Have you been involved in an accident on or with a Bus?

Have you been involved in an accident on or with a Bus? Our Partner Gerald Evans explains what you need to do.

Most people are aware that if they are a passenger in a car and that car is involved in a road traffic accident that they may be entitled to compensation if they are injured.

That same principle can apply if you are a passenger on a bus. Bus passengers are also at risk of sustaining an injury.

Bus accidents can be caused through a number of situations

 - accidents caused by the careless or dangerous driving of the bus driver
 - accidents involving other vehicles
 - accidents whilst getting on or off the bus

Accidents caused by careless or dangerous driving of the bus driver

When people think of road accidents, they would normally consider those involving two or more vehicles. But bus accidents may also be caused by careless or dangerous driving on the part of the bus driver. This could include accidents caused by driving too fast around corners, breaking too hard or opening the bus door before coming to a complete stop. If you suffered a personal injury as a result of such careless or dangerous driving, you could potentially make a personal injury claim against the bus company.

We have dealt with a number of situations where we have been able to recover compensation for passengers who have sustained injuries as a result of the poor driving of the bus driver. For example if the driver brakes sharply or drives erratically then that may be evidence that the driver was not driving appropriately for the conditions ahead. The majority of bus fleets do not have seatbelts fitted and it is very easy to find yourself thrown out of your seat due to the driving actions of the driver.

Accidents involving other vehicles

If you are a passenger on a bus that is involved in an accident with another vehicle, you will be entitled to make a claim for compensation if you have suffered an injury. Who your personal injury claim will be made against will depend on which driver was at fault for the accident - the driver of the other vehicle involved or the bus driver . If the bus driver was the person at fault for the accident, then the claim will be  against the bus company and or their insurers. Alternatively, if the driver of the other vehicle were at fault, you would need to make a claim for compensation against their insurance company.

Accidents whilst getting on or off the bus.

If you are injured whilst getting on or off a bus then the law is not entirely straight forward on the position as to whether you can bring a claim against the driver. A driver does not have to ensure that a passenger is seated before they drive off. They do however have to drive off safely ie not drive the vehicle erratically or speed off. If the passenger however is vulnerable then the driver may have a duty to ensure that the passenger is safely seated before the buss is moved.  A driver is under a duty however to ensure a passenger has safely got off the vehicle before the bus is moved. Here at Devonalds we have acted for numerous passengers who have found themselves injured due to the impatience of a driver who has not waited for that passenger to safely disembark before commencing the bus journey.

Here at Devonalds we will be able to advise you on your rights if you are injured whilst using a bus.

What to do if you are involved in a bus accident

Tell the driver about what happened

- Telephone the bus company involved and report the incident
- Retain your bus ticket as proof that you were on the bus
- If there were other passengers present then take some names and telephone numbers in case witness evidence is required
- If you sustained an injury then seek the appropriate medical help ie your GP or your local Hospital.

If you are involved in a bus accident and suffer injuries, it is a good idea to speak to Devonalds Solicitors as soon as possible.

We will be able to assess your claim, inform you of your chance of success, and provide you with the legal advice you need to pursue a bus accident claim and make sure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact us today on 01443 755189 (Rhondda Cynon Taff areas) or 01656 665022 (Bridgend areas) or email claims@devonalds.co.uk to get started