Pittsburgh Bus Accident Attorneys 

The modern bus has provided a great service to society, and it’s being used by more people than ever before. Not only does the bus serve as an effective and convenient mode of transportation for those who do not own their own vehicle (or who do not want to deal with traffic), it also helps to alleviate congestion and reduce the number of cars on the road which also helps the environment.

But buses, as critical as they may be in many ways, are not without safety problems. For example, commercial buses were involved in over 500 crashes, and school buses more than 250, in a single year alone in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, the number of fatal bus-involved accidents remains low; however, these crashes can leave those involved with serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in our state and needs help recovering compensation and bringing forth a claim, our Pittsburgh bus accident lawyers are here to help.

Types of Bus Accidents 

A bus is a very large vehicle, and one that can be difficult to maneuver. Because of its sheer size, if a bus is involved in an accident, the damages that result may be very serious (mass increases force). The types of bus accidents that can occur are varied – our lawyers are well-versed in multiple bus accident claim types and can competently serve you and your best interests throughout the claims process.

• School bus accidents. Every day, there are hundreds of children who depend on the bus for a ride to and from school. An accident involving one or more children may occur on the bus (i.e. as a result of rough play or failing to stay seated), when entering or exiting the bus, when crossing behind or in front of the bus, or as a result of a collision in which the bus is involved.

• Bus-pedestrian accidents. One of the most tragic types of accidents is an accident that occurs between a bus and a pedestrian, as the pedestrian will almost surely suffer severe, if not fatal, injuries.

• Bus-motor vehicle accidents. Another type of bus accident that is relatively common is an accident that involves the bus and another motor vehicle. In this case, either the bus driver or the driver of the passenger car involved may be determined to be at-fault for the crash.

• Single-vehicle bus accidents. Another type of accident that may occur is a single-vehicle bus accident. This could involve the bus taking a turn too fast and tipping over while making a turn, hitting a stationary object, etc. 

• Bus-bicycle. More and more people are using bicycles and motorized bicycles to get around town and run errands.  An accident between a bus and a bicyclist will result in serious if not fatal injuries to the cyclist.

If you have been involved in an accident involving a commercial bus, public bus, or school bus and you have suffered injuries, call our law firm. Chances are your claim will be complex, and there will be special rules and regulations that apply. Our lawyers have extensive experience with these types of cases, and we can help protect and preserve your right to compensation.

Causes of Bus Accidents 

Getting to the bottom of why a bus accident occurred is an important part of determining liability and ensuring that you’re bringing forth a claim against the correct party. One service that our lawyers will perform when you hire us is to open an investigation into your case, which may include working with a variety of experts, including accident reconstruction experts.

Top causes of bus accidents include:

• Bus driver negligence (i.e. driving while distracted or impaired, speeding, etc.);
• Third-party negligence (i.e. a driver of another vehicle not involved in the crash, the manufacturer of a defective bus part, etc.); and
• Bus company negligence (i.e. failing to properly maintain or service buses, perform driver background checks, etc.)

Once we identify the at-fault party, we can start building your case and issue a demand letter.

Why You Need an Experienced Pennsylvania Bus Accident Lawyer Handling Your Case 

In a standard motor vehicle accident case, a driver will usually file a claim with their own insurance company or the insurance company of the other driver. The standard statute of limitations will apply, and there will be no additional regulations or rules that apply outside of the ordinary.

With a bus accident, however, this is not always the case. While standard personal injury rules may apply if you are bringing a claim against a private bus company, if the accident involved a public or government entity, special rules will apply. You will be held to a strict six-month deadline during which you must inform the entity of your intent to sue (you will still have two years to actually file the lawsuit). If you don’t file the notice of intent within the six-month time period, your lawsuit may be dismissed.

Going up against a big company or a government entity also means that you’ll be facing pushback from highly paid and aggressive lawyers whose job is to devalue your claim and either find grounds to deny your claim or offer you as little as possible. By working with one of our experienced lawyers, you can be sure that you have a highly skilled advocate on your side who is looking out for your best interests.

Even if you’re not sure whether or not you’re ready to file a lawsuit, talking to a lawyer about your case can be worthwhile. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., our lawyers prioritize communication and honesty. We can review your case free of charge and help you to understand what the next best steps are.

