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.

  • Get free impartial advice with no obligation
  • A risk-free, No Win No Fee service
  • Experienced solicitors available nationwide

We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

bus accident header image

Bus Accident Claims

Bus accidents can be devastating and lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. If you have been the victim of an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to start a bus accident claim. Bus accident compensation can cover many losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering.

At InjuryClaims.co.uk, the specialist personal injury solicitors that we work in partnership with handle all cases on a No Win No Fee* basis, meaning you can make a bus injury claim with no upfront costs and without undertaking any financial risks.

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 assist you in gathering evidence and negotiating a settlement with the responsible party. If you want to pursue compensation, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible, as there are time limits on making a claim.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

Callback form overlay Icon

    By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

    Who can make a claim following a bus accident?

    Bus accidents are unfortunately more common than you may think, but this does not mean that victims have to suffer in silence. Anyone involved in a bus accident due to someone else’s negligence has the legal right to make a personal injury claim. That can help them get the compensation they deserve for their injuries and any related losses.

    All bus operators have to ensure the safety of their passengers and prevent potential risks of injury during bus rides. If they have failed to fulfil their duty and you have been injured as a result, you may have a valid bus accident claim for compensation.

    For instance, if the bus you were travelling in collided with another vehicle, you may be able to claim against the party who was at fault. If the other driver acted negligently, their insurer would be responsible for paying your compensation. If the accident was due to the bus driver’s negligence, your claim would be against the bus company and their insurer.

    Besides crashes with other vehicles, bus passengers could also claim bus accident compensation if they were injured due to reckless driving or a poorly maintained vehicle. Examples include being thrown from your seat due to the bus driver’s dangerous driving or tripping because of a floor defect.

    Bus accidents can affect not only bus passengers but also other road users, including:

    • Pedestrians hit while crossing the street
    • Drivers of other vehicles involved in a collision with a bus
    • Cyclists or motorcyclists knocked off their bikes by a bus

    Anyone who has suffered an injury due to a bus accident could be eligible to make a compensation claim. This includes bus drivers injured due to the negligence of another road user, a violent passenger or a breach of duty on their employer’s part.

    What to do if you get injured on 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:

    • Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident;
    • Get the bus driver’s name and driver number and their employer’s information;
    • Record the year, make, model, and license plate information of all involved vehicles;
    • Take pictures of all vehicles, their damage, any injuries you sustained and the accident scene;
    • Try to secure CCTV footage of the accident, as most buses nowadays have security cameras on board;
    • Secure contact information of other passengers and witnesses so you (or your solicitor) can get written or recorded statements from them later;
    • Get medical treatment for any injuries you suffered, either by calling an ambulance at the scene of the accident or attending A&E, your GP surgery or a minor
    • injuries unit. A copy of your medical records will serve as essential proof if you start a bus injury claim;
    • Inform the authorities about your bus accident and get a copy of the police report;
    • Keep a written diary or journal to record how the accident happened, your injuries, treatment, and recovery;
    • Keep records of all the expenses and financial losses you incurred due to the accident, including your bus ticket or pass.

    If you are unsure how to do this, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. They can let you know whether you have a valid bus accident claim and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

    Common causes of bus accidents

    As with all road traffic accidents, there are many possible causes for accidents involving buses. They may be due to speeding, loss of concentration or aggressive driving on the part of the bus driver. Alternatively, they may be due to the negligence of other road users or a poorly maintained bus or public road.

    Regardless of what causes the accident, if you or a family member suffered an injury and somebody else was at fault, you should be able to make a bus accident claim and recover compensation for the injuries sustained. Some of the most common causes that lead to litigation are detailed below:

    Bus accidents involving other vehicles

    These can be due to a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, or road conditions. In some cases, other drivers may be at fault for the accident, such as if they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if they failed to obey traffic laws.

    In other cases, the bus driver or bus company may be responsible for the accident due to negligence, such as failing to train their drivers adequately. Bus accidents involving other vehicles can result in severe injuries and property damage and may entitle you to make a bus accident claim.

    Bus accidents involving pedestrians

    Bus accidents involving pedestrians can be extremely dangerous and cause severe injuries or even death. Bus drivers may violate traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield at a crossing, resulting in injury to pedestrians. Poor visibility due to weather conditions, such as rain or fog, or obstructed views, such as overgrown trees or parked cars, can also increase the danger to pedestrians.

    Pedestrians may also cross the street without looking both ways or walk in areas not designated for them, causing a collision with a bus. If you suffered an injury and related losses as a pedestrian due to the negligence of a bus driver or another party, you might be entitled to compensation. That may even apply if you were partially at fault for the accident, such as crossing the street without looking for income traffic.

    Bus accidents caused by poor road conditions

    Bus accidents can also be due to poor road conditions, which may include:

    • Potholes on the road can cause a bus driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in an accident;
    • Uneven or poorly maintained road surfaces can cause a bus to bounce or sway, leading to a loss of control;
    • Lack of road markings, making it hard to navigate the road safely, particularly in adverse weather conditions;
    • Inadequate lighting on the road can make it difficult for bus drivers to see pedestrians, other vehicles, and obstacles, increasing the risk of an accident;
    • Construction sites on or near the road can create hazards for bus drivers, such as debris, uneven surfaces, and reduced visibility.

