Our Toledo bus accident lawyers at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC represent those who have been injured in mass transit accident cases.
These bus accident cases involve all different types of buses, including public buses such as TARTA, school buses, and private charter buses, like Greyhound accidents or Megabus accidents.
People suffering injuries from a bus accident often have claims for their personal injuries and can recover for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits.
Who Can You Sue for a Bus Accident?
If you were injured in a bus accident, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against one or more responsible parties. Determining who can be held liable depends on the circumstances of the crash and who owned or operated the bus.
In many cases, the bus driver may be personally liable if their negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws, caused the accident. However, because most bus drivers are employed by a company or public transit agency, their employer is often also responsible. For example, the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) could face liability if the crash involved one of its vehicles and was caused by employee negligence, poor training, or inadequate maintenance.
If a private bus company was operating the vehicle, such as a charter or tour service, the company may be sued for negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to properly maintain its fleet. In some cases, third parties may share liability, including other drivers who contributed to the accident, manufacturers of defective bus parts, or contractors responsible for roadway hazards.
Because claims against government entities have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines under Ohio law, speaking with a Toledo bus accident attorney quickly is essential.
Common Injuries in Bus Wrecks
Due to the large size and weight of a bus compared to the relatively smaller car, motorcycle, or bus involved in the accident, major injuries can occur, or even wrongful death.
Common bus accident injuries include:
Bus accidents can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects. Even injuries that initially seem minor may result in chronic pain, mobility limitations, or ongoing medical treatment. You might face months or years of rehabilitation, including physical therapy, surgeries, or assistive devices. These challenges can interfere with your ability to work, care for your family, or participate in everyday activities, creating significant stress and disruption in your life.
Beyond physical harm, the emotional impact of a serious bus accident can be profound. Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, and coping with these issues while managing medical care and financial burdens can feel overwhelming. Family members may also suffer from loss of support, caregiving responsibilities, or emotional trauma after witnessing the accident or its aftermath. Working with a skilled Toledo bus accident attorney ensures all of these impacts are considered when pursuing compensation.
Types of Compensation for Bus Accidents
You may be entitled to pursue financial compensation after a bus wreck. The damages available are designed to address both your financial losses and the personal impact of your injuries.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the measurable costs of your accident. These often include medical expenses such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future treatment you may need. Lost wages are also recoverable if your injuries kept you from working, and if your earning capacity has been permanently reduced, you may be able to seek compensation for loss of future income. Property damage, such as a totaled vehicle or destroyed personal items, can also be included.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages recognize the harder-to-measure effects of a bus accident. Ohio law allows victims to recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages reflect the long-term consequences of serious injuries that affect your daily living, relationships, and independence.
Punitive Damages
In limited situations, punitive damages may also be available if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness. An experienced Toledo bus accident attorney can help you evaluate every category of compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
What If My Loved One Dies in a Bus Accident?
Fatal bus accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic collisions. When a loved one is killed in a crash involving a public transit bus, school bus, or private charter, the impact on a family is overwhelming emotionally, financially, and practically. In Ohio, surviving family members may have the right to pursue justice and compensation through a wrongful death claim.
These claims can be filed against the party or parties responsible for the accident. Liability may rest with the bus driver, a transit authority such as the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), a private bus company, another negligent motorist, or even a manufacturer of defective parts. Because fatal accidents often involve multiple contributing factors, careful investigation is critical.
Compensation in an Ohio wrongful death case can include reimbursement for medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and care the deceased provided. While no amount of money can truly make up for such a loss, these damages are intended to provide stability for the surviving family.
Given the complexities of suing a government entity or large transportation company, working with an experienced Toledo bus accident attorney is essential.
Seek Assistance From a Toledo Bus Accident Attorney
By acting promptly and working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can pursue a personal injury claim that fairly compensates you for your losses after a bus crash. The legal process may be challenging, but it is a way to seek justice and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
Every case is unique, and an attorney will tailor the strategy to the specific circumstances of your accident, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact our Toledo bus accident lawyers today to learn your rights. Or order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn the secrets insurance companies don’t want you to know.
