Bus Accident Claims

If you are involved in an accident as a passenger on a bus or coach, whatever the nature of your accident, you can make a claim to compensate for the pain and suffering caused. Cases of this type can take many forms and aren't always caused by collisions with other vehicles, but whatever the circumstances of your injury, the expert team at JMW is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve and support you throughout the process.

Find out more about how we can help with your bus accident claim by getting in touch today. Simply call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form, and we will give you a call back. We can talk you through the next steps and provide you with all the information you need to start your claim.

How JMW Can Help

At JMW, we have an extensive history in dealing with road traffic accidents, including the range of incidents that may involve coaches or buses, and are well-versed in the different requirements our clients will have, depending on their injuries. We'll ensure you understand the claims process from beginning to end and will be there with you every step of the way, keeping you up to date on your claim.

We can help you secure the appropriate compensation award that will help you meet any costs you have incurred following your accident. We work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning making a claim with us is a risk-free process.

After an accident, your recovery should be the priority and our goal is always to make sure that you receive an outstanding service that will allow you to focus on getting better, without any stress or worry.

The Causes of Bus Accidents

Buses and coaches are generally safe and convenient forms of transport. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen thanks to someone else's negligence, and if you’re involved in such an incident, you are entitled to claim compensation for any injuries you have suffered.

Accidents of this type can happen in several ways involving many different parties. While bus passengers are the most likely to be injured in a bus accident, other parties can be subject to injury too, such as bus or coach drivers, those in other vehicles, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

The causes of bus and coach accidents can be wide and varied, and the fault may lie with different parties, including the driver of a vehicle, the operator of the coach or bus or even the authority responsible for maintaining the roads, should poorly maintained roads be to blame.

Accidents may also arise as a result of:

• Adverse weather conditions
• Objects or obstructions in the road
• Defects in the road
• Poor road signage
• Driver rest regulations not being observed
• Unsafe vehicles

How Do I Claim After a Bus Accident?

No matter the severity of your injuries, making a compensation claim after an accident can be both important and beneficial. The money you receive will not only make up for the injury and discomfort you have suffered due to someone else's negligence. It will also help you to meet any costs caused by the accident, such as:

• Medical treatment
• Loss of earnings as a result of any time off work you may have needed
• Care and assistance provided by loved ones or friends
• Travel expenses following the accident
• Damaged items, such as clothing and personal property

What Types of Injuries Can I Claim for in Bus Accident Claims?

Bus accident claims cover a range of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. At JMW, we understand that every injury can have an impact on your life, and our approach is to ensure that all types of injuries are considered for compensation. Here are some examples of injuries covered:

• Physical injuries: minor injuries such as cuts, bruises and soft tissue injuries can often be claimed for. Moderate injuries can include broken bones, more severe soft tissue damage and concussions. Serious injuries involve head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, and injuries requiring surgery or leading to long-term disability.
• Psychological injuries: emotional distress and anxiety following the accident, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression or other mental health issues stemming from the accident and its aftermath.
• Long-term and permanent injuries: chronic pain conditions and permanent disabilities that could impact your ability to work or lead to lifelong medical care, and long-term psychological effects that may require ongoing therapy or support.
• Fatal injuries: in the unfortunate event of a fatal accident, claims can be made by the deceased’s family for wrongful death, including loss of companionship, financial support and funeral expenses.

Each type of injury comes with its unique challenges and impacts on your quality of life. We ensure that your claim reflects the full extent of the physical, emotional and financial toll the injury has taken. Our goal is to secure compensation that truly addresses the breadth of your experience, supporting your recovery and easing the burdens brought on by the accident.

Am I Eligible to Make a Bus Accident Claim?

