Although bus accidents in Pennsylvania are rare, they do happen. This includes school buses, urban transit buses, tour buses, trackless trolleys, and cross-country buses. There were 321 commercial bus accidents in 2020 alone, causing dozens of injuries and leading to the loss of three lives on Pennsylvania’s roadways. If you have been involved in a bus accident, then it can be helpful to know what to do in its aftermath, which includes getting in touch with reputable auto accident injury attorneys Louis B. Himmelstein and Associates.

Bus companies and other entities offering transportation services are known as common carriers in the state of Pennsylvania. Common carriers owe a high duty of care to passengers on their buses, giving riders assurance that they are protected on the road. Common carriers are responsible for the passengers on their buses and must take all steps necessary to avoid potential injuries that occur during collisions and due to other circumstances. All bus drivers in the state of Pennsylvania are duty-bound to provide a high level of reasonable caution and care when operating buses with passengers aboard.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

As your personal injury attorney may attest, bus accidents can cause numerous injuries — many of them quite serious. The most often seen injuries due to bus accidents include whiplash, torn or sprained ligaments, spine and back injuries, concussions, as well as abrasions, contusions, and lacerations.

At the Scene of a Bus Accident

Once the dust settles after an accident involving a bus, it is not unusual for an individual to assume they are not injured when they actually are. It is a good idea after being involved in a bus accident to go ahead and let yourself be transported to the hospital from the scene, as this ensures that any hidden injuries to your spine, neck, or other areas are not worsened by lack of treatment. Not all injuries due to bus accidents are readily apparent. It can take several days or weeks for the true extent of your injuries to become known.

Most bus accidents are caused by negligence either from the driver or the actual owner or company operating the bus. The steps you take immediately following the bus crash can definitely affect the success of any claim that you file as a result of the injuries you sustain. Be sure to:

• Take photographs of the scene and your injuries.
• Speak to witnesses and obtain their contact information.
• Make notes about the circumstances of the accident so that you can easily recall them later.

Recovering Damages Following a Bus Accident

Under Pennsylvania law, as an injured person, you are entitled to seek damages from the at-fault party in your case. When you file a claim after a bus accident, you may attempt to collect past and future medical expenses and lost wages, compensation for your reduced capacity to earn a living, and payment for services needed in your everyday life due to the accident, such as house cleaning or child care services. You may also be entitled to pain and suffering damages. In some particular cases, punitive damages may be appropriate, although this is up to the discretion of the judge in your case.

Turn to a Car Accident Attorney Servicing Camden, NJ, and Beyond

Although you may feel alone in the aftermath of your bus accident, Louis B. Himmelstein and Associates, your trusted Pennsylvania injury attorney, is on your side. Reach out today to our firm of bus accident lawyers who work hard to stand up for the rights of clients harmed at the hands of others. Call (215) 375-7316 for your free consultation with an auto accident attorney in Philadelphia, PA, today.