BIRMINGHAM BUS ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Liability in a bus accident depends on how the crash occurred and who was responsible for safety at the time. Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include:

• The bus driver
• The bus company or transit authority
• A private charter company
• A maintenance or repair contractor
• A vehicle manufacturer (in defect cases)
• Another negligent motorist

Bus accident claims are often more complex than typical vehicle crashes, particularly when buses carry children, commuters, or large groups of passengers. These cases frequently involve heightened safety obligations, multiple insurance policies, and overlapping responsibilities that require careful investigation.

Bus accidents often result in serious injuries due to the size of the vehicle, the number of passengers involved, and the lack of seatbelts on many buses. Sudden stops, rollovers, or collisions can cause riders, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles to be thrown with significant force.

Common injuries seen in Birmingham bus accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and long-term cognitive damage
• Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or permanent paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures, especially to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
• Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries, such as neck, back, and shoulder damage
• Lacerations and crush injuries caused by broken glass or structural collapse
• Psychological injuries, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Because bus crashes often involve multiple victims and high-impact forces, injuries can be severe and require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.

Yes, but claims involving public transportation systems can be more complex. Public entities may be subject to special notice requirements, shortened deadlines, and procedural rules that do not apply in typical injury cases.

While these claims can be more challenging, injured passengers and pedestrians may still have the right to pursue compensation when negligence is involved. Acting quickly is especially important in cases involving government-operated buses.

Alabama is served by a wide range of public transit systems, school bus operators, and private bus companies, many of which operate routes through Birmingham or travel into the city from other parts of the state and country.

Depending on the circumstances of the crash, responsible parties may include public or private bus operators such as:

• Birmingham Metro Area Express (MAX Transit)
• Megabus
• Jefferson Lines
• Capital Trailways
• Colonial Trailways, Inc.
• Southern Coaches, Inc.
• Southeastern Motor Coach, Inc.
• Spirit Coach, LLC
• Charter and tour bus companies operating in Alabama

Liability may also extend beyond the bus company itself to maintenance contractors, vehicle manufacturers, or other drivers who contributed to the crash.

A bus company does not need to be based in Birmingham to be held responsible. If the vehicle caused an accident in the city or the surrounding area, it may still be liable under Alabama law.

Strong evidence is critical in bus accident cases, particularly when fault is disputed. Evidence may include:

• Police and accident reports
• Surveillance footage (onboard or nearby cameras)
• Driver logs and employment records
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Witness statements
• Event data recorders or GPS data
• Medical documentation

Because evidence can be lost or overwritten quickly, early investigation is often key to preserving a strong claim.

Bus accident claims in Alabama are subject to strict legal deadlines. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether.

In addition to legal timelines, delays can weaken a case as surveillance footage is erased, vehicles are repaired, and witness memories fade. Speaking with an attorney early helps ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.

Yes. Bus accident claims are not limited to passengers riding on the bus. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and even individuals waiting at bus stops may have the right to pursue compensation if they were injured due to a bus driver’s negligence or unsafe operation.

Because buses operate in close proximity to sidewalks, intersections, and crowded areas, injuries can affect multiple people in different ways. Each claim is evaluated based on the specific circumstances of the accident, the nature of the injuries, and the parties responsible for causing harm.

The compensation available after a bus accident depends on the nature of the injuries and how the crash has impacted your life. In Birmingham bus accident cases, recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses and future care, including hospital treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent a return to work or limit future employment
• Pain and suffering, accounting for physical pain and long-term discomfort
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, trauma, or reduced quality of life
• Long-term disability or permanent impairment that affects daily activities or independence
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to recovery, including transportation to medical appointments or assistive devices

The value of a bus accident claim is based not only on current bills, but also on how the injuries affect long-term health, financial security, and overall quality of life.

Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if an injured person is found to have contributed to the accident in any way, even minimally, they may be barred from recovering compensation.

For example, an insurance company might argue that a pedestrian was distracted while crossing the street, or that a passenger failed to hold a handrail while the bus was in motion. Even when a bus driver’s actions were the primary cause of the crash, insurers may use these arguments to avoid paying damages altogether.

Because contributory negligence can completely derail a claim, bus accident cases in Alabama require thorough investigation, careful evidence preservation, and a legal strategy designed to counter blame-shifting tactics from the very beginning.

Your health and safety are the top priority after a bus accident. Seek medical attention right away, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Many injuries, including head trauma and soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately and can worsen over time.

If you are able, report the accident to law enforcement and request an official police report. This report can become an important piece of evidence later. Try to document the scene by taking photos or videos of the bus, surrounding vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and, if applicable, the bus driver and transit authority.

Avoid discussing fault at the scene or giving recorded statements to insurance companies before understanding your legal rights. Early steps can significantly affect the strength of a future claim, so protecting evidence and seeking guidance as soon as possible is important.

School bus accidents often involve additional legal considerations, including government entities, school districts, or private transportation contractors. These cases may involve special procedures, liability protections, or shorter notice deadlines.

Claims involving children can also raise unique issues related to medical care, long-term needs, and legal protections for minors.

Bus accident cases often involve multiple insurers, corporate defendants, and overlapping responsibilities. Morgan & Morgan approaches these cases with thorough investigation, coordination with experts, and a strategy designed to identify every potential source of liability.

Our attorneys prepare each case carefully, gathering evidence early and positioning the claim for resolution while remaining ready to pursue further action if negotiations fail.

Bus accident cases demand experience, resources, and an understanding of how Alabama law affects injury claims. Morgan & Morgan brings 35 years of experience handling complex transportation cases and the ability to take on public agencies, large companies, and insurers.

With no upfront fees and a free case evaluation, you can explore your legal options without added financial pressure while focusing on recovery.