Charlotte Bus Accident Lawyer

Charlotte Bus Accident Attorney

Bus crashes involving city buses, school buses, charter buses, and other passenger vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries to victims while raising complicated liability issues. These accidents are not only dangerous for other drivers, but also for passengers present on the bus at the time. A Charlotte bus accident lawyer can help navigate these complications. These cases are typically more complicated than most other car accident claims. 

Residents rely on buses to get around Mecklenburg County, whether traveling in Uptown Charlotte and the South End, University City, or along Independence Boulevard, I-77, and I-85. If a negligent party causes a crash, those affected may be able to recover damages. 

About Us

When you or someone you care about has sustained a serious injury, you need someone who can clearly explain your legal options. We serve clients all across North Carolina who have been injured and need knowledgeable legal representation. Our lawyers have years of experience with personal injury claims, such as those that arise from accidents causing catastrophic injuries and high medical bills, lost wages, and lasting disabilities.

Bus accidents can leave you facing complicated insurance and legal matters. We can help you understand your rights and options. Our North Carolina injury lawyers have been recognized for their dedication to providing excellent legal representation.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in North Carolina

Bus drivers must travel in traffic while operating large vehicles and reacting to road conditions. One small mistake can create real risks to public safety because buses are heavier than most cars and take longer to slow down and stop. Some common causes of bus accidents include: 

• Texting and driving
• Driving while distracted
• Dangerous or hazardous road conditions
• Driver fatigue
• Reckless driving
• Disobeying traffic laws
• Defective bus parts, such as faulty brakes or tires
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Figuring out why the accident happened is one critical step in proving liability. For example, a crash that may have been caused by the bus driver could point to negligent maintenance or unsafe driver schedules imposed by a transportation company. 

Liability in a Charlotte Bus Accident

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, in 2024 there were 636 commercial bus crashes, 1,125 school bus crashes, and 133 activity bus crashes. In Mecklenburg County, there were 182 bus crashes that resulted in 126 injuries. 

Determining liability depends on the type of bus involved in the crash and what caused it. A driver could be liable if negligence caused the crash. An employer could also be responsible for the actions of employees acting within the scope of their employment.

Private charter and tour companies could be liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance practices. Maintenance companies and manufacturers could also play a role in certain accidents caused by mechanical failures or defective vehicle parts.

Drivers of other vehicles can also cause bus accidents. Someone running a red light and hitting a bus could be responsible for causing injuries to bus passengers. In a case like this, the bus driver and their employer might not be liable because they did nothing wrong.

Charlotte buses run by government agencies may have unique procedural requirements. For example, Charlotte’s bus service is operated by Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). Claims involving government bodies require examining distinct governmental liability regulations, which differ from standard private driver claims.

North Carolina Bus Accident Laws

North Carolina does not have one set of bus accident laws that apply to every collision in Charlotte. Instead, the applicable laws depend on who was operating the bus, what conduct led to the crash, and the types of injuries the victim sustained. 

North Carolina General Statutes § 1-52 states that there is a three-year statute of limitations for many personal injury claims. Waiting too long to file a claim can make it more difficult to investigate, as evidence may be lost over an extended period of time. 

If a claim involves a state agency, different statutes of limitations may apply. According to the North Carolina State Tort Claims Act, claims against state departments, institutions, and agencies must be filed with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within three years after accruing. Additionally, wrongful death claims have a statute of limitations of two years. 

Because the statute of limitations and some legal rules depend on who owned and was operating the bus, identifying these parties should be done early in the process.

Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents

Bus passengers can be particularly at risk of injury during a crash. Passengers on city buses or charter buses might not have seat belts, and passengers on tour buses might be standing when the collision occurs. A crash can suddenly force passengers into walls, windows, seats, other passengers, or even off the bus. Some examples of injuries that frequently occur in bus accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Lacerations
• Whiplash
• Internal injuries
• Back and neck injuries

Some injuries may be obvious after an accident, while others could take days or weeks to manifest. Another benefit of receiving medical care is that it provides documentation of your injuries, treatment, and the accident.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in Charlotte?

Your first concern after an accident should be your well-being. Call for emergency assistance if needed and seek medical care. If your injuries aren’t life-threatening and you’re able to move from the immediate crash site, it’s a good idea to collect information such as the bus number and company, the exact spot of the incident, the types of vehicles involved, and photos of the vicinity. 

If possible, obtain contact information from witnesses. There could be dozens of witnesses on a full bus, but you may not know who was paying attention after leaving the scene. Write down the contact information of anyone who gives you permission to interview them about the collision.

Preserve any documents that relate to the accident and your losses. This can include police reports, medical bills, photos of your injuries, and correspondence from insurance companies. Bus companies and nearby businesses may have video footage of the collision. If the footage is overwritten, critical evidence might be lost. For this reason, preserving evidence should be one of the first steps in your bus accident case.

Compensation After a Bus Accident in Charlotte

If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you might be able to recover compensation for your accident-related losses. Many factors can affect how much a case is worth, including the severity of injuries. Damages that can be recovered include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future medical care
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages

Recoverable damages should compensate victims for future bills they may likely incur because of someone else’s negligence.

Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer

When you hire a bus accident lawyer, your attorney can handle many of the practical and legal aspects of building your claim. Your Charlotte bus accident attorney can also determine if multiple parties are partly to blame. Even if a driver’s negligence caused the collision, the bus’s lack of proper upkeep might have made your injuries more severe. When serious injuries cause substantial losses, it can be critical to identify everyone who may share liability. 

FAQs About Charlotte, NC Bus Accident Laws

Can You Make a Claim in Charlotte if Your Bus Crashes?

Yes, you can file a claim in Charlotte if your bus crashes. As a passenger injured in a bus accident, you may be able to seek financial recovery from whoever was negligent and caused the crash. That could include the bus driver, a private transportation company, another motorist, or even a government agency. Claims arising from public school buses may need to be filed in special proceedings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. 

How Much Can You Get if You Get Hit by a City Bus in Charlotte?

Each accident claim is unique. There is no set or standard settlement amount when you are struck by a city bus in Charlotte. You could be entitled to financial recovery for medical bills, lost income, serious or permanent injuries, pain and suffering, and more. Liability and government-entity regulations also may impact your ability to recover. By state law, North Carolina does not use a predetermined formula to value pain and suffering in an accident claim. 

May I Get a Ticket if I Accidentally Pass a Stopped School Bus in North Carolina?

Yes, you can get a ticket if you accidentally pass a stopped school bus in North Carolina. Passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina can result in charges even if you accidentally violated the law. Drivers must stop while the bus’s stop signal is extended or flashing red lights are on, though there is an exception if you are driving on the opposite side of a divided roadway. 

Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Accidents?

North Carolina is an at-fault state when it comes to auto accidents. This means that a person who causes a collision can be held financially responsible for injuries and car damage to others. North Carolina follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. If the injured victim is even slightly negligent and contributed to the accident, they may be barred from recovering damages from the other driver. 

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you have been injured in a bus accident, Ayers, Ayers & Dressler can aid you in seeking compensation for your damages. Contact us today for more information.