No Win, No FeeWhether you’re someone who takes the bus to work every day or just uses it occasionally for nights out, you expect your journey to be safe. Thankfully, buses are generally a reliable way to travel, but accidents can and do happen. If you’ve been hurt due to negligence by a bus company or its driver, you could be entitled to make a bus accident compensation claim.
It’s important to know that it’s not just bus passengers who can claim. Pedestrians hit by a bus, or even other motorists involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) with a bus, may also have the right to seek compensation.
If you’d like to discuss starting a bus accident claim now, we’re here to help. Feel free to give us a call on 0800 652 1345. For more details on when you might be able to claim, please keep reading.
When Can You Claim Compensation After a Bus Accident?
A bus accident claim typically involves incidents where individuals suffer injuries due to the negligence of the bus driver, another road user, or the bus company. Common examples include:
- Collisions: If a bus is involved in a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist due to poor driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or other preventable factors.
- Sudden Stops: Passengers may be injured if a bus stops abruptly, causing them to fall or hit objects inside the bus.
- Boarding/Alighting Injuries: Injuries sustained while getting on or off the bus, such as a door closing too quickly or a fall due to uneven surfaces.
- Bus Defects: If the bus has mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes or worn tyres, leading to an accident or was in a bad state of repair (damaged seats, tables etc).
Essentially, anyone injured in a bus accident due to another party’s negligence may be entitled to compensation.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for a Bus Accident?
Bus and coach operators have a clear duty of care to ensure their passengers’ safety. Bus drivers, too, are required by law to drive responsibly and take precautions to keep other road users safe. If this duty is breached, and you’re injured as a result, you may have grounds to claim compensation by showing:
- Negligence led to the bus accident.
- You suffered an injury as a result.
If you’re not quite sure whether you’ve got grounds to claim, don’t worry. That’s where we come in. Our friendly advisors can help you by reviewing the details of your case during a free consultation. We’ll let you know if your claim is worth pursuing, so feel free to get in touch whenever you’re ready.
Can I Claim If the Bus Driver Was at Fault?
Bus companies are generally vicariously liable for the actions of their drivers while they are at work. This essentially means if the bus driver’s negligence caused the accident, such as speeding, dangerous driving, or failing to obey traffic signals, you could claim compensation against the bus company.
For example, if your bus collided with the back of another vehicle because the driver was distracted by their mobile phone, you could claim against the bus company’s insurance policy.
What Evidence Do I Need for a Bus Accident Compensation Claim?
Providing evidence of negligence is important if you’d like to make a successful bus or coach accident claim. Without it, you’ll find it difficult to argue your case if the defendant denies liability. As such, if you’re injured as a bus passenger, you could:
- Bus Company and Driver Details: Obtain information about the bus involved, including the bus company’s name, the driver’s details, and the bus registration number. This information may be on your bus ticket or can be requested from the bus operator.
- Take Photos and Videos: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including the position of the bus, other vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Videos can capture more detail, so if safe to do so, record the scene as well. Also, photograph any injuries you sustain, especially as they develop over time.
- Get Medical Reports: Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the bus accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Request a medical report from your doctor or hospital outlining your injuries and treatment. These reports are crucial for proving the severity of your injuries.
- Obtain Witness Statements: Speak to other passengers or bystanders who saw the accident. Get their contact details and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement. Their statements can help establish fault and support your version of events.
- Request Police Reports: If the police were called to the scene, request a copy of their report. This often includes vital information like witness accounts, officer observations, and details of any citations or charges made.
- Check for CCTV or Dashcam Footage: Many buses and public areas are equipped with CCTV cameras. Request CCTV footage of your accident if it was recorded. Additionally, if other road users or passengers have dashcam footage, ask for a copy.
- Record Financial Losses: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills (prescriptions, physiotherapy, etc.), travel costs for medical appointments, lost wages if you’ve missed work, and any other out-of-pocket expenses caused by the accident.
- Save Correspondence: Keep copies of any communication with the bus company, insurers, or legal representatives. This can include emails, letters, or phone records related to your claim.
The more evidence you can supply, the better the chance of convincing the bus company’s insurers to compensate you for your injuries.
What Is the Time Limit to Make a Bus Accident Claim?
Personal injury claims in the UK are time-limited. That means that you must make a bus accident claim on time to avoid having your claim statute barred. Generally, you’ll have 3-years to claim from the date of your accident or date of knowledge (when you realised you were injured).
We would suggest that it’s best to begin your claim as early as possible. That’s because:
- You’ll find it a lot easier to remember how the accident happened and how your injuries have affected you.
- There will be plenty of time for your solicitor to complete all of the tasks required before filing your claim.
- If liability is admitted early on, your solicitor could arrange for private medical treatment to be paid for by the defendant (as an interim payment).
What If My Child or Vulnerable Adult Was Injured in a Bus Accident?
The litigation friend process allows adults to manage personal injury claims on behalf of those who can’t represent themselves. This includes children (under 18 years old) and adults lacking the mental capacity to handle the claim.
After a litigation friend has been approved and appointed, they can instruct a solicitor to act on behalf of the claimant. At all times, everyone involved will need to keep the defendant up to date and act in their best interests.
Please get in touch if you’d like to know more about bus accident claims time limits or claiming on behalf of your child or vulnerable adult.
How Much Compensation for a Bus Accident Can I Claim?
It’s important to note that any compensation paid in a bus accident claim for personal injuries is not a penalty or fine paid by bus companies. Instead, it aims to help you recover from your injuries and deal with any longer-term problems. It should also cover any costs or expenses incurred because of your accident.
