Pennsylvania Bus Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Serious Bus Accident in Pennsylvania? We Can Help.

Nearly everyone in the U.S. has been a bus passenger. Buses are used by both public transportation agencies and private travel companies, city- and county-wide, for commuters and tourists alike. They are also a common mode of transport for students: nearly 25 million U.S. children ride a school bus. We see or ride buses so often that we forget they're inherently dangerous vehicles; many of them are old, top-heavy, or lack seat belts, making bus crashes more devastating than even the worst car accident.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for your losses, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, our Pennsylvania bus accident attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping injured victims and families get justice. Our firm has the experience and resources to win bus accident cases, working tirelessly to help clients receive the best possible outcome for their cases.

Call (888) 498-3023 to review your legal options with a PA bus accident attorney. We serve clients in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York.

Why Bus Accidents Happen

Bus accidents largely happen for the same reason car accidents happen. Bus drivers can be poorly trained, distracted, or drunk; the same applies to other drivers on the road. However, bus accidents are often far worse than car accidents because they carry dozens of passengers, many of whom aren't wearing seat belts. This means that the victims can suffer catastrophic injuries.

Bus passengers may be seriously injured as a result of:

• Speeding or driving under the influence
• Inadequately trained bus drivers
• Lack of safety restraints
• Negligent bus driver hiring or training practices
• Bus rollovers caused by top-heavy designs

Poor maintenance can also contribute to bus accidents in Pennsylvania. Because bus brakes are subjected to tremendous pressure, they must be frequently maintained. Unfortunately, brake and other maintenance problems are sometimes ignored to limit costs and keep buses in operation. 

Common Injuries from Bus Accidents

Bus accidents often result in very serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved, as well as the fact that passengers often do not wear seatbelts and are not protected by airbags or other safety features. Additionally, because buses are often top-heavy in design, they are prone to tipping or rolling over, meaning these accidents are often catastrophic in nature.  

Some of the most common bus accident-related injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs, from concussions to more serious brain damage, can lead to long-term physical and cognitive issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, chronic pain, reduced mobility, and impairment of important bodily functions.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a bus collision can lead to severe bone fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. 
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and discomfort, impacting daily activities and requiring ongoing care. 
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as punctured lungs or damage to other internal organs, can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical attention.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bus accident, it is crucial that you consult an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of your case. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we are here to help you seek the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

After a Bus Accident, You Need to Act Quickly

If you were involved in a bus accident as a bus passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or occupant of another vehicle, you need to act swiftly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

Immediately seeking legal counsel after a bus accident has many benefits:

• Critical evidence can be preserved before it is “lost” or degraded over time.
• You can avoid missing key deadlines for filing your claim or lawsuit.
• It will be easier to identify at-fault parties when investigations begin immediately.
• Your medical care will be well-documented, better supporting your claim. 
• You can avoid making statements or accepting settlements that adversely affect your case.
• You can rest easier with the knowledge that your claim is in good hands.

By acting quickly after a Pennsylvania bus accident, you can significantly strengthen your position and improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your pursuit of justice and compensation.

How to Strengthen Your Case After a Bus Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a bus accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do to protect your rights and your future personal injury case is essential. By taking these steps, you can help strengthen your case and improve your chances of securing the financial recovery you need to manage unexpected financial costs associated with the accident. 

Here are some essential actions to consider:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it's vital to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not surface immediately.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, and any conversations with insurance companies.
• Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries to support your claim.
• Get Witnesses Information: Collect contact information from witnesses who can corroborate your account of the accident, if possible. 
• Consult with a Lawyer: Reach out to a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process on your behalf.

Remember, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone—Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is here to help you every step of the way.

Holding Negligent Bus Companies & Drivers Accountable

When you entrust your safety to a bus company, you expect them to uphold rigorous standards to protect you and your fellow passengers. Bus companies have a fundamental responsibility to thoroughly vet their drivers, ensuring they possess the necessary qualifications and a clean driving record. Additionally, these companies must implement and enforce safe driving practices, providing continuous training to ensure their drivers are well-equipped to handle various road conditions and emergencies.

Proper vehicle maintenance is another critical aspect of a bus company’s duty of care. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. When bus companies neglect these responsibilities, they put everyone at risk.

Bus drivers also have a significant responsibility for the safety of their passengers and others on the road. They must adhere to traffic laws, operate the bus safely, and remain vigilant to avoid potential hazards. Distracted driving, fatigue, or any form of reckless behavior can have severe consequences. When a bus driver fails to uphold their duty, they can be held accountable for the harm caused by their negligence. 

By pursuing legal action against negligent bus companies and drivers, victims can seek justice and the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Our Pennsylvania bus accident attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC are ready to take on these complex, challenging cases.

Your Legal Rights After a Pennsylvania Bus Accident

Per the U.S. Department of Transportation, bus accidents cause between 11,000 and 15,000 injuries per year, killing around 300 people. Of these, about 1,700 injuries and 20 fatalities happen to school bus passengers. Whether you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages and hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. 

Our Pennsylvania bus accident lawyers work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best medical treatment for your injuries while thoroughly investigating your accident. We are standing by to help.

If any of the following is true, you need to call us right away:

• The bus driver was driving recklessly.
• The driver was improperly trained or licensed.
• The driver was drunk, distracted, or not in his right mind.
• The bus was improperly maintained.
• The bus had old, run-down, or defective parts.

We understand the tremendous stress victims and their families go through after tragic bus accidents, which is why we waste no time helping you get back on your feet. We encourage you to reach out to our team as soon as possible after a bus accident. Without an experienced bus accident attorney in Pennsylvania by your side, companies and their insurers will try to pay you as little as possible.

Types of Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Bus Accident

After a bus accident, you are likely to face a number of unexpected physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to various types of damages beyond just medical expenses. Our experienced Pennsylvania bus accident attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC are here to help you identify and pursue all potential compensation, working to ensure you receive what you rightfully deserve.

After a bus accident in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to: 

• Medical Expenses: This includes coverage for past, current, and future medical bills related to your bus accident injuries. 
• Lost Wages: You could receive compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your temporary inability to work after a bus accident. 
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries left you permanently disabled, you may receive compensation for lost income you would have earned. 
• Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to financial relief for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Rehabilitation Costs: In addition to medical expenses, you could receive compensation for physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

Our dedicated team is prepared to gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case on your behalf. We understand the nuances of Pennsylvania personal injury law and are committed to fighting for your rights and the full compensation you deserve. If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Pennsylvania Bus Accident Lawyers Serving Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York, PA

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys have the vast knowledge and resources needed to win accident cases involving buses. We’ve fought for injury victims across Pennsylvania since 1922, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation, and we don’t take a fee unless we win the case. Our team is available days, nights, and weekends to help. 

Don’t waste time. Contact us today at (888) 498-3023 for a free consultation!

Helpful Resources

• PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) provides resources and information about transportation safety, including bus regulations and accident statistics in Pennsylvania.
• This article from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives discusses recent legislative efforts aimed at improving bus safety and preventing accidents.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers information on bus safety regulations, statistics, and best practices for reducing bus accidents.