Toledo Bus Accident Lawyer

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 types of buses, including public buses such as TARTA, school buses, and private charter buses, such as Greyhound or Megabus.

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.

Determining who is responsible for a bus accident can be complicated. Contact Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case. 

Common Injuries in Bus Wrecks

Due to the large size and weight of a bus compared to the relatively smaller car, motorcycle, or pedestrian involved in the accident, major injuries can occur, or even wrongful death.

Common bus accident injuries include:

• Closed head/traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries, including quadriplegia and paraplegia
• Broken bones and fractures
• Back and neck injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Burn injuries
• Amputation injuries

​​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.

You may be entitled to more compensation than you realize after a bus crash. Contact Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

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.

Our Results Speak For Themselves

Our firm has a long record of success handling personal injury cases, and we understand the complexities that come with bus collisions. Instead of taking our word for it, consider some of our past results involving bus accident injury cases.

We have previously settled a 2017 bus accident claim after a semi-truck rear-ended a bus carrying shelter dogs, injuring the driver within. In addition to resolving that case through a $90,000 settlement, we have also pursued claims involving accidents with negligent Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority bus drivers.

We’re proud of these results, but it’s important to remember that past success doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the preferred outcome in your case. What we can promise is working tirelessly towards the compensation you deserve.

What Is the Deadline to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Ohio?

Like all states, Ohio limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim. In most cases, an injured person has two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a family loses a loved one in a fatal bus accident, the wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death as well.

While two years may sound like a lot of time, the reality is that these cases don’t come together overnight. What’s more, waiting to speak with an attorney can put you at a disadvantage as evidence is lost and memories of the accident fade.

Lost evidence isn’t the only reason why these deadlines are important. If you fail to file before the time expires, the court may have no choice but to dismiss your case with prejudice. That means your chances of ever getting the recovery you deserve are lost for good.

Don’t risk losing your right to pursue compensation. Call Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case. 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a bus accident?

Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Once your condition is stable, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney.

Who can be held responsible for a bus accident?

Liability may fall on the bus driver, the bus company, a government agency, a maintenance contractor, or another negligent driver. The responsible party depends on how the accident happened.

How much is a bus accident case worth?

There is no average settlement that applies to every case. The value depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the impact on your daily life.

Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident claim?

Bus accident cases often involve multiple parties, and the facts involved are often complex. It’s important to have a lawyer to help you get the most out of your claim.

What damages can I recover after a bus accident?

You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. The available damages depend on the facts of the case.

How long does a bus accident case take?

Some claims settle in a matter of months, while others take much longer if litigation becomes necessary. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the severity of your injuries.