Have you been injured in a bus accident? Hire an experienced Pennsylvania bus accident lawyer to fight for your rights!
If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, each experienced bus accident attorney at Kitay Law Offices is on your side. We are your experienced PA personal injury attorneys for public transit, school buses, charters, and more. We’ll take on the bus companies and insurers to demand the justice and compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
Count on us as your trusted Pennsylvania personal injury law firm. We’ve served PA for over 30 years and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact us to schedule your free, confidential, no-obligation case evaluation. Fill out our online form or call 888-KITAYLAW. We are The Law Firm With a Heart and are here for you 24/7.
KITAY LAW OFFICES
HAS BEEN FEATURED IN:
SKIP TO CONTENT:
- Strong Legal Representation for Your Bus Injury Case
- Types of Vehicles in Bus Crash Cases
- Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?
- Role of Bus Companies in Crashes
- Common Causes of Bus Accidents
- Steps We Take for Your Justice & Compensation
- Common Bus Accident Injuries
- Fatal Bus Accident Cases
- Filing Your Bus Accident Injury Claim
- Don’t Miss The Deadline to File Your Claim
- Our Attorney Contingency Fees
- What To Do After a Bus Accident
- Our Locations: Contact Us
- FAQs about Bus Injury Cases
- Helpful Resources
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Choose Strong Legal Representation for Your
Bus Accident Injury Case in PA
In 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recorded 268 commercial bus crashes with injuries and 141 school bus crashes with injuries.[1] Bus accidents are very different from other types of personal injury cases. A bus accident is a type of traffic accident, but it often involves more complex legal and injury issues due to the number of people affected and the severity of potential injuries.
Our team of bus accident attorneys in Pennsylvania represents clients who have been injured by:
- Negligent bus companies
- Negligent bus drivers
- Third-party drivers of other vehicles involved in a bus crash
We frequently represent bus passengers, who are especially vulnerable in these incidents and may face significant injury risks.
We also compassionately work side by side with families who have lost a loved one in a fatal bus accident. Our bus crash lawyers will pursue a wrongful death claim for those dealing with tragedy.
We will demand justice and help recover compensation from the bus companies, their insurers, and from any other parties involved. You deserve to be made whole in the eyes of the law. Our job is to help make that happen for you.
Call us 24/7 at 888-KITAYLAW. Begin the conversation with our experienced Pennsylvania bus accident injury lawyers. Schedule your free consultation. It’s confidential, and there’s no obligation.
Types of Vehicles Involved in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents in Pennsylvania can involve a wide range of vehicles, from public transit and school buses to charter coaches. Some of the most common vehicles involved in bus-related injury cases include:
- Public Transit Buses – including SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) buses in Philadelphia and surrounding counties, other city-operated or municipal transit buses, and city buses
- School Buses – operated by public school districts or private school bus contractors. These cases may involve both student passengers and other motorists
- Charter Buses and Tour Buses – Privately operated motorcoaches used for tours, sporting events, or private group travel
- Intercity Buses – The major players in and around Pennsylvania include Greyhound, Megabus, Martz Trailways, and Fullington Trailways. There are also several bus companies connecting Pennsylvania cities with out-of-state locations
- Shuttle Buses – these would include airport shuttles like those taken to and from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), along with hotel, hospital, and college campus shuttles
- Casino Buses – whether it’s the Parx Casino in Bensalem, the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, or a trip to Atlantic City, NJ, casino buses are equally vulnerable to crashes with injuries
- Paratransit and Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) Buses – these vehicles transport individuals with disabilities or medical needs
- Party Buses and Limousine Buses – often hired for events like weddings, proms, wine tasting, or nightlife transportation
Buses carry large numbers of passengers, which increases the risk and potential severity of injuries when an accident occurs.
Who Is at Fault? Liability in Bus Accident Lawsuits
Bus accidents often raise tough questions about liability. Responsibility for the crash and your injuries may fall on multiple parties, including a bus driver’s negligence, bus companies, maintenance contractors, a bus owner, government entities operating public transit, or even a bus manufacturer if a defect contributed to the accident.
Determining who is legally responsible requires a thorough investigation and knowledge of Pennsylvania’s specific laws governing bus operations and personal injury claims.
At Kitay Law Offices, our experienced bus accident lawyers will help identify all liable parties. We’ll work to hold them accountable so that you and your loved ones can get the justice and compensation you deserve.
The Role of Bus Companies in Pennsylvania Bus Accidents
Bus companies have a critical responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and the public. In Pennsylvania, these companies must maintain their vehicles, properly train their bus drivers, and comply with all state and federal safety regulations.
Unfortunately, not all bus companies meet these standards. When profits are prioritized over safety, the risk of bus accidents increases, putting countless lives at risk.
Our attorneys have extensive experience investigating commercial vehicle and bus company negligence. We examine maintenance records, driver training programs, and company safety protocols to determine if a bus company’s actions — or lack thereof — contributed to a crash.
