Bus Accident Claims

Bus travel is a popular way to get around but unfortunately, bus accidents are a regular occurrence and can often mean serious injuries for victims. If you have been injured in an accident involving a bus, talk to us about bus passenger accident claims, we are here to help you.

To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team on 0800 342 3206. Alternatively,  email newclaims@jefferiessolicitors.com 

If you are not to blame for the accident, there are several different types of claims you could make:

• Against the bus company that failed to ensure its drivers were driving safely.
• A claim can be brought against a manufacturer of faulty parts belonging to a bus.
• Other drivers involved in the accident who were driving recklessly can also be responsible for bus accidents.
• Pedestrians walking near buses when they crash may also seek personal injury compensation.

Older people often use a bus as their main form of transport. It is therefore unsurprising that the majority of bus injury claims are made by people over the age of 55. Overcrowding on buses is a common cause of injury, particularly when buses are navigating bends and sharp turnings.

There are also accidents that occur on school buses where children are hurt in a crash during travel to and from school or on school trips, for example. Please contact us on 0800 342 3206 to discuss your child’s case.

Common injuries sustained in a bus passenger accident claim

• Head injuries and brain injuries (TBI – Traumatic Brain Injuries)
• Accidents involving all 4 limbs (arms and legs)
• Injuries to the vertebral column
• Fractures and broken bones
• Scarring

IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS-FOLLOW THESE STEPS

If you have been involved in an injury involving a bus, there are a number of steps you should take.

1. Get yourself to a safe area. Exchange contact details with the bus driver, and make a note of the bus number and route, like you would in any other kind of road traffic accident.
2. If there were any witnesses to your accident, try to gather their details.
3. After leaving the scene of the accident, visit your GP, or if your injuries are serious, go to A&E.
4. Next, make sure you report your accident to the police and the bus company.
5. Following your accident, keep a record of the costs you have incurred as a result of your injury by keeping receipts. If you take legal action, you may be able to claim these expenses back.

Your right to seek compensation for bus accident claims

Bus companies have a duty of care to their passengers. If a bus company breaches this duty resulting in you suffering an injury, you have the right to seek compensation. If your accident has rendered you unable to continue with your job, you may be able to pursue a claim for loss of earnings. You can also claim back the money you have spent on other expenses. These may include the cost of travelling to and from medical appointments or the cost of any medical equipment you have had to pay for.

Medical evidence and documentation will be required to make your case. Your solicitor will apply to access your medical records as part of your personal injury claim. If you have any photographs of the injuries or the accident scene then these can also be useful.

We recently helped a client claim compensation after an accident on a bus. Read more here.

HOW DOES THE CLAIMS PROCESS WORK?

At Jefferies Solicitors, once we have carried out an initial consultation, we will take care of the paperwork required to get your case underway.

A letter will be sent to you following an initial consultation with your solicitor. It will highlight who will be your contact and estimate how long the process will take. The letter will also detail how you will be funding the case and an estimate of costs. If you need to provide any further information this will also be included.

A letter will then be sent to the defendant, providing details of the accident. The defendant has a fixed period in which they can reply and in their reply, they must state whether or not they are denying or accepting liability for your injuries. If they do accept liability, your solicitor will endeavour to settle the case out of court.

AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION IN A BUS PASSENGER CLAIM

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. The amount of compensation that is awarded is determined by looking at general damages and special damages.

GENERAL DAMAGES

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused is the main factor that is used to determine how much compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that outlines the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity.

Our compensation calculator gives an indication of how much you might be entitled to based on your injuries. Jefferies Solicitors will take these different details relating to your injury into account when calculating how much compensation you should be awarded, which will then be put forward to the opposing side and the judge.

SPECIAL DAMAGES

However, compensation also takes into account any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries, such as a loss of earnings due to being unable to return to work. If you have had to pay for treatment or travel to treatment, compensation may also be able to cover this as well. Therefore, you should keep any receipts or other documents that help to outline the extent of your financial losses, as caused by your accident/injuries.

start your bus passenger accident claim today

Jefferies Solicitors are experts in dealing with all kinds of road traffic accidents including bus accident claims.

Starting the process of your bus passenger accident claim is not as daunting as it may sound. Initially, a telephone call will allow us to assess your case. If we believe you have a potential claim for bus injury compensation, our experts will handle your case from there. We’re here to advise and answer any questions you may have about the legal process, from start to finish.

To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team on 0800 342 3206. Alternatively,  complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.

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