Buses play a vital role in the Charlotte community. From the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) public buses to charter and activity buses, thousands of passengers rely on these vehicles every day for transportation. They are generally safe, but like any motor vehicle, buses can be involved in serious crashes. Because buses carry so many passengers and are often larger than most vehicles on the road, bus accidents are complex and devastating for victims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses. At Edwards Injury Law, our Charlotte bus accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process. We understand the adversity victims face when something outside of their control changes their lives in an instant. Our mission is to fight for your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and help you move toward recovery.
Call 980-357-4499 today to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte bus accident lawyer.
How Common Are Bus Accidents in North Carolina?
Bus accidents don’t happen as frequently as car crashes, but when they do, the results can be devastating. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, crashes involving buses led to hundreds of injuries across the state.
- Commercial Buses – 556 crashes, 171 injuries, 0 fatalities
- School Buses – 1,155 crashes, 290 injuries, six fatalities
- Activity Buses – 135 crashes, 30 injuries, two fatalities
- Other Buses – 146 crashes, 50 injuries, 0 fatalities
Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, consistently reports the highest number of bus accidents in the state. These statistics show that despite safety regulations and efforts to reduce collisions, crashes involving buses remain a persistent problem in North Carolina.
For passengers, these crashes can be disorienting and traumatic. Unlike car accidents, bus accidents often involve multiple victims and complicated liability issues, making the path to financial recovery more difficult. That’s why working with a skilled Charlotte bus accident attorney is so important.
What Causes Bus Accidents in Charlotte?
Bus accidents rarely happen without warning. In many cases, they can be traced to negligence, either on the part of the driver, the bus company, or even the government entity that operates the service.
Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:
- Bus driver negligence. Whether it’s speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or driving while distracted, a driver’s mistake can put dozens of passengers at risk. Fatigue is also a major issue, particularly for charter bus drivers who may drive long shifts without proper rest.
- Company negligence. Bus companies are responsible for maintaining their fleet and ensuring drivers are qualified and properly trained. If they cut corners on inspections or hire drivers without proper credentials, they may be held accountable when accidents occur.
- Mechanical failures. Buses, like trucks, must be inspected regularly. Brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can all cause catastrophic crashes.
- Blind spots. Even with mirrors, buses have large blind spots. A driver who doesn’t check carefully may sideswipe another vehicle or cause a dangerous merge on a highway.
- Weather and road conditions. Wet roads, poor visibility, or construction zones can increase the risk of accidents. Drivers and companies still have a duty to account for these conditions.
Each bus accident requires a detailed investigation to identify what went wrong and who should be held responsible. Your lawyer will work with accident reconstruction experts, review driver logs and maintenance records, and examine all evidence to determine the cause.
What Types of Bus Accidents Happen in Charlotte?
Bus accidents in Charlotte occur in a variety of ways, depending on the circumstances. Public transit buses are most commonly involved in rear-end collisions or sideswipes, especially in congested city traffic. School buses, which frequently stop and start, are vulnerable to crashes caused by inattentive drivers following too closely.
Charter and activity buses often travel long distances on highways. These vehicles may be involved in rollover accidents, especially if the driver loses control or takes a turn too quickly. In some cases, buses collide with pedestrians or bicyclists, leading to catastrophic injuries.
Each type of accident has its own challenges when it comes to liability and compensation. A collision with a city-operated bus may involve government immunity laws, while a charter bus crash may require going after a private company with its own insurance policies.
What Kind of Injuries Do Bus Accidents Cause?
Because buses lack the safety features of passenger cars—like seat belts for every passenger—injuries from bus accidents can be severe. Passengers may be thrown from their seats, collide with other passengers, or be ejected from the vehicle altogether.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations and contusions
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Amputations or crush injuries in the most severe cases
Psychological trauma is also common. Passengers often relive the crash in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression.
Even if injuries seem minor at first, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Some conditions—like internal bleeding or whiplash—may not show symptoms right away but can worsen if left untreated. Medical records also provide essential documentation for your injury claim.
Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a bus accident can be more complicated than in a standard car accident because multiple parties may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue compensation from:
- The bus driver. If the driver was negligent behind the wheel—distracted, speeding, or fatigued—they can be held accountable.
- The bus company. Private companies are responsible for proper hiring, training, and vehicle maintenance. Negligent oversight can make them liable.
- The city or government agency. Public buses are often operated by city or county entities. Special rules apply when suing a government agency, and shorter deadlines may apply.
- Manufacturers. If a defective part caused the crash, such as faulty brakes or steering, the manufacturer may bear responsibility.
Your attorney will carefully investigate the case to determine who should be held accountable and build the strongest possible claim.
What Is My Bus Accident Claim Worth?
No two bus accident claims are exactly alike. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the financial impact of the crash, and how your life has been affected.
Victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Future medical needs, such as ongoing therapy or assistive devices
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work
- Property damage, including personal belongings lost or destroyed in the crash
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available. These are designed not to compensate you directly but to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar conduct in the future.
An experienced bus accident attorney will work with experts to calculate both current and future damages so that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?
The aftermath of a bus accident can be confusing and overwhelming. Knowing the right steps to take can make a difference in both your recovery and your legal claim:
- Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance.
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel badly injured at first.
- Document the scene with photos of the bus, other vehicles, and your injuries if you’re able.
- Get witness information from other passengers or bystanders.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
- Contact a Charlotte bus accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.
FAQs About Bus Accidents in North Carolina
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim?
In most cases, North Carolina’s statute of limitations means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the case involves wrongful death, the time limit is two years. If the bus was operated by a government agency, you may face shorter deadlines and additional procedural requirements.
Do I need a lawyer if I was injured in a bus accident?
Bus accident claims are often more complicated than car accident claims because they may involve multiple victims, companies, or government entities. Having an attorney ensures your claim is properly investigated and that you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
What if my child was hurt in a school bus accident?
School bus accidents can be particularly difficult for families. A lawyer can help determine whether liability rests with the driver, the school district, or another party, and pursue compensation for your child’s injuries.
Can I sue the city if I was injured on a public bus?
Yes, but claims against government agencies follow different rules. Shorter deadlines and special notice requirements apply, so it’s important to speak with an attorney right away.
Call a Charlotte Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Bus accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. Whether your crash involved a public transit bus, a school bus, or a private charter company, you deserve an advocate who will fight for your rights.
At Edwards Injury Law, we are proud to be a veteran- and Black-owned law firm committed to justice and community service. We combine compassionate client care with aggressive legal advocacy to pursue the results you need.
Call 980-357-4499 today or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation with a Charlotte bus accident attorney. The sooner you act, the sooner we can begin building your case.
