Boston Bus Accident Attorney
The size and weight of buses, combined with the lack of seatbelts and safety features for passengers, create dangerous conditions that can leave victims facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disabilities.
Our experienced Boston bus accident lawyers understand the complex regulations governing MBTA operations, the special rules for filing claims against government entities, and the aggressive tactics insurance companies use to protect their bottom line.
Our bus accident attorneys in Boston, Massachusetts have secured favorable results for clients injured in public transit and school bus accidents, and we’re prepared to fight for the full value of your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation, we’ll review your case and explain your legal options with no obligation.
How Our Boston Bus Accident Lawyers Assist with Your Claim
The Law Office of Burns Jain handles every aspect of your bus accident claim from start to finish. We understand that dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures can feel overwhelming when you’re already struggling with injuries and medical bills.
Our team takes immediate action to protect your rights and build the strongest possible case. We investigate the accident scene, gather witness statements, and work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened.
We also handle all communication with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to worry about saying something that could hurt your case.
- Evidence preservation: We send immediate spoliation letters to bus companies demanding they preserve surveillance footage, maintenance records, and driver logs before they can be destroyed.
- Expert collaboration: We work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists to establish the full extent of your injuries and prove fault.
- Insurance negotiations: We handle all discussions with insurance companies to prevent them from taking advantage of you during a vulnerable time.
- Legal compliance: We ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, especially the strict requirements for claims against public entities like the MBTA.
When you hire us, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battle. We represent injured clients in Massachusetts and are committed to pursuing the strongest possible results for each case.
Who Is Liable in a Boston Bus Accident?
Multiple parties can be held responsible for your bus accident injuries. In Massachusetts, bus operators are considered “common carriers,” which means they must follow higher safety standards than regular drivers. This makes it easier to prove negligence when accidents happen.
The bus driver may be liable if they were speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly. Bus companies can also be held accountable for inadequate training, poor hiring practices, or failing to maintain their vehicles properly. Sometimes third parties like maintenance companies or parts manufacturers share responsibility.
- Bus drivers: Responsible for following traffic laws and operating vehicles safely.
- Transportation companies: Liable for proper training, vehicle maintenance, and safe hiring practices.
- Government entities: The MBTA and other public transit authorities can be sued for negligent operations.
- Third-party contractors: Maintenance companies and parts suppliers may share fault for mechanical failures.
We investigate every potential defendant to make sure all responsible parties are held accountable. This approach often leads to higher compensation because we can pursue multiple sources of recovery.
If you’re unsure who caused your bus accident, contact our Boston bus accident attorneys for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and identify all liable parties.
What Causes Bus Crashes in Boston?
Bus accidents happen for many different reasons, but most involve some form of negligence. Driver error is the leading cause, followed by mechanical problems and poor road conditions.
Distracted driving is a major problem among bus operators. Drivers who text, talk on phones, or fail to pay attention to traffic can cause serious accidents. Fatigue is another common issue since bus drivers often work long hours with inadequate rest breaks.
Mechanical failures also contribute to crashes. Buses require regular maintenance to operate safely, but some companies cut corners to save money. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems can all lead to devastating accidents.
- Driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to yield right of way.
- Mechanical issues: Brake failures, tire problems, steering malfunctions, or engine troubles.
- Poor maintenance: Inadequate inspections, delayed repairs, or using defective parts.
- Weather conditions: Ice, snow, rain, or fog that drivers fail to adjust for properly.
We examine all possible causes to build the strongest case for compensation. Our investigation often reveals multiple factors that contributed to your accident.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bus Crash?
Massachusetts law allows bus accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover your financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering.
Your medical expenses are typically the largest component of economic damages. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing treatment like physical therapy. You can also recover lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
Non-economic damages compensate for the personal impact of your injuries. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life all have monetary value under Massachusetts law. These damages can be substantial in cases involving serious injuries.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
| Medical bills and future medical care | Pain and suffering |
| Lost wages and reduced earning capacity | Emotional distress and mental anguish |
| Property damage and transportation costs | Loss of enjoyment of life |
| Rehabilitation and assistive devices | Scarring and disfigurement |
In wrongful death cases, families can also recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support. We work with economists and life care planners to calculate the full value of your claim.
