambulance at the scene.
Try to secure dashcam or CCTV footage of the accident from the bus.
Keep a journal to record your recovery and the impact on your life.
Keep records of all the expenses and financial losses you incurred as a result.

Common types of bus and coach accidents

Like all road traffic accidents, bus or coach accidents can happen for many reasons, including driver error, negligence from other road users or poor maintenance. The most common types of bus accident compensation claims include:

Bus accidents involving other vehicles

These involve collisions with cars, lorries, motorcycles or other vehicles. They can be due to a variety of factors, including driver error, speeding, distracted driving or other types of negligence.

Bus accidents involving pedestrians

Bus accidents involving pedestrians often occur when bus drivers break traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield at a crossing. Even if you were partially at fault, such as crossing the road without looking both ways or not using a marked crossing, you may still make a claim for compensation.

Bus accidents caused by poor road conditions

Bus accidents can also be due to poor road conditions, such as potholes on the road, missing road markings or inadequate lighting. In such cases, the local council or highway authority may be liable for compensation in a bus or coach accident claim.

School bus accidents

These involve children being injured due to driver error, poor road conditions or the negligence of other road users. If your child has been injured in an accident involving a school bus, you could make a claim on their behalf as a litigation friend.

Accidents caused by poorly maintained buses

Poorly maintained buses can be hazardous to passengers, drivers, and other road users. Common causes of accidents include mechanical failure, faulty brakes, worn tyres, malfunctioning steering systems, and suspension problems.

Accidents involving passengers on a bus

Bus passengers may be injured if the vehicle stops suddenly, takes a sharp turn or is involved in a collision. Broken chairs, poorly maintained aisles, or a lack of handrails can also lead to accidents and injuries.

Common injuries in bus accidents

Injuries from bus accidents can vary in severity and type, from minor cuts and bruises to severe head trauma or crush injuries. The most common injuries seen in bus accident compensation claims include:

Soft tissue injuries – Include sprains and strains, contusions, haematomas and muscle tears caused by a sudden impact or movement, such as a slip, trip and fall on a bus.
Back injuries – These can range from strains and sprains to more severe damage, such as herniated discs or fractures, resulting in permanent disability.
Head injuries – They include concussions, skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries causing headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, or long-term impairments.
Broken bones – Any bone in the body can be fractured in a bus accident, but the most commonly broken bones are in the arms, legs, and ribs.
Laceration injuries – These can result from broken seats or impact trauma, and they could cause permanent scarring.
Emotional trauma – Bus accidents can be traumatic and result in psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Can you claim for whiplash on a bus?

Yes, if you have suffered a whiplash injury in a bus accident that wasn’t your fault, you could make a personal injury compensation claim.

For road traffic accidents occurring on or after 31 May 2025, the tariff for whiplash injuries is fixed between £275 and £4,975, depending on the duration of the injury and whether there is a minor psychological injury. It is important to seek medical attention and consult with a road accident solicitor who can advise you on your legal options.

Can I claim for a bus accident abroad?

Yes, you may be able to claim for a bus accident that occurred abroad. However, the process may be different from claiming for a bus accident that happened in the UK.

It is recommended to seek legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in international personal injury claims to help you navigate the process. The laws and regulations of the country where the accident occurred will determine the requirements and limitations for making a claim.

If you want to start a bus injury claim or find out more about the claims process, feel free to call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back. A friendly legal adviser will offer you a free initial consultation, with no obligation to proceed.

Last edited on 16th Apr 2026

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.