If you’ve been affected by a bus accident, let us help you uncover the truth and pursue the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
If you have been injured in a crash, our bus accident law firm in PA will help determine the cause. This is an important step in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Nearly all cases we handle involve some form of negligence: when a bus driver or company owes you a legal duty of care and safety, but violates or ignores that duty.
Buses are considered common carriers, which means they transport passengers for a fee and are held to a heightened duty of care under the law. As common carriers, bus companies and drivers must comply with strict regulations and ensure passenger safety at all times. Compliance with traffic laws is essential for preventing bus accidents and protecting everyone on the road.
Some of the most common contributors to bus accidents with injuries include:
- Bus Driver Negligence – Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting controls), fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel, speeding or reckless driving, and ignoring traffic signals all come into play here.
- Inadequate Bus Driver Training – Bus companies must properly train drivers to operate large, complex vehicles, and every bus driver must carry a commercial license where required.
- Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance – When buses aren’t regularly inspected and repaired, serious malfunctions can occur. Brake failure and tire blowouts are a few examples that can contribute to accidents.
- Defective Bus Parts and Equipment – Sometimes, bus accidents happen due to manufacturing defects like faulty brakes or steering components, tire defects, broken emergency exits, or seat belts that are missing or defective.
- Dangerous Weather and Road Conditions – Pennsylvania’s weather poses unique challenges for buses. Accidents often result from rain, ice, snow, or fog reducing traction and visibility. Potholes, uneven roads, or missing signage may also contribute to accidents.
- Negligent Other Drivers – Bus accidents aren’t always the bus driver’s fault. Other drivers often contribute by cutting off buses, speeding or weaving through traffic, running red lights or stop signs, and similar actions.
- Bus Company Negligence – Bus operators and companies may be legally responsible if they skip required maintenance checks, push bus drivers to work beyond legal hours, or hire unqualified or high-risk drivers.
- Boarding and Exiting Injuries – Not all bus-related injuries happen on the road. Passengers may also get hurt when slipping, tripping, or falling while getting on or off the bus, or when a bus moves before all passengers are safely seated.
No matter the cause of the bus accident, you deserve a skilled and licensed team of Pennsylvania bus accident lawyers who know the law, will explain your rights, and will fight to obtain the best possible result during this difficult time.
Call on our team 24/7 to schedule a free case evaluation and get your important questions answered.
Our Bus Accident Lawyers in PA Fight for Your Justice & Compensation
Bus accidents can result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. Fatal injuries can also occur, leading to wrongful death claims. In many cases, bus accidents cause more serious injuries than other types of accidents due to the size and weight of buses.
A serious bus accident can have a devastating impact on bus accident victims and their families, making it crucial to have experienced legal representation.
Kitay Law Offices has been helping Pennsylvania accident victims win cases for over 30 years, recovering millions of dollars for our clients and their loved ones. If you are seeking compensation for your injuries, our team can help.
As your Pennsylvania bus accident lawyers, we’ll represent you and demand that those responsible for your injuries provide compensation for:
- Medical Costs and Medical Bills – coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and related healthcare expenses
- Income Loss – compensation for wages or salary missed as a result of injury
- Reduced Earning Capacity – financial recovery if injuries limit future job opportunities or career potential
- Physical and Emotional Distress – damages for chronic pain, emotional suffering, and diminished quality of life
- Loss of Consortium – compensation when a loved one is fatally injured or suffers life-altering harm from a bus crash that impacts the quality of your relationship
- Punitive Damages – awarded in cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior leading to serious injury or death
Obtaining a fair settlement is essential for accident victims to ensure they are fully compensated for their losses.
Our PA bus accident law firm has recovered millions of dollars for our injured clients and their families. We’ll work hard to protect your rights and demand maximum compensation after a bus crash.
Our Clients Deal With These Common Bus Accident Injuries
Bus passengers are especially vulnerable to injuries, given their exposure during transit and the legal responsibilities of bus operators to protect them.
These injuries can affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially, making it essential to pursue a full and fair personal injury claim.
Common Injuries in Pennsylvania Bus Accidents Include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Concussions, skull fractures, and long-term cognitive impairments are common, and traumatic brain injury can be especially severe and life-altering for bus passengers.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, paralysis, or chronic back pain.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis caused by impact or ejection.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, and torn ligaments.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other hidden trauma.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Deep wounds from broken glass or sharp surfaces.
- Emotional Injuries: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and emotional distress related to the accident.
Fatal Bus Accident Cases
If a bus accident has resulted in the death of your loved one, our hearts go out to you. In these circumstances, the estate can still pursue a claim. This is called a “Survival Action.”
Surviving family members are entitled to receive compensation if a bus accident causes the death of a loved one. Known as a “wrongful death” claim, these are governed by special sections of Pennsylvania law.[2] It is important to note that wrongful death claims must be filed within a specific period after the accident occurred to protect your legal rights.
We are here to help throughout your complex bus accident claim. Don’t go it alone. Call our team 24/7. We’ll answer your questions, file all necessary legal documents, speak with the insurance companies, and negotiate the very best bus accident settlement possible.
