Buses play an essential role in the daily lives of Fort Wayne residents, whether transporting students to school, carrying commuters across town, or taking travelers to destinations across Indiana. Unfortunately, when a bus is involved in a crash, the outcome can be devastating.
The size and weight of these vehicles often lead to severe injuries, multiple victims, and complex liability issues. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision involving a bus, a Fort Wayne bus accident lawyer from Team Green Law can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Team Green Law, we understand how traumatic a bus accident can be. Victims often face serious injuries, lengthy hospital stays, and significant emotional and financial challenges. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping those affected by bus crashes get justice and rebuild their lives. With integrity, teamwork, and accountability as our guiding principles, we stand by your side every step of the way.
Choose Team Green Law for Compassionate and Relentless Advocacy
When you hire Team Green Law, you gain a law firm that genuinely cares about your recovery and your future. Our attorneys approach every case with compassion, professionalism, and determination. We know that bus accident claims can be complex, involving multiple parties, government agencies, and insurance carriers. That’s why we use our experience and resources to investigate, build, and present the strongest possible case on your behalf.
We also stand by our Team Green Fair Fee Guarantee, which ensures that our clients never pay more in fees than they receive from their recovery. We offer free consultations and take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win for you.
With offices serving Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute, our attorneys have years of experience handling transportation-related injury claims. Whether your accident involved a city bus, school bus, or private charter company, we have the knowledge and dedication to pursue justice.
The Growing Risk of Bus Accidents in Fort Wayne
While bus travel is generally safe, accidents can and do happen. Fort Wayne’s expanding roadways, increasing traffic congestion, and mix of public and private transportation options create conditions ripe for collisions. Common causes of bus accidents include:
- Driver error, such as speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance
- Unsafe road conditions or poor weather visibility
- Negligent hiring practices by bus companies
- Other drivers’ reckless behavior, such as cutting off a bus or ignoring traffic laws
When a bus crashes, the sheer size of the vehicle means passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other cars often suffer serious or even fatal injuries. Determining who is responsible can be complicated, especially if a city, school district, or private carrier operates the bus. That’s where an experienced Fort Wayne bus accident lawyer can make all the difference.
Understanding Liability in Bus Accident Cases
One of the most challenging aspects of a bus accident claim is determining who is at fault. These cases often involve multiple parties, including:
- The bus driver
- The transportation company or school district
- A government agency (such as Citilink or a public school board)
- Vehicle maintenance contractors
- Manufacturers of defective parts or equipment
- Negligent third-party drivers
Each of these entities may have separate insurance policies, legal defenses, and procedures for filing claims. A Fort Wayne bus accident lawyer from Team Green Law can conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible and how to hold them accountable.
We gather evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements. In some cases, we also consult accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash occurred.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Because most buses lack seatbelts and other safety restraints, passengers are particularly vulnerable during collisions or sudden stops. Injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from head impacts or being thrown against windows or seats
- Spinal cord injuries can sometimes cause long-term disability or paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, or ribs
- Whiplash and neck injuries from abrupt movements during impact
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations from glass and debris
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Even minor-looking injuries can worsen over time or require ongoing therapy. Our attorneys at Team Green Law work with medical professionals to fully understand your diagnosis and ensure your claim reflects all present and future medical costs.
Indiana’s Bus Accident Statute of Limitations
If you were injured in a bus accident in Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. However, claims involving government entities, such as public school buses or city transit systems, require additional steps and shorter notice periods.
You may need to file a formal Tort Claim Notice within as little as 180 days of the accident. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to recover compensation altogether. That’s why it’s critical to contact a Fort Wayne bus accident attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Our team will ensure all filings and deadlines are correctly handled.
Compensation Available After a Bus Accident
Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to a variety of damages, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash. These may include:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages – Income missed while recovering from injuries
- Loss of earning capacity – Compensation if you are unable to return to your previous job
- Pain and suffering – For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Property damage – For personal belongings or vehicles damaged in the crash
- Loss of consortium – Compensation for the effect of your injuries on relationships and family life
- Wrongful death damages – For families who have lost a loved one due to a fatal bus accident
Team Green Law works tirelessly to calculate the full extent of your damages and ensure your claim accurately reflects the impact the accident has had on your life.
Why You Need a Fort Wayne Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accident cases are far more complicated than typical car crash claims. They often involve commercial insurance policies, government liability laws, and multiple defendants. Attempting to handle your claim on your own can leave you vulnerable to lowball settlement offers or missed legal deadlines.
A Fort Wayne bus accident lawyer from Team Green Law will manage every detail of your case, including:
- Investigating the cause of the crash and identifying all liable parties
- Gathering and preserving key evidence
- Handling communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Calculating the total value of your claim
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
Our attorneys know how to handle large-scale investigations and how to stand up to insurance companies and government defense teams. We’re here to make sure you’re treated fairly and compensated fully for your losses.
Injured in a Bus Accident? Contact Our Fort Wayne Bus Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a crash involving a bus, don’t try to face the aftermath alone. A Fort Wayne bus accident attorney from Team Green Law can hold negligent drivers, companies, and government entities accountable. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case. If you are ready to pursue justice, contact us today.