UK law recognises that accidents impact an array of individuals, and our solicitors' expertise extends to assisting a diverse range of claimants. The following are examples of the different parties who may be eligible to claim in the event of an accident:

• Bus passengers may be able to claim against the bus company or driver, or other road users for situations where the accident was due to another vehicle, bus driver negligence, or even poor road conditions.
• Bus drivers are not exempt from making claims. If you were driving the bus during the incident and suffered injuries due to another party's negligence, such as another driver or the bus company's failure to maintain the vehicle, you have a right to claim.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists can claim compensation in instances where the accident was a collision or an incident caused by the bus's manoeuvring.
• Cases involving other road users often involve complex assessments of fault and liability but are no less viable or important to pursue.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, you may be eligible to claim compensation for a bus accident, provided you can also:

• Prove that the accident happened
• Prove who caused the accident
• Prove that you suffered reasonably due to the accident

You must do this by supplying evidence of the above. Your solicitor will help you to identify, collect and organise this evidence.

Even if you are partially responsible for your bus accident, you may be able to claim a portion of your damages and should contact us in the same way.

Regardless of your role in the accident, it's important to understand that the scope of your claim can vary based on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life and livelihood, and the circumstances of the accident. Our team is committed to ensuring your claim takes into account all aspects of your experience to secure the compensation you deserve.

How Much Compensation for a Bus Accident?

The amount of compensation you'll receive will vary depending on the circumstances of your accident and the nature of any injuries that you sustain as a result. You will also be able to claim for any financial losses you've incurred (including lost earnings if you've taken time off work to recover) and you may be able to claim for loss of enjoyment if your injury occurred while you were on holiday.

Compensation for bus accidents can be split into two main categories:

• General damages: these offer a financial award that aims to reflect the physical and mental suffering caused by the accident. The value of your general damages will vary depending on the type and severity of your injuries.
• Special damages: these cover the financial impact of your accident, such as your medical and care costs, and your lost earnings. Any future costs that may be expected can also be included in this amount. To claim special damages, you will need to provide financial records that detail your expenses.

When it comes to confronting those responsible for your accident, we'll negotiate diligently on your behalf, considering all the ways the accident has impacted your life. Our expertise in handling complex claims ensures that you receive the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation. For a more accurate calculation of how much compensation you could be entitled to based on your circumstances, get in touch with JMW today and we'll do our best to offer you an estimate.

What is the Process of Making a Bus Accident Compensation Claim?

Every personal injury claim is different due to the various factors involved. However, there are several key steps involved in the process:

1. Initial consultation: during this first conversation, we'll discuss the details of your accident and injuries. Here, we'll explain the process and what you can expect, analyse your chances of success and answer any questions you have.
2. Gathering evidence: this may include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, medical reports detailing your injuries, and any police reports. Your solicitor will guide you through what's needed and can help gather this information.
3. Submitting your claim: once the evidence is compiled, we’ll contact the other party and submit your claim to officially begin the legal proceedings. This involves detailing the accident, your injuries, and the impact they have had on your life. We handle all the paperwork and communication with the relevant parties, ensuring your claim is presented clearly and effectively.
4. Negotiation and resolution: your solicitor will negotiate with the other party and their insurer on your behalf to secure the best possible compensation. Most claims are settled out of court, but if necessary, we are prepared to represent you robustly in legal proceedings.

Upon settlement, you'll be awarded compensation. This amount will be tailored to cover the various damages you have incurred due to the accident. Our goal is to ensure that the compensation reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.

Throughout the process, we'll provide continuous support and updates so you can make informed decisions. We understand that recovering from an accident is your main priority, so we handle the complexities of the claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Why Choose JMW?

The personal injury team at JMW comprises seasoned legal professionals with a deep understanding of a range of areas of personal injury law, including that relating to bus accident claims. Our solicitors are renowned for their expertise in personal injury law, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of successful outcomes. This expertise ensures that your case is in capable hands.

We understand that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Our team takes the time to understand your circumstances, ensuring that the advice and support we provide are directly aligned with your specific needs.

From your first consultation to the resolution of your case, our focus is on providing comprehensive support. We prioritise clear communication, keeping you informed and involved at every stage of the process. Our team is always accessible, and ready to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.

We approach all of our personal injury claims with a no win, no fee agreement. This reflects our confidence in our ability to deliver results and ensures that our services are risk-free and accessible, giving you peace of mind that we are fully invested in securing the compensation you deserve.

Visit our case studies page to learn more about how claiming compensation with JMW gives you the best chances of success.