Start the Process of Recovering Compensation Today 

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you deserve to be compensated for the full extent of your economic and noneconomic losses. When you retain our legal team, we will start working on your case immediately. We provide free consultations, and we take motor vehicle accident cases on a contingency fee basis – which means no out of pocket risk to you -. To speak with one of our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers today, please send us a message, visit our office in person, or call us directly at (866) 466-5789.

How Are School Bus Accident Claims Different From Other Injury Cases in Pittsburgh?

School bus accidents often involve legal issues that are more complex than typical motor vehicle collision claims. While any crash can lead to serious injuries, cases involving school buses may include multiple potentially liable parties, government entities, unique insurance considerations, and special legal procedures. Families dealing with injuries after a school bus accident in Pittsburgh may face challenges that are not present in ordinary car accident claims. Understanding these differences can help injured victims and their families make informed decisions about protecting their rights. 

Multiple Parties May Be Responsible

One of the biggest differences in school bus accident claims is that liability is not always limited to a single driver. Depending on how the crash occurred, responsibility could extend to the school district, a private bus company, the bus driver, another motorist, a vehicle manufacturer, or even a maintenance contractor. 

For example, if poor maintenance caused brake failure, the company responsible for servicing the bus could be investigated. If another driver struck the bus after running a red light, that driver may bear primary responsibility. In some cases, more than one party shares liability, making the investigation more detailed than many standard car accident cases. 

Government Entities May Be Involved

Many school buses in Pittsburgh are owned or operated by public school districts or other government agencies. When a government entity is involved, injured individuals must adhere to specific procedural statutes. Under Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, local agencies are generally immune from liability except for specific exceptions, such as the operation of a motor vehicle under 42 Pa. C.S. § 8542. 

Claims involving public entities require strict compliance with notice requirements. Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5522, an injured party must provide written notice of a claim to the government unit within six months from the date the injury was sustained. Failure to provide this notice can result in the permanent dismissal of the action. 

Children Are Frequently the Injured Victims

Unlike many traffic accidents, school bus crashes often involve children. Claims involving minors require additional legal considerations, including how settlements are approved by the court to ensure the protection of the child’s interests. 

Medical evaluations may also focus on how injuries affect a child’s future growth, education, emotional well-being, and long-term development. Even injuries that initially appear minor may have lasting consequences for a growing child.

Insurance Issues Can Be More Complicated

School bus accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies. Coverage may exist through the school district, a private transportation company, another driver’s automobile insurance, or even uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in certain situations.

Determining which insurance policies apply and how they interact can be significantly more complicated than handling a standard two-vehicle accident claim. Insurance companies may also dispute responsibility when several parties are involved.

Investigations Are Often More Extensive

School bus accidents typically receive greater scrutiny than ordinary traffic collisions. Investigators may review driver qualifications, training records, maintenance logs, surveillance video, onboard cameras, witness statements, accident reconstruction evidence, and school transportation policies.

Because buses often transport many passengers, there may be numerous witnesses who provide statements regarding the events leading up to the collision. This evidence can play a significant role in determining liability.

Compensation May Reflect Long-Term Needs

Victims injured in school bus accidents may seek compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages allowed under Pennsylvania law. When children sustain serious injuries, future medical care, educational accommodations, and long-term support services may become important components of the claim. 

Every school bus accident presents unique circumstances. A thorough investigation, careful evaluation of all potentially responsible parties, and compliance with applicable legal procedures are often essential steps in pursuing fair compensation after a school bus accident in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Bus Accident Claims: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I have to file a notice of claim against Pittsburgh Regional Transit?

If your accident involves Pittsburgh Regional Transit, you must act very quickly. Pennsylvania law requires you to file a formal written “Notice of Intent to Sue” within six months of the incident. This deadline is strictly enforced. If you fail to provide this notice to the government agency on time, you may lose your right to seek any legal compensation.

2. What is the standard statute of limitations for private bus accidents in Pennsylvania?

For accidents involving private bus companies, such as charter services or Greyhound, the standard Pennsylvania statute of limitations applies. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is vital to confirm whether any public entities are involved, as that would significantly shorten the timeframe for initial notice requirements and filings.