Common Injuries We See After Bus Crashes
Bus accidents often cause severe injuries because buses lack many safety features found in cars. Most buses don’t have seatbelts, airbags, or crumple zones to protect passengers during crashes.
Head and brain injuries are common when passengers are thrown against hard surfaces or windows. Traumatic brain injuries can cause permanent cognitive problems, memory loss, and personality changes. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis.
Broken bones frequently occur when passengers are ejected from seats or crushed during rollover accidents. Internal injuries from blunt force trauma can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery. Burns may result from fuel fires or electrical problems.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and permanent cognitive damage.
- Spinal cord damage: Partial or complete paralysis affecting mobility and sensation.
- Orthopedic injuries: Broken bones, torn ligaments, and joint damage requiring surgery.
- Internal trauma: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal injuries.
The severity of your injuries directly impacts the value of your compensation claim. Our skilled Boston personal injury attorneys work with medical experts to document all current and future medical needs.
What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?
Taking the right steps immediately after a bus accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Your safety comes first, but gathering evidence is also important if you’re able to do so.
Call 911 and Get Medical Care
Always call 911 even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries like brain trauma or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms right away. Having medical documentation from the scene creates an official record of your injuries.
Emergency responders will also create an accident report with important details about what happened. This report becomes crucial evidence for your claim.
Document the Scene and Gather Information
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the bus if you can safely do so. Get the bus number, route information, and driver’s name if possible. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s fresh in your memory. Include details about the weather, traffic conditions, and what the bus driver was doing before the crash.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies
Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters or sign any documents without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies often try to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries.
They may also offer quick settlements that seem generous but are actually far below what your case is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later.
Contact a Boston Bus Accident Lawyer
Call The Law Office of Burns Jain as soon as possible after your accident. We can start investigating immediately while evidence is still available. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights.
Don’t wait to get legal help, call us today at 617-227-6423 for a free consultation.
MBTA and Public Entity Claims: What’s Different in Massachusetts?
Suing government entities like the MBTA involves special rules that don’t apply to claims against private companies. These rules are designed to protect taxpayers but can make it harder to recover compensation.
You must file a formal presentment letter within two years of your accident. This letter notifies the government entity about your claim and gives them a chance to investigate. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
Under Massachusetts law, damages against most government entities are capped at $100,000 per person. This limit applies to all your damages combined, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The cap doesn’t apply to federal entities or some special situations.
- Presentment requirements: You must notify government entities within strict deadlines or lose your claim.
- Damage caps: Recovery is limited to $100,000 for most claims against state and local governments.
- Sovereign immunity: Some government actions are completely protected from lawsuits.
- Special procedures: Claims against public entities follow different rules than regular personal injury cases.
We have extensive experience handling claims against the MBTA and other Massachusetts government entities. We know exactly what paperwork to file and when to file it.
How We Investigate and Prove Fault
Proving fault in bus accidents requires thorough investigation and expert analysis. We start gathering evidence immediately after you hire us and continue until we have a complete picture of what happened.
Bus companies are required to keep detailed records about their vehicles and drivers. We obtain maintenance logs, inspection reports, and driver qualification files through legal discovery. We also review surveillance footage from the bus and nearby traffic cameras.
Our team works with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence. These experts create detailed reports explaining exactly how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- Evidence collection: We gather surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements before they can be lost or destroyed.
- Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction specialists help us understand the mechanics of your crash.
- Driver investigation: We review the bus driver’s training, work history, and compliance with safety regulations.
- Vehicle inspection: We examine the bus for mechanical defects or maintenance problems that may have contributed to the accident.
We also investigate whether the bus driver was following company policies and federal safety regulations. Violations of these rules can be powerful evidence of negligence.
How Much Is My Bus Accident Case Worth?
The value of your bus accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the strength of the evidence against the defendant. No two cases are exactly alike, so it’s impossible to give an exact number without reviewing the specific details.
Your medical expenses are usually the starting point for calculating damages. This includes all past and future medical care related to your injuries. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are also important factors, especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
Pain and suffering damages can be substantial in cases involving serious injuries. Massachusetts courts consider factors like the severity of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, and how the injuries affect your daily life.
