If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Cincinnati bus accident, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Robbins, Kelly, Patterson & Tucker (RKPT) are here to fight for your rights. Because of the vehicle’s size and lack of seat restraints, bus crashes can result in devastating injuries; accidents involving buses can easily result in staggering medical bills, lost income, and lasting emotional trauma.
RKPT attorneys have extensive experience handling complex motor vehicle accident claims, including those involving commercial vehicles such as buses and vans. RKPT is committed to securing full, fair compensation for those injured in a bus accident.
Call RKPT, Cincinnati Bus Crash Attorneys
Why Choose RKPT for Your Bus Crash Injury Case?
Bigger Defendants. Bus accidents in Cincinnati generally involve commercial vehicles; legal action against the responsible party can mean pursuing a claim against a business, school district, or even a government entity. Each of these potential defendants will have their legal team on hand to represent them; RKPT offers experienced, aggressive legal support when you need it most to represent the injured parties in a bus accident claim.
Larger Settlements and Verdicts. While no attorney can guarantee the outcome of a case, research consistently shows that attorney-represented personal injury cases receive larger payouts than cases filed without legal assistance. Our team is prepared to look for every available avenue of financial recovery in the pursuit of full compensation.
Decades of Experience. Our team has been advocating for personal injury victims in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky for over 50 years. From hazardous road conditions and poorly trained bus drivers to profit-first companies using cut-rate equipment, we have handled countless types of bus accident claims. Our attorneys merge a commanding understanding of Ohio case law with time-tested negotiation techniques to deliver the best possible outcome for every client.
At RKPT, we typically handle personal injury and wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover money for you. As experienced bus accident lawyers, we offer the help and guidance you need after a serious bus injury.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bus Crash Attorney
Bus Accident Cases: More Common Than You Think
While buses are statistically safer per mile driven than passenger cars, the US still sees thousands of bus accidents annually. These accidents can result in serious injuries, as well as fatalities.
Bus Accident Statistics
- Approximately 232 fatal bus crashes occurred in the US in 2021, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Buses were involved in 14,464 crashes, causing injuries in 2021, as reported by FMCSA.
- School buses account for about 40% of all fatal bus crashes annually, based on analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Between 2012 and 2021, there were an average of 108 fatalities per year in crashes involving school transportation vehicles, per NHTSA data.
- In 2021, intercity buses represented about 13% of buses involved in fatal crashes, with transit buses at 35% and school buses at 36%, according to the FMCSA.
More than a third of fatal bus accidents involve school buses.
Common Causes of Cincinnati Bus Crashes
Negligent Driving
Negligent driving is a broad category describing many types of driver inattention or recklessness: speeding, driving under the influence, driving distracted, and so forth. When bus drivers speed, become distracted by phones or other activities, or operate under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, their reaction time and decision-making abilities are compromised, which increases the risk of serious collisions. As buses require longer stopping distances and greater caution, negligent bus drivers put themselves, their passengers, and other drivers at risk.
Inappropriate Hiring or Training Practices
The quality of a bus driver’s skills and knowledge largely depends on the hiring and training standards of the bus company. If companies fail to properly vet drivers or provide rigorous safety training, drivers may lack the abilities needed to handle emergencies or avoid hazards. Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers are far more likely to make critical errors that can lead to accidents.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, slick pavement, or unclear signage, challenge the safe operation of large vehicles like buses. City, state, and federal standards aim to reduce or eliminate accidents arising from dangerous roads; when these government entities fail to provide safe driving conditions, bus accidents can be the tragic result.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Regular inspections and prompt repairs are essential for bus safety, but bus companies may risk mechanical issues and skip routine maintenance procedures to maximize profits. When buses are not appropriately maintained, components like brakes, lights, and tires can fail unexpectedly. Mechanical failures can cause drivers to lose control or be unable to react effectively in critical situations.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bus Crash Attorney
Types of Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can lead to severe, life-changing injuries due to the size and weight of buses and the lack of safety restraints. Both bus passengers and occupants of other vehicles, to say nothing of pedestrians and bicyclists, can be seriously hurt in a collision involving a bus.
