How to File a Claim After a Maryland Bus Accident

Bus accidents are unfortunately common in Maryland, involving everything from collisions with other vehicles to pedestrian accidents, bus rollovers, and passenger injuries due to improper safety measures. Given the size and weight of buses, these accidents often lead to severe injuries.

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Filing a personal injury claim can help you recover these losses and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable. Below, we’ll walk you through the key steps of filing a claim after a bus accident in Maryland.

Types of Bus Accidents in Maryland

Bus accidents can happen in a variety of ways, and the nature of the incident often determines how you should proceed with your claim. Some common types of bus accidents in Maryland include:

• Collisions with other vehicles: This is one of the most common causes of bus accidents, often occurring in busy city streets or on highways like I-95.
• Pedestrian accidents: Buses may strike pedestrians when stopping at a bus stop or while making turns.
• Bus rollovers or mechanical failures: These more severe accidents can be caused by faulty brakes, worn tires, or improperly maintained vehicles.
• Passenger injuries: Passengers may be injured from sudden stops or falls inside the bus, especially if safety measures are lacking or the driver is distracted.

The type of bus accident you were involved in plays a significant role in the claims process, especially in determining who is liable for your injuries.

Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?

Determining liability in bus accidents can be complicated, as multiple parties might be involved, including:

• The bus driver: If the driver was negligent, distracted, or reckless (such as speeding or running red lights), they may be held responsible for the accident.
• The bus company or employer: Bus companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained and that drivers are adequately trained.
• Third parties: If other drivers, pedestrians, or even municipalities contributed to the accident (for example, through unsafe road conditions), they could share liability.

In Maryland, claims involving public buses, such as those operated by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), are subject to specific rules and limitations, including shorter deadlines for filing claims.

Steps to Take After a Maryland Bus Accident

After a bus accident, your immediate actions can play a crucial role in strengthening your claim:

1. Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you feel fine initially, injuries from bus accidents can manifest later. Seeking immediate medical care ensures your injuries are documented.
2. Call the Police: File a report with local authorities. Police will document the scene and may issue citations to the bus driver or other parties.
3. Gather Information: Collect contact details from the bus driver, witnesses, and passengers. Take photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries.
4. Document Your Injuries: Keep records of medical treatments, expenses, and any time off work due to your injuries.

These steps help create a strong foundation for your claim by ensuring that critical evidence is preserved.

How to File a Bus Accident Claim in Maryland

The process of filing a bus accident claim in Marlyan involves several steps: 

1. Notify Your Insurance Company: The first step is to report the accident to your insurance company. They will help you understand your coverage and guide you through the claims process.
2. File a Third-Party Claim: If another party is at fault (such as the bus driver, the bus company, or a government entity), you’ll file a third-party claim to seek compensation for damages.
3. Public vs. Private Bus Claims:
   
   • Private bus companies: If a private company operates the bus, you’ll file a claim through their insurance provider.
     
   • Public buses: If the accident involves a public bus (such as an MTA bus), the claims process becomes more complex, as you’ll need to file within specific time limits (often six months to one year). Filing claims against government entities requires following specific procedures and may involve immunities, making it essential to understand the rules around public transportation claims.

Trust McGowan & Cecil to guide you through the claims process and protect your rights at every step.

Common Challenges in Bus Accident Claims

There are several challenges that you may face when filing a bus accident claim in Maryland:

• Determining liability: Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, which can complicate the process of determining who is at fault.
• Public transportation claims: If the accident involved a public bus, filing a claim is typically more complex due to specific government rules and shorter deadlines.
• Insurance disputes: Insurers may offer low settlements, especially if there are multiple parties involved or if the bus company tries to avoid liability.

It takes a skilled bus accident attorney to navigate these challenges and secure the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Legal Help for Maryland Bus Accident Victims

Filing a bus accident claim in Maryland requires careful attention to detail and timely action. Whether you’re dealing with a private bus company or a public transportation authority, knowing your rights and responsibilities is crucial to ensuring a successful claim.

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Maryland, turn to McGowan & Cecil. We have a well-deserved reputation as dedicated advocates of the injured and a proven track record of success. Contact us today so we can start working on your bus accident claim.