Even if you don’t ride one often, buses are a big part of travel in the Tri-State Area. School buses, shuttle buses, and charter buses are just a few of the types you might encounter while driving, walking, or biking. Sadly, bus accidents happen in lots of different ways. For instance, a bus might be involved in a crash with a car, or a passenger inside a bus might get hurt when the bus makes a sudden stop.
If you were hurt by a bus, you may feel stressed and unsure about what to do next. Bus accidents can lead to doctor visits, missed work, and bills that add up fast. People in cars, people riding the bus, and pedestrians or cyclists can all be affected.
When a Bus is Involved in a Crash
Bus accidents can affect people in different situations.
If you were riding on a bus, you may be hurt in a collision. You can also be hurt if the bus stops quickly and you fall or hit something inside.
- If you were in a car, truck, or motorcycle, a crash with a bus can be serious because buses are large and heavy.
- If you were walking or biking, a bus may be harder to see around, and it may take longer for a large vehicle to stop.
Every situation is different. The details of what happened matter.
How Bus Accidents Happen
Bus accidents can happen for many reasons. Sometimes a driver is distracted or tired. Sometimes another driver makes a mistake. Bad weather and poor roads can also make travel harder. In some cases, a bus may have a mechanical issue that affects braking or steering.
Buses often need more space to stop and turn than smaller vehicles. They also have large blind spots. These everyday challenges can increase risk when traffic changes quickly.
Why Awareness Matters
No one can prevent every accident. Still, paying attention to the road can lower the chance of someone getting hurt. Awareness is important whether you are driving near a bus, walking near a bus stop, or riding inside a bus.
Knowing the common risks helps people make safer choices. It also helps you understand what may have caused an accident if one happens.
Risks While Traveling Near or On a Bus
Being near a bus can be different than being near a regular car. Whether you are driving, walking, biking, or riding, it helps to understand a few common risks:
- Wide turns: Buses may swing wide to turn.
- Blind spots: Drivers may not see a car, bike, or person close to the bus.
- Frequent stops: Buses stop often, and traffic behind them may not react in time.
- Sudden braking: A quick stop can cause injuries inside the bus and can also lead to a rear-end crash.
Common Injuries After a Bus Accident
Bus accidents can cause many kinds of injuries, including:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Neck and back pain
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Wrist, shoulder, hip, or knee injuries from falls
- Stress, fear, or trouble sleeping after the accident
Some pain shows up later. Getting checked by a doctor is important, even if you feel okay at first.
Who Could Be Responsible?
It is not always easy to tell who caused a bus accident right away. More than one person or company could be involved, such as:
- The bus driver
- The company or group running the bus
- A school district or private group in charge of the bus
- A maintenance company, if the bus was not safe
- Another driver who caused the crash
The details of what happened matter.
What Happens Next
If you can, these steps may help:
- Get medical help as soon as you can.
- Report the accident to the police or the bus company.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries, if possible.
- Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Save records like doctor bills, receipts, and time missed from work.
- Be careful with insurance calls until you understand what happened.
Why This Matters to Us
At Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know an accident can change your life fast. Getting hurt can affect your work, your health, and your family. If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident or a bus-related incident, our team is here to listen and help you understand your options.
If you want to learn more, visit our Bus Accident page. You can also check out our Practice Areas to see other cases we handle.