3. Can I sue the Port Authority if I was partially at fault for the crash?

Yes, you can still recover damages under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, provided you are not more than 50% responsible. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of blame. However, if your share of fault is 51% or higher, you are legally barred from recovering any damages.

4. What is the maximum amount I can recover from a government-run bus entity?

In Pennsylvania, claims against Commonwealth agencies like Pittsburgh Regional Transit are subject to statutory damage caps. The law limits recovery to $250,000 per person and a total of $1,000,000 per occurrence. This means if many people are injured in one accident, the total pool of money available for everyone involved cannot exceed the one-million-dollar limit set by state law.

5. Does the “Common Carrier” rule apply to bus drivers in Pittsburgh?

Yes, buses in Pittsburgh are classified as common carriers. This means they are held to the highest degree of care for their passengers’ safety, rather than the standard “reasonable care” required of typical drivers. This higher legal standard makes it easier to establish negligence if the driver failed to take every possible precaution to prevent injuries during boarding, transit, or exiting.

6. What should I do immediately after a bus accident in the city?

You should first ensure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash. If possible, take photos of the bus number, the driver’s credentials, and the surrounding scene. Collect contact information from other passengers and witnesses. Seeking medical attention immediately is also crucial, as it creates a formal record that directly links your physical injuries to the specific accident.

7. Who can be held liable for a bus accident in Allegheny County?

Multiple parties might share liability depending on the cause of the crash. Potential defendants include the bus driver, the transit agency, or a private bus company. If a mechanical failure occurred, the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance contractor could be responsible. Additionally, if another motorist caused the collision, their insurance provider would be a primary source for your personal injury claim.

8. Are bus passengers eligible for “No-Fault” medical benefits in Pennsylvania?

If you have your own auto insurance policy, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage usually pays your initial medical bills regardless of fault. If you do not own a vehicle or live with a relative who does, you may be covered by the bus’s insurance or a state fund. This ensures your medical expenses are addressed quickly while your claim proceeds.

9. What types of damages can I recover in a Pittsburgh bus claim?

Victims can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This includes reimbursement for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any reduction in your future earning capacity. You can also seek “pain and suffering” damages for physical discomfort and emotional distress. In cases involving a government entity, however, there are specific limitations on non-economic damage recovery.

10. How is a school bus accident claim different from a transit bus claim?

School bus accidents often involve local school districts, which are considered “local agencies” rather than Commonwealth agencies. While the six-month notice requirement still applies, the damage caps differ slightly. Claims against local agencies are capped at $500,000 total per occurrence. These cases are highly sensitive and require careful investigation into driver vetting, route safety, and vehicle maintenance.

11. Can I seek compensation if I was an injured pedestrian hit by a bus?

Pedestrians hit by buses have the same rights to seek damages as passengers or other drivers. Because of the size and weight of buses, pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic. You would need to prove the driver was negligent, such as failing to yield at a crosswalk. If you lack auto insurance, special rules determine which insurance company pays your medical bills.

12. Why is the bus number more important than the route number?

The route number (like the “61C”) only tells you the path the bus was taking, while the bus number is a unique identifier for that specific vehicle. The bus number is essential for investigators to access maintenance logs, onboard video footage, and GPS data. Without it, identifying the exact vehicle and driver involved in your claim can become significantly more difficult.

13. What happens if my bus accident was caused by a mechanical failure?

If a brake failure or steering issue caused the crash, the claim becomes a product liability or negligent maintenance case. Your legal team will need to subpoena maintenance records to see if the transit agency ignored known issues. If a part was inherently defective, we might also pursue the manufacturer. These technical cases require expert testimony to prove the mechanical fault.

14. Should I speak to the transit agency’s insurance adjusters?

It is generally unwise to give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters without a lawyer. Adjusters work for the transit agency or bus company and aim to minimize payouts. They may ask leading questions to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. Anything you say can be used against you later to reduce or deny your compensation claim altogether.

15. Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident claim in Pittsburgh?

While not legally required, having an attorney is highly recommended due to the complexity of sovereign immunity laws and tight deadlines. A lawyer can handle the specific “Notice of Intent” filings, gather onboard surveillance video, and negotiate with government entities. They ensure you don’t miss critical windows that would otherwise permanently bar you from receiving the compensation you deserve.