Bus Accident Claims

If you are involved in an accident while a passenger on a bus or coach, whatever the nature of your accident, you are able to make a claim to compensate for the pain and suffering caused. The expert team at JMW is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve and we will support you throughout the process.

Find out more about how we can help with your bus accident claim by getting in touch today. Simply call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form, and we will give you a call back. We can talk you through the next steps and provide you with all the information you need to start your claim.

How JMW Can Help

At JMW, we have an extensive history in dealing with road traffic accidents, including those involving coaches or buses. We will make sure you understand the public transport accident claim process from beginning to end, and will be there with you every step of the way, keeping you up to date on your claim.

We can help you secure the appropriate compensation award that will help you meet any costs you have incurred following your accident. What's more, we work on a no win, no fee basis, which means that making a claim with us is a completely risk-free process.

After an accident, your recovery should be the priority and our goal is always to make sure that you receive an outstanding service that will allow you to focus on getting better, without any stress or worry.

How Do I Claim After a Bus Accident?

To start your claim, simply call us for a no-obligation consultation over the phone. We will discuss your situation and outline your chances of claiming bus accident compensation.

No matter the severity of your injuries, making a compensation claim after an accident can be both important and beneficial. The compensation you receive will not only make up for the injury and discomfort you have suffered as the result of someone else's negligence. It will also help you to meet any costs caused by the accident, such as:

• Medical treatment
• Loss of earnings as a result of any time off work you may have needed
• Care and assistance provided by loved ones or friends
• Travel expenses following the accident
• Damaged items, such as clothing and personal property

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Bus Accident Claim?

In a bus accident claim, as in all personal injury cases, you need to prove that the other party was at fault or negligent and that this negligence directly led to your injuries. To establish negligence in a bus accident claim, you typically need to demonstrate the following:

• Duty of care: you must first show that the defendant (the bus driver or bus company) had a duty of care towards you. This is typically straightforward in bus accident cases, as bus drivers and bus companies have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their passengers and other road users.
• Breach of duty: you must then prove that the defendant breached this duty of care. This could include actions such as speeding, reckless driving, not maintaining the bus properly, or not adhering to safety regulations.
• Causation: lastly, you must prove a direct link between the defendant's breach of duty and your injuries. This means showing that your injuries would not have occurred if it were not for the defendant's negligence.

Proving negligence can be complex, requiring thorough investigation and often expert testimony. Our experienced team at JMW Solicitors will work with you to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

What Are the Legal Obligations of Bus Companies for Passenger Safety?

Bus companies have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their passengers, as well as other road users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. This duty of care involves a variety of responsibilities:

• Safe operation: this includes hiring competent drivers with appropriate licences, training them properly, and ensuring they adhere to all traffic laws and regulations.
• Proper maintenance: bus companies must regularly maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe to operate. This includes regular checks of brakes, tyres, lights, and other important safety features.
• Safe conditions: the interior of the bus should also be kept safe for passengers. This means ensuring aisles are clear, seats are in good condition, and safety equipment such as seat belts (where fitted) are functional.
• Adhering to regulations: bus companies must also adhere to all relevant local and national regulations, including those relating to vehicle safety standards, driver hours to prevent fatigue, and accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

If a bus company fails in these obligations and an accident occurs as a result, they may be held liable for any injuries caused.

What Evidence Should I Gather After a Bus Accident?

After a bus accident, once you have sought medical attention, collecting the right evidence can significantly strengthen your case. Here are some of the key types of evidence you should aim to gather:

• Photographic evidence: photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the bus or other vehicles involved can provide a visual record of the incident.
• Accident details: write down the details of the accident as soon as possible, while they are still fresh in your mind. This should include the date, time and location, as well as a description of what happened.
• Witness information: names and contact details of any witnesses can be crucial, as they may be able to provide statements that support your version of events.
• Medical records: any medical treatment you receive following the accident, including ambulance and hospital records, prescriptions and physiotherapy, can serve as proof of your injuries.
• Financial records: keep records of any expenses related to your accident and injuries, such as medical bills, travel costs to medical appointments, and loss of earnings.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive for a Bus or Coach Accident Claim?