    Highway authorities must properly maintain road conditions to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users. If they have failed in their duty of care towards you, you might be able to start a bus injury claim.

    School bus accidents

    Such accidents can occur for various reasons, such as driver error, poor weather conditions, mechanical failure, or the negligence of other road users. To ensure the safety of children during the ride, school buses must adhere to high safety standards. Negligence can take multiple forms, including failure to hire a competent bus driver, inadequate driver training, and failure to conduct required inspections and repairs on the bus.

    If your child has been injured while on a school bus without being at fault, you should be able to claim compensation on their behalf. Failing that, they can also make a bus accident claim once they turn 18 and would have until their 21st birthday to do so.

    Poorly maintained buses

    Poorly maintained buses can be hazardous to passengers, drivers, and other individuals on the road. Common causes of accidents include mechanical failure, faulty brakes, worn-out tires, malfunctioning steering systems, and problems with suspensions. Additionally, lack of proper maintenance and inspection can lead to other hazards such as loose seats, damaged or missing handrails, or faulty emergency exits, which can increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

    If these or other types of negligence caused you to suffer an injury, you might be entitled to bus accident compensation. For a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back today to discuss your situation with a friendly legal adviser.

    Bus operators and drivers have various legal responsibilities, including:

    • Ensuring the safety of passengers. This includes adequately maintaining the bus, providing proper safety equipment, such as seat belts, taking steps to prevent overcrowding and other unsafe conditions, and following all relevant safety regulations.
    • Following traffic laws. Bus drivers must obey all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits, traffic signals, and lane restrictions. Failure to do so can result in accidents and injuries.
    • Conducting regular maintenance and inspections of their vehicles to ensure they are in safe operating condition. They must also promptly address any issues or defects discovered during these inspections.
    • Reporting accidents. Bus operators and drivers are required to report any accidents involving their bus to the appropriate authorities, such as the police.
    • Cooperating with authorities investigating accidents or incidents involving their bus. This may include providing information, testimony, or evidence relevant to the investigation.
    • Complying with any applicable laws. Ensure that all specifications set out by the Ministry of Transportation, the Road Traffic Act 1988 and any other related legislative components are upheld.
    • Hiring and training competent drivers. Bus operators must ensure that their drivers are properly trained and licensed and that they have the necessary skills to operate a bus safely.
    • Keeping accurate records of their vehicles, drivers, and maintenance schedules, as well as any accidents or incidents that occur.

    Bus operators and drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and ensure the well-being of their passengers. Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in legal liability for any resulting injuries or damages in a bus accident claim.

    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 through the contact form here or by calling 0800 470 0474, completely free of charge. You are under no obligation to proceed after having your claim assessed. Furthermore, you are free to ask as many questions as you like about the claims process or the services provided.

    If you meet the criteria and you would like to pursue your legal right to claim compensation, your solicitor will fight your corner every step of the way. They will work hard to ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

    The first thing they will do is help you identify the liable party in your bus injury claim. Depending on the details of the accident, this could be:

    • The bus driver, if they violated traffic laws or acted negligently, such as by using their phone while driving. In some cases, the driver’s employer may also be held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability.
    • The bus company, if they have failed to properly maintain the bus 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 adequately service a bus.
    • Another driver or road user, if their actions caused a bus accident to occur.

    After assessing liability, your solicitor will help you gather evidence to prove a breach of duty and the damages you suffered (detailed in the section above). They will afterwards send a claim notification form to the other party and inform them of your intentions to pursue compensation. 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.

    Common injuries in bus accidents

    Common injuries in bus accidents can vary in severity and type, depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common injuries for which you could claim bus accident compensation include:

    Soft tissue injuries

    Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can become damaged when you experience a sudden impact or movement, such as during a collision or a trip or fall on a bus. Examples of soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains, contusions, haematomas and muscle tears.

    Back injuries

    Back injuries can range from strains and sprains to more severe damage, such as herniated discs or fractures. Spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening and cause permanent disability, resulting in loss of sensation or movement below the injury site. If you are experiencing back pain or other symptoms after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

    Head injuries

    A sudden jolt or impact during a collision can cause the head to hit a hard surface, such as a window, seat, or floor of the bus. This may result in head injuries like concussions, skull fractures or brain trauma. Head injury symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, nausea or vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Severe trauma can also lead to long-term complications such as cognitive impairments and physical disabilities.

    Broken bones

    Any bone in the body can be broken in a bus accident, but the most commonly broken bones are in the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can range from minor fractures to more severe ones that need surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. Broken bones can have a significant impact on your quality of life and ability to work. If someone else caused your injury, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages.

    Cuts and bruises

    Curts and bruises are a danger in any type of accident and can range from minor to severe, depending on the situation and the force of the impact. In some cases, cuts and bruises may be a sign of more severe injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage. Thus, it is vital to seek medical attention following a bus accident, even if your injuries appear to be minor.

