Author: Grace Fellows
Legally Reviewed by: John Kushnick
Publish date: 13th August 2026
Can I make a bus or coach accident compensation claim?
If you've been injured in a bus or coach accident that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to make a no win, no fee bus compensation claim. Whether it was on your regular bus commute or on a coach trip across the country, we can help you make a claim if your bus has been in a collision. Our Helpline Advisors are here to listen and guide you through the process, making claiming as simple and stress-free as possible.
Types of bus, coach and minibus accident claims and injuries
Collisions involving buses, coaches and minibuses can happen in a number of ways, with common accidents including:
- A collision with another vehicle, such as a car or bus
- A collision with an object, such as a lamppost, wall or building
- Being hit by a bus as a pedestrian
- Being hit by a bus while cycling
Common bus accident injuries
A bus accident can cause any number of injuries. Some of the most common include:
What should I do immediately after a bus or coach accident?
If you've recently been in an accident on a bus, minibus or coach, following these steps can help you stay safe and make it easier to make a bus accident compensation claim in future.
Check for injuries
First, check yourself, other bus passengers and the driver for injuries if it's safe to do so. Even if the injuries are minor, they should be assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible. If you were hurt, make sure you inform the bus or coach company that you were injured on board.
Report the accident
Call 999 if anyone is injured, the road is blocked or it's unsafe to stay in the bus. Emergency services will record the incident, which can support a claim. Even if the driver or other passengers report it, you can still contact the police yourself, particularly if injuries develop later.
Collect details and evidence
If you feel well enough, try to note key information such as the conditions at the time of the crash, the bus or coach company and vehicle details, fellow passengers' contact info and any photos of the scene.
Make a bus accident claim
Once you've received treatment and you're on the road to recovery, you might be considering making a bus or coach accident claim. You can do this by calling our Helpline Advisors on , where you can discuss your circumstances and, if you'd like to proceed, we'll connect you with a personal injury solicitors' firm, who will get your claim started.
What evidence will I need to make a bus injury claim?
To make a bus injury claim, you'll need evidence showing that the bus company, driver or another motorist caused your injuries. Having this information ready after an accident can make the claims process much smoother. Key evidence that can help support a bus accident claim includes:
- Bus ticket or payment record: A physical or digital ticket, or a payment record of 'tapping' or 'touching' on
- Bus details: The driver's name, bus number and typical route
- Other vehicles involved: Registration numbers and details of any other drivers
- Photos or videos: Capture the scene, any damage and visible injuries
- CCTV information: Note the locations of any nearby cameras
- Witness details: Names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident
- Medical records: GP notes, hospital records or other documentation of your injuries
How much compensation could I receive for a bus accident claim?
Bus and coach accident claims can vary substantially, with the amount of compensation you could receive depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact they've had on your life - both financially and in your day-to-day routine. Compensation is divided into two main types:
General Damages
These cover the pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries. Factors that influence general damages include:
- The type and severity of your injury
- Your recovery time
- Any lifestyle changes caused by your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of hobbies or activities you used to do
- Loss of independence or changes to your daily routine
- Emotional distress or anxiety resulting from the accident
Special Damages
These cover any financial losses that can be calculated and can include:
- Medical expenses, such as specialist treatment, therapy or prescriptions
- Travel costs related to treatment or recovery
- Repair or replacement of personal items damaged in the accident
- Lost earnings from time off work
- Future loss of earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Ongoing care needs or home adaptations
- Home or vehicle adaptations required because of your injury
To estimate your potential compensation, use our bus accident compensation calculator or see the table below for compensation ranges for specific injury types. All guideline figures are set by the Judicial College, which is part of the Ministry of Justice.
Injury type | Compensation |
Neck injuries | |
Neck (minor) | Up to £10,420 |
Neck (moderate) | Up to £50,850 |
Neck (severe) | Up to £195,970 |
Back injuries | |
Back (minor) | Up to £16,520 |
Back (moderate) | Up to £51,230 |
Back (severe) | Up to £212,670 |
Shoulder injuries | |
Shoulder (minor) | Up to £10,420 |
Shoulder (moderate) | Up to £16,870 |
Shoulder (serious) | Up to £25,370 |
Shoulder (severe) | Up to £63,450 |
Knee injuries | |
Knee (moderate) | Up to £34,600 |
Knee (severe) | Up to £127,110 |
Elbow injuries | |
Elbow (moderate or minor injury) | Up to £16,640 |
Elbow (less severe injuries) | Up to £42,290 |
Elbow (severely disabling injury) | Up to £72,440 |
Hearing loss | |
Partial hearing loss or tinnitus (mild) | Up to £19,680 |
Partial hearing loss or tinnitus (moderate) | Up to £39,250 |
Partial hearing loss or tinnitus (severe) | Up to £60,160 |
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | |
PTSD (less severe) | Up to £10,810 |
PTSD (moderate) | Up to £30,580 |
PTSD (moderately severe) | Up to £79,080 |
PTSD (severe) | Up to £133,000 |
Source: Values are from the 18th and latest edition from the Judicial College guidelines, published in April 2026.