If you claim with the representation of one of our personal injury lawyers, they’ll make sure they understand exactly how you have suffered before filing your claim. Each bus accident claim is unique but could include compensation for the following:
- The pain and suffering caused by your injuries, and for any loss of amenity.
- The impact on your social life and hobbies.
- Medical costs such as prescription fees or private medical treatment.
- Travel and care costs.
- The cost of replacing any personal property damaged during the accident.
- In more serious cases, you could also claim for the cost of modifying your home to cope with long-term disabilities.
To help prove the severity of your injuries, the bus accident claims process usually requires you to have an independent medical assessment. Don’t be too concerned about this though. Our solicitors can usually arrange a meeting with a medical specialist at a local venue so you won’t need to travel too far.
If you’d like us to verify what compensation you might be eligible to claim, please get in touch with an advisor.
Can I Claim for Loss of Earnings Due to My Bus Accident?
If you’ve lost earnings as a result of injuries sustained in a bus accident, it’s right to consider this as part of your claim. Whether you work full-time, part-time, are self-employed or are a casual worker, your solicitor will use evidence to try and recoup your losses. These can be proven by tax documents, wage slips and other financial records.
Can I Claim Compensation for Psychological Distress After a Bus Accident?
Any form of road accident can lead to psychological harm. For example, you might suffer from flashbacks, sleep problems, emotional distress and anxiety. As such, this type of suffering could be factored into your bus accident claim if it is documented by an independent specialist.
Will I Need a Solicitor to Claim Bus Accident Compensation?
No, you do not necessarily need a solicitor to make a bus accident compensation claim, but having one can significantly improve your chances of success. A solicitor specialising in personal injury claims can handle all aspects of the legal process for you, including gathering evidence and negotiating a settlement with the bus company or their insurers.
However, we also know that people worry about the cost of a solicitor. For that reason, our solicitors provide a No Win, No Fee service which means you only pay for their work if your claim is won.
So that you have this in writing, a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) will be sent to you if your case is accepted. The CFA explains what work your solicitor will do and the criteria that need to be fulfilled before you’ll pay any of their fees.
Where your claim results in a compensation payment, a success fee will be deducted to cover your solicitor’s costs and time. If your claim fails, you’ll not be charged the success fee.
Importantly, when using a CFA, the success fee is capped by law. That means the most you’ll pay for your solicitor’s work is 25% of your compensation. Your percentage will be listed in the CFA so you can check it before signing.
Success fees are explained in more detail here.
How Long Will a Bus Accident Claim Typically Take?
The time it takes to settle a bus accident compensation claim can vary widely depending on many factors.
Simple claims with clear liability and minimal disputes may be settled in a matter of months. However, more complex cases involving serious injuries or contested liability may take a year or longer.
Delays can occur due to investigation complexities, gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies.
Generally, very few road traffic accident claims end up in court because insurers and lawyers try to settle claims amicably first. However, if a court hearing is required, this can mean the claims process will be further extended.
Bus Accident Claims Frequently Asked Questions
What If Another Passenger on the Bus Caused the Accident?
If you were injured in a bus accident caused by another passenger, you may be entitled to seek damages for any suffering caused. Depending on the nature of the accident, the claim might still be possible through the bus company’s insurance policy. In some circumstances, however, a claim might be made against the individual who caused the accident.
In this situation, it’s worth speaking with a personal injury solicitor on our panel to clarify your options.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured Due to a Sudden Stop or Jerk of the Bus?
In some cases, bus drivers have to take evasive action to try and prevent accidents or collisions. In this scenario, you might not be able to claim on the basis that the driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
However, if the driver stopped the bus suddenly because they weren’t paying attention to the road in front of them and you were subsequently injured, you may have the grounds to start a claim.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured While Getting On or Off the Bus?
You may be entitled to begin a claim if you were injured while getting on or off the bus. Bus operators have a duty of care to ensure passenger safety during embarkation and disembarkation.
As a result, if your injuries were caused by the bus driver’s negligence, a faulty bus platform or any other hazardous condition, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
What If I Was a Pedestrian Hit by a Bus?
If a pedestrian is hit by a bus, they can pursue a personal injury claim against the bus operator or driver if negligence is involved. The pedestrian would need to show that the driver’s actions or failure to exercise reasonable care caused the accident and their injuries.
The types of evidence that might help a pedestrian to prove that the bus driver caused their accident include CCTV or dashcam footage plus statements from witnesses who can verify what happened.
What Happens If I Was Injured Due to Poor Bus Maintenance or a Mechanical Fault?
A bus accident claim might be possible if you were injured due to a poorly maintained bus.
That’s because bus companies have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles so that they are in a safe working condition. As such, if your injuries can be linked to the bus having a mechanical fault or being poorly maintained, you might be entitled to claim compensation for any suffering you’ve endured.
Start a Bus Accident Compensation Claim Today
Hopefully, this guide has explained why bus accident claims might be required. We hope that we’ve also shown how we could help with the bus accident claims process. If you are ready to take action, please gather as much information about the claim and give us a call.
If your case is accepted by a No Win, No Fee personal injury solicitor, they’ll manage as much of the claims process as possible. That means you won’t need to deal with the bus company or their insurers. As your claim progresses, though, your solicitor will let you know what’s happening with regular updates. They’ll also be there to provide answers to any questions you think of along the way.
To begin a bus accident claim today, please get in touch on 0800 652 1345. We’ll review your options right away and provide free legal advice whatever you decide to do.
Thank you for reading our guide on bus accident claims, and please let us know via live chat if you have any extra questions.