    Emotional trauma

    Bus accidents can be traumatic and result in psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can significantly impact your mental health and well-being, and you may need ongoing treatment and support. Victims may also experience fear or anxiety about riding on buses or other forms of transportation in the future.

    Can you claim for whiplash on a bus?

    Yes, if you have suffered whiplash in a bus accident caused by someone else, you may be able to claim compensation. Whiplash is a common injury that can occur when the head and neck are suddenly jolted back and forth. It can happen in any type of motor vehicle accident, including bus accidents.

    According to the new regulations, the compensation awards for whiplash are fixed between £240 and £4,345 and divided into whiplash with psychological injury and without psychological trauma. It is important to seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury solicitor who can advise you on your legal options.

    If you suffered any type of physical or psychological harm due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to make a bus accident claim for compensation.

    How much compensation am I entitled to claim?

    Following a bus accident, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for any pain and suffering caused by your injuries. If you have been left out of pocket following your accident, you can also claim compensation for these losses, known as special damages. For example, this may include:

    • Lost wages from having to take time off work
    • Travel expenses, if you had to pay for taxis to get to and from hospital appointments
    • The cost of immediate and long-term medical treatments to aid your recovery
    • Any necessary adaptations to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability
    • The cost of care and assistance during recovery

    Bus accidents can result in various injuries, including head trauma, spinal injuries, whiplash, fractures, deep cuts and lacerations, internal injuries, sprains, concussions and so on. The amount of bus accident compensation you are entitled to will depend on the following:

    • The type of injury you have suffered
    • How long the injury lasted
    • Whether it has caused ongoing or permanent symptoms
    • The impact that this has had on your life and loved ones
    • The circumstances of your accident
    • The financial losses and expenses you have incurred

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

    • £10,750 to £20,900 for soft tissue damage or a broken wrist causing some degree of permanent disability
    • Up to £6,730 for a mild shoulder injury, such as soft tissue damage, with full recovery between 3 to 24 months
    • £56,100 to £139,210 for a severe neck injury such as fractures or disc damage resulting in permanent and significant disability
    • £1,880 to £10,890 for a minor head injury without significant brain damage
    • £205,580 to £264,650 for a very severe brain injury that causes a permanent physical or mental disability
    • £12,510 to £38,780 for a moderate back injury, such as ligament or soft tissue damage causing constant pain and discomfort
    • £15,320 to £46,780 for moderate leg injuries that range from minor to compound fractures and cause some degree of instability and mobility issues

    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.

    Are there any time limits when making a claim?

    If you have been injured in a bus accident, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is essential. In most cases, you have a time limit of three years from the date of the accident to make a bus accident claim.

    If an injury such as whiplash does not become immediately apparent, the three-year limitation period begins on the date the injury is diagnosed, known as the date of knowledge. There are several other exceptions to the limitation period:

    • For children that sustain injuries, the three-year period begins on the date they turn 18 years old. Before that, a parent or legal guardian could pursue compensation on their behalf at any point, regardless of the time of the accident.
    • The time limit is suspended indefinitely if the claimant lacks the mental capacity to claim bus accident compensation. The three years would only start to run if they regained their mental capacity.
    • If a loved one has passed away as a result of a bus accident, you typically have a three-year time limit from the date of their death to claim compensation.
    • 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 and the local laws that govern the claims process. The time limit could be much shorter than three years in these cases.

    Once this time limit has passed, the injured party would no longer be eligible to start a bus accident claim against the bus company or whoever was at fault for their injuries. Thus, contacting a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible is essential to ensure you do not miss any crucial deadlines.

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

    Yes, you can claim bus accident compensation 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.

    The percentage of your compensation that your solicitor can take will be agreed upon before they start working on your case. This is known as a success fee and is capped at 25% of your settlement by the Ministry of Justice.

    At the beginning of your bus accident claim, your solicitor will also secure After the Event (ATE) insurance to cover the cost of legal action. With ATE insurance, if your case is unsuccessful, you do not have to cover legal costs, such as court fees and the defendant’s solicitor. Furthermore, you only have to pay the insurance premium if you win compensation.

    No win no fee arrangements are the best option for those who may not have the financial means to pay for legal fees upfront. It can also provide peace of mind in knowing that you will not be left with a hefty bill if your case is unsuccessful.

    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 had a bus accident while abroad, it is important to seek medical attention and contact the local authorities to report the accident. You should also gather evidence of the accident, such as photographs and contact information for witnesses.

    You should also keep any documents and correspondence related to your accident and receipts of related expenses. Based on your statement and the available evidence, your solicitor will be able to assign liability and build a strong bus accident claim to ensure you receive compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses.

    In some cases, it may be possible to start a claim in the UK, while in other circumstances, it may be necessary to claim in the country where the bus company or tour operator is based. Again, the process can be complex, and the time limit to pursue compensation may vary depending on the country where the accident occurred. It is crucial to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as possible after the accident.

    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. Alternatively, you can enter your details into the contact form below to receive a call back. A friendly legal adviser will offer you a free initial consultation, with no obligation to proceed.