While no two bus accident cases are exactly the same, the most common types of bus accident injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries / Concussion
Bus collisions often involve sudden, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): violent impacts that can cause passengers to hit their heads on seats, windows, or other surfaces; TBIs may result in concussions or more severe brain injuries. Victims may experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems. Serious TBIs can have permanent effects on cognitive function and daily life.
Spinal Cord Trauma / Paralysis
The force exerted during a bus crash can damage the spine, resulting in injuries that range from herniated discs and nerve damage to complete spinal cord trauma. This can cause a range of symptoms, from chronic pain and reduced mobility to permanent paralysis. Spinal injuries often require intensive medical treatment and can dramatically diminish a person’s quality of life.
Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
Passengers in bus accidents are at high risk of sustaining broken bones and orthopedic injuries due to the lack of seatbelts, as well as the force of impact. Arms and leg bone breaks, cracked ribs, or a fractured pelvis may require surgery or lengthy rehabilitation. Severe orthopedic injuries can impair mobility and daily activities for months or even years.
Internal Organ Damage
A strong collision can jolt the body violently, potentially leading to internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are not always immediately visible, making them especially dangerous if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Internal organ damage often requires emergency intervention and can be life-threatening.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common in bus accidents, especially for those seated near the rear or sides of the vehicle. Damage to the muscles, ligaments, or vertebrae in the neck and back can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. In some cases, these injuries may not manifest immediately, making early medical assessment important.
Severe Cuts, Bruises, and Burns
Broken glass, twisted metal, and unsecured objects during a bus crash can cause deep lacerations or bruising. In some situations, fires or explosions can result in burn injuries, which may require specialized treatment and lead to lasting scarring. Even less severe cuts and bruises can be painful and carry a risk of infection or complications.
Regardless of how your bus crash injury presents, you are likely entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. The experienced bus crash lawyers at RKPT can not only help resolve your claim but also reduce the stress of the process.
Speak to a bus accident lawyer at RKPT today: (513) 721-3330.
Compensation for Your Bus Crash Injuries
While no two bus accidents are precisely the same, many motor vehicle cases resolve with some combination of the compensation for economic (financially calculable) and non-economic (intangible) damages. With RKPT’s team of bus accident lawyers by your side, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (both past and future)
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering/emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and, if necessary, will bring your case to trial to secure maximum recovery for your losses.
Common Questions about Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about your bus crash case? We can help. Call (513) 721-3330 to speak with a bus crash lawyer near you. We offer free consultations, and we never collect payment until you receive a settlement or verdict from your case.
Who can be held liable in a bus accident?
A legal action involving a bus crash can involve multiple parties: the bus driver, their employer or bus company, other negligent motorists, a government entity, or even bus or equipment manufacturers. Each bus accident case arises in different circumstances, and the defendant type will vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
Identifying all potentially liable parties requires a thorough investigation of the accident circumstances; a personal injury attorney will be able to determine which parties bear responsibility in your case. Call RKPT to discuss your bus accident case and learn more about how we can help: (513) 721-3330.
What should I do immediately after a bus accident?
As with any motor vehicle accident, you should always seek prompt medical attention for any injuries after a bus crash. Notify law enforcement or transit authorities, document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information, and contact the bus accident lawyers at RKPT as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a bus accident lawsuit?
Per Ohio Revised Code § 2744.04, the statute of limitations for filing a bus accident claim is usually two (2) years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved (for accidents involving public transit, for example), you may be required to file a notice of claim much sooner, sometimes within six months of the event. Speak to a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal right to compensation.
What types of compensation can I recover after a bus accident?
The compensation available to you after a bus accident includes everything from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. The exact recoverable damages depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
Let RKPT help you get the justice and compensation you deserve after a Cincinnati bus crash injury. Call us today at (513) 721-3330 to speak with an experienced bus crash lawyer.