The amount of compensation you will receive will vary depending on the circumstances of your accident and the nature of any injuries that you sustain as a result. It may also take into account any financial losses you've incurred (including lost earnings if you've taken time off work to recover) and you may be able to claim for loss of enjoyment if your injury occurred while you were on holiday.

The figures below provide a rough idea of how much you could receive for a bus or coach claim, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much compensation you could be entitled to, based on your own circumstances, get in touch with JMW today.

What Damages Can Be Claimed in a Bus Accident Case?

Damages claimed in a bus accident case typically fall under two categories: special damages and general damages.

Special damages aim to compensate for quantifiable financial losses. This can include:

• Loss of earnings, if your injury prevented you from working
• Medical expenses, for any treatment or therapy related to your injury
• Travel costs associated with medical appointments
• Care costs, if you required additional help or support due to your injury

General damages are awarded for non-monetary losses, which are often more subjective and can include:

• Pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident
• Loss of amenity, if your injury has affected your quality of life or ability to partake in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed

Each bus accident case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on a variety of factors such as the severity of the injury, the recovery time, and any long-term impact on the claimant's life. At JMW Solicitors, we assess each case individually and strive to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Compensation Claim?

In the UK, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bus accident claims, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this:

• Bus accident claims involving children can be brought forward at any time before the child's 21st birthday
• Bus accident claims involving someone who lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves do not have a time limit, unless the injured person is considered to have regained their mental capacity, at which point the time limit will resume

How Long Does the Bus Accident Claim Process Take?

The length of the bus accident claim process can vary widely depending on the specifics of your case. Factors that can influence the duration of the claim process include the severity of the injuries, the clarity of who was at fault, and whether the case is settled out of court or proceeds to trial.

We strive to handle your case as efficiently and effectively as possible, keeping you informed every step of the way and working tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What if the bus driver was not at fault for the accident?

If the bus driver was not at fault for the accident, it is possible that another party is responsible. This could include other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or even local authorities if the accident was caused by poor road conditions or maintenance. In such cases, a claim would be made against the insurance of the party at fault.

Determining liability in a bus accident can sometimes be complex, and it often requires thorough investigation and expert analysis. If you were injured in a bus accident and believe another party was at fault, it's crucial to consult with a legal professional to explore your options.

Can I make a claim if I was injured as a pedestrian in a bus accident?

You can make a claim if you were injured as a pedestrian in a bus accident. The same principles of bus driver negligence and liability apply, whether you were a passenger on the bus, a pedestrian, or a driver or passenger in another vehicle involved in the accident. If the bus driver or bus company was at fault, you are entitled to file a claim for your injuries.

The team at JMW Solicitors can provide expert advice on your rights and guide you through the process of making a pedestrian or bus passenger accident claim, helping you secure the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Can I claim for a slip, trip or fall on a bus?

You can make a claim if you have experienced a slip, trip or fall on a bus. The bus company has a duty of care to ensure that their vehicles provide a safe environment for passengers. If they fail to maintain safe conditions - for example, not cleaning up a spill promptly, not maintaining the flooring, or driving recklessly causing passengers to fall - and this negligence leads to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

It is advisable to document the incident as thoroughly as possible. This can include noting the circumstances of the accident, taking photographs, seeking witness accounts, and keeping medical records of any injuries you sustained. The expert legal team at JMW Solicitors can help guide you through the claims process.

My child got injured on a school bus - can we make a claim?

If your child has been injured on a school bus, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. The bus company and the school have a duty of care to ensure the safety of all children travelling on the bus. If this duty of care has been breached, such as through negligent driving, poor vehicle maintenance, or lack of adequate supervision, and it has resulted in your child's injury, you are entitled to pursue a claim.

Parents or legal guardians can act as 'litigation friends', representing the child's interests in legal proceedings. Any compensation awarded is typically held in a trust until the child turns 18.

It is important to gather as much evidence as possible, including details of the accident, any medical treatment your child received, and any impact on their day-to-day life.