*These figures are provided as a guide only and are not fixed. The final compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of each case, including the severity of the injury, its overall impact and the strength of the evidence. Specific whiplash injuries are valued using the whiplash tariff matrix as agreed by the UK government following the 2021 whiplash reforms.
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How do I start my bus or coach accident compensation claim?
When you're ready to make a bus injury compensation claim you can contact our Helpline Advisors on or start your claim online today.
We understand that claiming can be daunting. That's why, whichever option you choose, we'll be here to guide you and answer any questions you have. If you decide to proceed, we'll connect you with a bus accident lawyer firm, often on the same call, who can start building your case.
Why make a bus or coach accident claim with National Accident Helpline?
With years_since years of experience, our friendly team can help you understand the claims process and put you in touch with a solicitor who can pursue your compensation. We're here to support you and help you get your life back on track after a bus accident.
- We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and so are all the firms we partner with.
- Any bus accident solicitors we connect you with will be registered with The Law Society in England and Wales or the Law Society of Scotland.
- No win, no fee claims mean you're not left out of pocket on an unsuccessful claim so long as you follow the T&Cs.
- Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot by people nationwide.
Do I need to use a bus accident solicitor to make a claim?
"We would strongly advise doing so, yes.
"If you were to try and make a direct claim against the bus, coach or minibus company, and any other parties involved on their side, it is likely that you would be left to deal with their insurers. This would leave you in a stressful, potentially difficult and costly situation, in a case that you're not as likely to win.
"But, with an expert legal team by your side who have years of experience in investigating accidents like yours, you'll have the best possible chance of getting the compensation and help you deserve."
John Kushnick
Legal Operations DirectorWhat our clients say
Meet the team
John Kushnick
Legal Director
With extensive personal injury legal and senior management experience, John oversees the optimisation of the customer journey - from the start of a claim through to final settlement.
View profileMeet the teamBus Accident Claims FAQs
How long do I have to start a claim after a bus or coach accident?
You usually have three years to make a bus or coach accident claim, starting from the date of the accident.
Within this period, your claim must either be settled, or court proceedings started. However, there are exceptions that may apply, including but not limited to:
- If you were under 18 at the time of the accident and no claim was made on your behalf, you have until your 21st birthday to make a claim.
- If you're making a claim on behalf of someone who passed away, you'll have three years from the date they died.
- If you're claiming for someone who lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit, unless they regain capacity, in which case the standard three-year limitation period begins from that date.
If you're not sure whether you're still eligible to claim, read our guide on time limits for making a claim or contact our Helpline Advisors on to discuss your circumstances.
How long could my bus or coach accident compensation claim take to settle?
Some bus accident claims may be resolved in around six to 12 months, while others can take three years or more to settle. The timeframe of your claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, for example if liability is disputed, the investigation is complex or medical evidence is still being assessed.
Your bus accident lawyer or legal team should be able to give you an estimated timeframe based on your situation.
Do bus drivers have a duty of care to passengers?
Yes, drivers legally have a duty of care to bus passengers under The Public Service Vehicles Regulations 1990. It is their responsibility to make sure that bus or coach passengers are safe, and that their driving, behaviour, and anything within their control doesn't put anyone on board at risk.
If a driver fails in their duty of care and you're injured in an incident that could have been avoided, you may be entitled to make a coach or bus accident claim.
It's also worth noting that, as a bus passenger, you have a duty of care to yourself and other passengers too. The driver or the bus company may not always be liable in every case.
Who pays bus injury compensation?
Compensation for bus accident injuries is usually paid by the bus company or their insurance provider. Most operators carry insurance to cover passengers in the event of a bus accident.
If the bus or coach driver was negligent while performing their job, the employer (bus company) is generally responsible, not the driver personally. If the accident was caused by another driver, their insurance provider will be liable for your claim instead.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Visit our general FAQs page for more information.
Did you know?
In Great Britain in 2024, there were 2,234 casualties among bus and coach occupants with 335 serious injuries - four of which were fatal.
Source:Department for Transport