Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident, the bus company or other entity could be responsible for compensating you. Our Baltimore bus accident lawyers will help you prove the negligence that caused your accident. We will handle the insurance company for you, including paperwork, communication, and all details—big and small—of your injury claim.

The Baltimore personal injury lawyers at Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers are passionate about fighting for our clients. While you focus on taking care of yourself or supporting an injured loved one, we get to work fighting for your financial recovery. We will serve as your advocates if another person’s or entity’s negligence caused your accident. Contact our consultation team today for a free claim review.

Our Baltimore Bus Accident Attorneys Will Deal With the Insurance Company

If negligence caused your bus accident, you can seek compensation for your post-accident expenses and losses. To strengthen your bus accident injury claim, we will:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Gather physical and documentary evidence
• Handle all written and verbal communication
• Negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement

We fight back against low settlement offers and recommend the best available medical care so you can go From Hurt to Help®. We also provide 24/7 client communication with a unique-to-you text number. Our goal is to help you get the fair compensation you need to start putting your life back together after an accident.

Our Proven Results for Personal Injury Victims

When previous personal injury clients share their experience about the legal representation our law firm provided them with, they say:

• Minassie K.: “I am satisfied much more than I had expected. I was involved in a car accident … Once I contacted Mr. Smallow … everything went smoothly … my settlement was more than I have expected. I would recommend Mr. Smallow if you need a reliable injury attorney.”
• Todd: “I have referred several clients to Mr. Smallow, and all have been pleased with the level of service he provided. I would not hesitate to refer anyone looking for assistance to him. I highly recommend his services.”

We fight hard to get you and every client we represent the best results possible, no matter what the insurance companies throw in front of your claim. Browse our client testimonials to read what our former clients say in their own words.

How Our Baltimore Bus Accident Attorneys Establish Negligence

According to Zero Deaths Maryland, Baltimore County experienced a high incidence of vehicular accidents in 2023, with 20,232 crashes. Those accidents resulted in 91 fatalities, and 6,056 people were injured. 

Recovering damages from a bus accident starts by proving negligence. The components of negligence we prove for you include:

• Duty of care: The at-fault party’s obligation to act reasonably
• Breach of duty: The failure to act according to their legal duty
• Causation: Their action is directly responsible for the accident
• Damages: The accident’s economic and non-economic costs 

You do not have to prove these elements on your own. Our law firm will handle it for you, including collecting impartial evidence for your insurance claim.

Determining the Cause and Liability in Your Case

In Baltimore, where urban congestion and aging infrastructure are common, the following causes frequently lead to bus crashes:

• Poor Road Conditions or Inadequate Maintenance: Baltimore’s roads, often plagued by potholes, poor signage, or outdated designs, can make maneuvering buses hazardous, especially in older neighborhoods.
• Inclement Weather: Snow, ice, and heavy rain affect road safety across the region. Accidents happen when drivers or agencies fail to account for reduced visibility or slick surfaces.
• Bus Driver Fatigue: Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and private bus operators often work long shifts, leading to exhaustion. Fatigue slows reaction time and contributes to poor decision-making in heavy traffic.
• Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, or erratic lane changes by bus drivers or others are common during rush hour or near bottlenecks like I-83 or downtown intersections.
• Mechanical Failures and Improper Bus Maintenance: Brake issues, engine trouble, or steering malfunctions often result from neglect. Failure to perform routine checks or repairs on tires, lights, or mirrors is a form of negligence. Poor upkeep or missed inspections by transit agencies or contractors is a frequent factor.
• Distracted Driving: Bus drivers can be distracted by phones, GPS, or passengers, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas like Inner Harbor or near schools and hospitals.

Establishing liability is a critical part of any bus accident claim. In legal terms, liability refers to the party or parties responsible for causing the accident through negligence, recklessness, or a failure to meet legal obligations. Because bus accidents often involve public agencies, private companies, and multiple drivers, determining who is liable can be complex.

In Baltimore, for example, accidents involving MTA buses may lead to claims against a state agency. In such cases, victims must follow specific procedures under the Maryland Tort Claims Act (MTCA), including strict notice requirements and damages caps. If a private charter or school bus is involved, liability may fall on the bus company for negligent hiring, poor vehicle maintenance, or inadequate driver supervision.

Parties who may be held liable in a bus accident include:

• The bus driver for negligent behavior, such as speeding, fatigue, or distracted driving
• The bus company or transit agency (e.g., MTA) for poor hiring practices, lack of training, or failure to maintain the vehicle
• A government entity if a public bus is involved or road conditions contributed to the crash
• A third-party maintenance contractor for improperly servicing the bus or missing key repairs
• Another driver on the road if their reckless or negligent actions caused or contributed to the crash
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer if a defective component (e.g., brakes or steering) played a role in the accident

It is essential to conduct a thorough investigation and clearly identify liable parties to protect your right to compensation.

We Know the Value of Strong Evidence for Your Bus Accident Claim

The bus company’s or other entity’s insurance company will demand proof that its policyholder’s negligence caused the accident. Additionally, Maryland is a fault state, meaning you, as the injured party, have to prove the defendant caused your accident. 

