Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, but passengers have no control over how the bus is driven or maintained. When a bus driver, the bus company, or another motorist is careless, the people on board and those in nearby vehicles can suffer serious injuries through no fault of their own. If you were hurt in a bus accident in Winston-Salem or anywhere in Forsyth County, the Winston-Salem bus accident attorneys at Portner & Shure can help. We have handled motor vehicle and personal injury claims across North Carolina for more than 30 years.
Bus Companies Owe a Higher Duty of Care
Winston-Salem’s transit buses, charter coaches, and school buses carry riders across the region, and operator error or poor maintenance can cause devastating wrecks. Buses are treated as common carriers, which means the company and its drivers are held to a higher degree of care than an ordinary motorist. Operators must hold a commercial driver’s license, complete specialized training, and keep their vehicles properly maintained and inspected. When a company cuts corners on hiring, training, or maintenance, the results can be catastrophic.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Most bus crashes trace back to preventable errors. Common causes include:
- Distracted, fatigued, or impaired drivers
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Improper maintenance and unaddressed part defects
- Inadequate driver training or hiring unqualified operators
- Negligent motorists who collide with the bus
Injuries in a Bus Accident
Buses usually have no seat belts or restraint systems, so passengers can be thrown about the cabin in a collision. Common bus accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Broken bones and lacerations
- Muscle strains and contusions
Damages in a Bus Accident Claim
These injuries often require emergency treatment and long-term follow-up care, and many victims cannot work while they recover. Depending on the facts, you may be able to pursue compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
How Bus Companies and Their Insurers Fight These Claims
Bus companies often refuse to accept responsibility and try to shift blame onto other drivers, which can force victims to pursue several parties at once. Insurers also frequently argue that your injuries existed before the crash. Our team counters these tactics by securing the evidence early, including maintenance logs, driver employment and training files, and travel and inspection records.
Proving Fault in a North Carolina Bus Accident Claim
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if the other side can show you were even slightly at fault, it can bar your recovery entirely. Insurers know this and use it aggressively in crashes involving multiple vehicles, so careful investigation and strong evidence are essential from the start.
How Long Do I Have to File? North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations
In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a bus injury lawsuit (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52), and generally two years for a wrongful death claim. If a city bus or public transit authority is involved, special and much shorter notice deadlines can apply, so it is important to speak with an attorney immediately. Claims in Forsyth County are generally pursued through the Forsyth County Hall of Justice.
How Our Winston-Salem Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help
Bus accident cases are complex to investigate and litigate, often involving a company, its insurer, and several other parties. Our team obtains the crucial records these cases turn on, builds the evidence your claim needs, and pursues fair compensation while you focus on healing. We work on a contingency basis, which means there is no fee unless we recover for you.
We Can Help If English is Not Your First Language
Our firm serves a diverse community, and we have team members who speak Spanish and Korean. We can discuss your case in a language you are comfortable with so nothing is lost in translation.
Contact Our Winston-Salem Bus Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a bus accident in Winston-Salem or anywhere in Forsyth County, contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Other Injury Cases We Handle in Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem Car Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Truck Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Personal Injury Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Premises Liability Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Dog Bite Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Brain Injury Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Medical Malpractice Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