- Medical costs: All expenses for treating your injuries, including future medical care.
- Lost income: Wages you’ve lost and will lose due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Quality of life: How your injuries affect your ability to enjoy normal activities.
The strength of the evidence also affects your case’s value. Clear proof of negligence leads to higher settlements and verdicts. We work hard to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Deadlines and Massachusetts Rules: Statutes, Presentment, and Comparative Fault
Massachusetts has strict deadlines for filing bus accident lawsuits. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines.
The presentment letter for MBTA claims must be filed within two years of the accident. This is not the same as filing a lawsuit, it’s a formal notice that you intend to make a claim. Missing this deadline completely bars your claim.
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you can’t recover anything if you were more than 50% responsible.
- Three-year statute of limitations: You have three years to file most personal injury lawsuits in Massachusetts.
- Two-year presentment requirement: Claims against government entities require formal notice within two years.
- Comparative negligence: Your compensation is reduced if you share fault for the accident.
- Evidence preservation: Important evidence can be lost if you wait too long to take action.
We make sure all deadlines are met and all required paperwork is filed on time. Missing a deadline can destroy your case, so it’s crucial to get legal help as soon as possible.
Fees and Our No-Pressure Promise
The Law Office of Burns Jain represents bus accident victims on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. You also don’t have to pay any upfront costs or expenses.
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Bus accidents can cause enormous medical bills and lost income, leaving families struggling financially. Our contingency fee arrangement ensures you can afford experienced legal help when you need it most.
If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t owe us anything. If we do win your case, our fee is a percentage of the amount we recover. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours, we only get paid when you get paid.
- No upfront costs: You don’t pay anything to get started with your case.
- No fees unless we win: Our attorney fees come from your settlement or verdict, not your pocket.
- We advance expenses: We pay for expert witnesses, court costs, and other case expenses upfront.
- Transparent pricing: We explain our fee structure clearly before you hire us.
We also offer free consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just honest advice about your legal options.
Why Choose The Law Office of Burns Jain
The Law Office of Burns Jain represents injured clients in Massachusetts. Our attorneys have the experience, resources, and dedication needed to take on large bus companies and government entities.
We focus exclusively on legal malpractice and select personal injury cases. This specialization allows us to provide the highest level of service and achieve better results for our clients. We’re not a volume practice, we give each case the personal attention it deserves.
Our unique background in legal malpractice also helps us when other attorneys have mishandled bus accident claims. If a previous lawyer missed deadlines or failed to properly investigate your case, we can pursue both the original claim and a malpractice claim against the negligent attorney.
- Proven experience: Over 35 years of successful representation in Massachusetts courts.
- Specialized focus: We concentrate on complex cases that require specialized knowledge and resources.
- Personal attention: You work directly with experienced attorneys, not paralegals or junior associates.
- Trial-ready approach: We prepare every case for trial, which leads to better settlement offers.
We’re also known for our commitment to communication. Many of our clients come to us after being ignored by other lawyers. We believe you deserve to know what’s happening with your case every step of the way.
Bus Accident FAQs
Can I Sue the MBTA for a Bus Accident?
Yes, you can sue the MBTA for bus accidents, but special rules apply. You must file a presentment letter within two years, and damages are capped at $100,000 per person.
What If the Bus Driver Wasn’t at Fault?
You may still have a claim against the bus company for inadequate maintenance or training. Other drivers, pedestrians, or road conditions could also be responsible for the accident.
Do I Need to File a Police Report?
While not legally required, police reports provide valuable documentation of the accident. Call 911 even for minor accidents to create an official record.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit?
You generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Claims against government entities require presentment letters within two years.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Can I Still Sue If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seatbelt?
Most buses don’t have seatbelts, so this typically isn’t an issue. Even if seatbelts were available, not wearing one doesn’t automatically bar your claim.
What If the Bus Company Offers Me a Settlement?
Don’t accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney first. Initial offers are usually far below what your case is actually worth.
Contact The Law Office of Burns Jain
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The Law Office of Burns Jain has the experience and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just honest advice about your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help you get your life back on track after a devastating bus accident.