We work hard to build a comprehensive evidence collection for you that includes:

• Official police report from local law enforcement
• Internal reports from the bus company
• Medical records describing your bus accident injuries
• Accident reconstruction
• Photos and video of the accident scene
• Lay and expert witness statements
• Bus repair and maintenance records
• Bus driver license and training records

Our Baltimore bus accident attorneys will collect and organize your evidence into a cohesive case file and present it to the at-fault party on your behalf. 

The Legal Process for Bus Accident Claims

Filing a bus accident claim involves multiple steps designed to help victims secure compensation for their injuries. Whether the accident involves an MTA-operated bus or a privately owned vehicle, understanding the legal process can help ensure a stronger and timelier claim:

• Seek Medical Attention and Report the Accident Immediately: After a bus accident, it’s crucial to prioritize your health. Call 911, get medical care, and report the crash to the police and, if applicable, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). Collect key details such as the bus number, driver information, and witness names at the scene.
• Collect and Preserve All Relevant Evidence: Supporting your claim begins with gathering documents and records, such as the police report, medical records, photographs of the scene, witness statements, and any video footage from traffic or onboard cameras.
• File a Notice of Claim if a Government Entity Is Involved: If a public bus (such as one operated by the MTA) is involved, Maryland law requires you to submit a formal notice of claim to the appropriate agency, typically within one year of the accident. This notice must outline the facts, injuries, and damages you’re seeking.
• Submit a Demand to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company: Once the necessary evidence is collected, a demand letter is sent to the insurer outlining the details of the case and requesting compensation. This often initiates the negotiation process.
• File a Lawsuit if Settlement Efforts Fail: If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, you may file a lawsuit in civil court. This begins formal litigation, where both parties exchange evidence and take depositions during discovery.
• Engage in Settlement Negotiations or Mediation: Even after a lawsuit is filed, most cases settle before trial. Attorneys may continue negotiating or attend mediation sessions to reach a fair resolution without the need for court.
• Proceed to Trial if No Agreement Is Reached: When settlement efforts fail, the case goes to trial. A judge or jury reviews the evidence, hears testimony, and decides who is liable and what compensation is owed.
• Appeal the Outcome if Appropriate: If either side believes legal errors occurred during the trial, they may file an appeal. This involves a higher court reviewing the case record and legal arguments from both sides.

Call Adam Smallow today to discuss your claim with a member of our consultation team.

Damages Our Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyers Will Seek for You

Bus accident injuries can range from mild to catastrophic, and the nature of those injuries plays a major role in the outcome of a legal claim. The more serious or long-lasting the injury, the higher the potential compensation, as damages often account for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term suffering.

Common bus accident injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations and contusions
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding

Serious injuries typically increase the complexity of a case, especially if they require long-term care or result in permanent disability. Delayed-onset injuries can also lead to disputes with insurers over causation. To strengthen the claim, victims should seek immediate medical attention and maintain thorough documentation.

Ultimately, the type and severity of the injury will shape both the legal strategy and the potential settlement or trial value.

Our Baltimore bus accident attorneys work diligently to negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf. We assess all offers, weigh the pros and cons, and make counteroffers as needed. The settlement we negotiate can include the following economic damages: 

• Past and future medical bills
• Past and future income loss
• Loss of future earning ability
• Property damage or destruction
• Diminished property value

The non-economic damages you can recover include:

• Physical disability
• Disfiguring injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life

We also request wrongful death damages for grieving families in Baltimore who lost a loved one in a fatal bus accident. The case file we prepare for you will also include receipts, bills, and other proof of your expenses and losses. This portion of your evidence collection will include proof of income, medical expenses, and car repair or replacement estimates, if applicable.

What You Need to Know About Maryland Statutes and Busing Regulations

Bus accidents can involve several types of vehicles, each governed by different regulations and oversight. Understanding the type of bus involved is essential in determining which safety standards apply and who may be held liable.

Bus Types and Regulatory Agencies

Common types of buses include:

• Public transit buses
• School buses
• Charter and tour buses
• Shuttle buses
• Intercity buses

Each of these buses is subject to specific federal and state regulations. For example, interstate carriers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations covering driver qualifications, hours-of-service limits, vehicle maintenance, and insurance requirements. School buses follow strict safety guidelines under state education and transportation laws, including mandatory background checks and training for drivers.

Public buses, like those operated by MTA in Baltimore, are typically governed by state and municipal regulations, and legal claims may need to comply with notice requirements under government tort claims acts.

These varying rules can affect liability, insurance coverage, and the legal process following a crash.

Maryland’s Statute of Limitations

Maryland law provides a limited timeframe to take legal action after a bus accident. While certain circumstances can cause a change in the statute of limitations, you generally have:

• Three years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101. 
• Three years from the date of a loved one’s demise to file your wrongful death lawsuit, according to Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 3-904. 

If the filing deadline passes, you may lose your right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. Our bus accident attorneys will ensure your lawsuit is filed on time.

Act Now to Secure Your Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer and Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Our Baltimore bus accident lawyers will investigate your accident, deal with the insurance company, and fight to recover maximum compensation for you.

At Adam Smallow, we are committed to fighting for you every step of the way. Learn more by contacting one of our team members today for your free initial consultation.