Bus Accident Compensation

At National Accident Helpline, we pride ourselves on simplifying the claims process. These are the steps for claiming after a bus accident:

• Step one: the first step is to get in touch with us. This initial conversation will help you to understand whether you are eligible for compensation and there will be no obligation to make a claim.
• Step two: we'll listen to your story and answer your questions. We'll also try to get a better understanding of what happened and the effect it has had on your life. Then we'll be able to let you know if you're in a position to make a claim.
  If you decide you'd like to take the next steps, we will pass you on to one of our no win no fee solicitor partners.
• Step three: your new legal team will get in touch with the other party and negotiate on your behalf. They'll consider the full effects of your injury and do everything they can to make sure you receive the full amount you're owed.

Most claims are required to either have been settled within three years, or for court proceedings to have been started. It's best to claim as soon as possible so your memory is fresh, and evidence is recent and easier to gather.

This three-year period is often referred to as the limitation period, which is the time by which you must either settle your claim or start court proceedings.

There are, however, a few exceptions:

• When claiming on behalf of a child involved in a bus accident, you can make a claim for them at any time until their 18th birthday. After turning 18, they have until age 21 to either settle their claim or start court proceedings.
• If the injury victim lacks the mental capacity to do it themselves there are no time limits for claiming. This could be as a direct result of the injury they've suffered or a pre-existing medical condition. However, if the Claimant regains mental capacity after the accident, even if only temporarily, then the three-year limit starts from then.
• In the case of a fatal bus accident, you can claim on behalf of a loved one. The usual three-year limitation period applies from the date of their passing, or from the date it was discovered that the bus accident was the cause. Within this period, the claim must either be resolved, or legal proceedings must have commenced.

Until your solicitors have started negotiating on your behalf, they won't be able to give you an exact figure of the compensation you could be entitled to.

The settlement amount will take into account several factors, including:

• Injury type and severity.
• Recovery time.
• Medical expenses and travel costs.
• Lost earnings from time off work.
• Any lifestyle changes that you have had to make as a result of your injuries.
• Ongoing care needs and any home adaptations needed.

While many claims are settled within 12-24 months, ultimately, it depends on how complex your case is. The type, severity and circumstances of your injuries, plus the time it takes to gather all the necessary medical evidence can impact the time it takes to settle.

Your legal team will keep you updated throughout the process, so you know what to expect at every stage.

Quite simply, yes. If you're thinking of making a claim on behalf of a friend or loved one, then it's likely we can help you. You can help someone start their claim, supporting them through their phone consultations, or act as a litigation friend.

A litigation friend can claim on behalf of a child, or someone who lacks the mental capacity to manage the process themselves. You can even claim on behalf of a loved one who lost their life in a bus accident. The National Accident Helpline team are experienced in supporting people to navigate these claims and get justice their loved one deserves.

Even if the other driver didn't stop, and cannot be identified, you may still be able to pursue compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), which compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.

To increase your chances of a successful hit and run claim, gather as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements, CCTV footage, or photos of the scene. You must also contact the police immediately, as you may not be able to make a claim through the MIB unless you have and in any event their report could play a key role in supporting your claim.

Many busses are fitted with CCTV, and other passengers and the driver will likely be able to act as witnesses.

If your bus accident injury was caused by an uninsured driver, then we may still be able to help you. In these cases, claims are paid by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) which would act as if they were the vehicle's insurer.

As a passenger in a bus accident, you'll usually have the driver and other passengers on your side to back up your claim. However, although witnesses can be a great source of evidence for your bus accident claim, they aren't a requirement. Other evidence includes:

• Your injuries - how the accident happened may be evident in the injury you've sustained. To process you're claim, it's likely you'll be required to attend a medical assessment, which will be used as evidence in supporting your claim. 
• Photos and videos - whether snapped by you at the scene, or collected later via CCTV footage, photos and videos can help form solid evidence for a claim.

If you're worried, chat to one of our friendly advisors and they'll advise whether you could claim compensation.

Yes, most busses aren't fitted with seatbelts which means you won't be penalised. However, if it's proven that your injuries are more severe due being an unsafe passenger, not adhering to rules or listening to the driver's instructions, the amount you receive might be reduced because of contributory negligence.

If you were injured as a bus driver, and your employer can be proven to be liable for the accident or your injuries, you may be able to claim against them.

Legally, your employer must ensure all work vehicles are in a safe, working condition. They are required to enforce safe working practices and have a duty to ensure that employees are safe to drive and are not pressured to exceed their hours.

When an employer has failed to do any of the above and it has led to an accident, causing harm to their employee or other road users, they may be held liable for the suffering caused.

Claiming compensation can alleviate some of the financial burden caused by your injuries and prevent similar accidents from happening again, by holding the employer accountable.

Please note: you are legally protected from unfair dismissal or treatment when claiming against your employer. If they're seen to treat you differently as a result, that can have further negative implications on them.

Sometimes bus accidents aren't caused by other drivers, but by poor road conditions. In these cases, you may still be able to claim.

To make a road traffic accident claim due to an unsafe road, you need to prove that the road's dangerous condition caused the accident, and that the responsible party was negligent in maintaining the road. The negligent party could be a local council or highway authority, or the owner of a private road.

Helpful evidence could be photographs, videos, and witness statements. If you've reported the incident, that could also be supportive evidence for your claim.

If poor weather contributed to causing your accident, you could have grounds to claim, even if the bus didn't collide with any other vehicle. For example, the bus may not have been sufficiently maintained by the bus company, leading to faulty breaks or unsafe tyres.

If you're not sure if your experience makes you eligible to claim, chat to our team today to find out. All calls and advice are free, and there's no pressure to proceed if you are deemed eligible.