LEARN MORE: Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Lawyers
Trust Our PA Bus Accident Attorneys to File Your Personal Injury Claim
Bus accident claims are very complex since they may involve multiple drivers, passengers, insurance companies, federal safety regulations, causes, and jurisdictions. Both state and federal laws must be accounted for. You need a qualified bus accident attorney who understands the law. But it goes much further than this.
Count on each skilled Pennsylvania bus accident lawyer at Kitay Law Offices to take these action when needed:
- Recognize and counter insurance adjuster tactics that minimize bus accident claims
- Work with qualified experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and bus safety professionals, to support your bus accident case
- Interview witnesses and secure their statements
- Capture photos and videos of the bus accident scene and the surrounding conditions
- Review available traffic camera, dashcam, or onboard bus camera footage
- Carefully examine police reports, transit authority reports, and incident logs for accuracy and inconsistencies
- Analyze medical records to clearly connect your injuries to the bus accident
- Demand that all responsible parties preserve critical evidence, including maintenance and inspection records
- Obtain alcohol and drug testing results for bus drivers involved in the crash
- Secure electronic data from the bus’s onboard systems, such as GPS logs, onboard event recorders, and driver behavior monitoring systems
A compassionate and experienced bus accident attorney at Kitay Law Offices will effectively investigate your case. We’ll work to gather the evidence that will support your claim and help obtain the best result possible.
Deadline to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in PA
For most bus and commercial vehicle accidents, you have two years to file a lawsuit and sue for your injuries in Pennsylvania. This is the official statute of limitations for bus accidents under Pennsylvania law.[3] However, if the bus is owned or operated by a government entity, you also must comply with a 6-month deadline to notify the Pennsylvania Attorney General of your claim. [4] The notice must include the following information:
- Name and Address of Claimant: The individual to whom the cause of action applies.
- Name and Address of Injured Party: The person who sustained the injury.
- Date and Time of Accident: When the incident occurred.
- Accident Location: The approximate place where the accident happened.
- Physician Details: Name and address (residence or office) of the attending doctor.
If you do not file a lawsuit or provide notice for your bus accident claim within that time, in many circumstances, you will forfeit the opportunity to collect any compensation from those responsible for injuring you.
Don’t wait to have your case evaluated. Call Kitay Law Offices today for a free consultation at 888-KITAYLAW.
What Does It Cost to Hire a PA Bus Accident Lawyer? Contingency Fee Explained
Each attorney or bus accident law firm in Pennsylvania may have its own way of earning a fee for its services. At Kitay Law Offices, our bus crash attorneys never charge you by the hour for your bus accident case. Instead, we work on contingency. That’s the popular “No Win, No Fee” model.
Simply put: we don’t earn a fee unless you receive an accident settlement or verdict in your favor. You can be certain that our experienced bus accident injury lawyers will work hard to obtain the best possible result in your case.
Contact us for a free consultation today! You can reach us online or at 888-KITAYLAW.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Pennsylvania
After a bus accident, you may be severely injured, scared, and disoriented. Once you leave the scene of the bus accident and you obtain medical treatment, you’ll need to know what to do next.
These steps can protect your rights and contribute to the success of your bus injury case:
- Contact an experienced bus accident lawyer for legal representation
- Do not sign documents or speak publicly about your injuries until you get legal advice
- Document all injuries
- Track your expenses
- Follow your medical treatment plan
Taking the above steps can significantly help your bus accident case and typically increases your ability to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
For immediate help, contact the experienced bus accident lawyers of Kitay Law Offices at 888-KITAYLAW or online for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Injury Cases
The timeline for a Pennsylvania bus accident settlement can vary widely. Straightforward cases may resolve in as little as a few months if liability is clear and injuries are well documented.
More complex claims – such as those involving government agencies like SEPTA or school districts – may take 12 to 24 months or longer.
Pennsylvania law requires a six-month notice for claims against public entities, which can delay the process.[5].
Factors like the severity of injuries, insurance disputes, and whether a lawsuit is filed all affect timing. Our experienced Pennsylvania bus accident lawyers can help move your case forward while ensuring full compensation isn’t sacrificed for speed.
Yes, Pennsylvania law allows you to pursue a personal injury or property damage claim if a school bus hits your vehicle. School buses are often operated by public school districts or private contractors.
If the bus is publicly owned, you’ll need to follow legal timelines. Working with an experienced lawyer for bus accidents is highly recommended for getting the best possible result in these circumstances.
In general, you should not accept the first settlement offer without consulting an experienced Pennsylvania bus accident lawyer. Insurance companies often start with lowball offers that don’t fully account for long-term medical costs, lost earnings, or pain and suffering.
This is especially true in bus accident cases where liability may involve public transit agencies or school districts, both of which have legal teams aiming to minimize payouts.
The Pennsylvania bus accident attorneys at Kitay Law Offices can accurately assess your claim’s value, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to court if necessary to secure fair compensation.
Yes, Pennsylvania law allows individuals injured while standing at a bus stop or inside a transit terminal to file a claim if negligence is involved. For example, if a bus veers off course and hits a pedestrian waiting at a stop, or if poorly maintained terminal conditions cause a slip-and-fall injury, you may be eligible for compensation.
