Washington DC Bus Accident Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals injured in bus accidents involving school buses, city transit, tour buses, and private carriers. These cases often involve multiple parties, government agencies, or large companies that may try to avoid responsibility. We understand how disruptive and painful these incidents can be—and how difficult it is to get clear answers while dealing with injuries, missed work, or long-term medical needs. Our firm is here to help victims pursue accountability and financial recovery.

Bus Accident Lawyer Washington DC

Bus accidents are different from standard car crashes. Buses are larger, carry more passengers, and often operate in congested areas. When something goes wrong—whether it’s a collision with another vehicle, a sudden stop, or a rollover—the consequences can be serious. Riders may be thrown from seats, hit by unsecured objects, or injured while boarding or exiting.

Our Washington DC bus accident lawyer helps injured individuals recover compensation when someone else’s actions caused the incident. That might be the driver, the transit agency, a maintenance company, or a third-party vehicle operator. Our legal team investigates the root cause of the accident and builds a case that covers both current and future needs.

We regularly handle cases involving:

• Bus drivers operating under the influence or while fatigued
• Poorly maintained vehicles with brake or steering failures
• Accidents caused by other reckless or distracted drivers
• Pedestrians or cyclists struck while crossing near bus stops

The aftermath of a bus crash can involve more than just physical injuries. Victims often face lost wages, hospital stays, and anxiety about traveling again. We work to understand the full impact so we can help our clients move forward with financial and legal support.

Why Clients Trust Our Legal Team

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve handled a wide range of vehicle injury cases and have deep experience with large-scale claims involving public transit and private transportation companies. These cases can involve state or federal rules, insurance disputes, or strict deadlines for filing claims. We take on that responsibility so our clients can focus on healing.

In one recent case, our team secured a settlement for a client who suffered a spinal injury after a city bus failed to stop properly and hit another vehicle. The investigation showed the driver had a history of safety violations. In another matter, we represented a pedestrian struck by a shuttle bus while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. The company initially denied responsibility, but we uncovered surveillance footage that showed otherwise.

We focus on results by building strong claims supported by accident reports, medical evaluations, and firsthand accounts. Our priority is protecting the long-term well-being of our clients, and we’re committed to pursuing every available path for recovery.

Speak With a Legal Team That Can Help

If you were injured in a crash involving a bus, it’s important to get legal advice early. A Washington DC bus accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen can review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle

Bus accidents can cause severe injuries and lasting disruptions to your life, especially when safety rules are ignored or poor decisions are made behind the wheel. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent people hurt in a wide range of incidents involving public and private buses. These cases often include unique legal challenges, including claims against government agencies, private carriers, or multiple parties. We understand what our clients are going through—physical pain, emotional stress, and financial pressure—and we’re here to help them take meaningful legal steps toward recovery.

City Transit Collisions and Onboard Injuries

Incidents involving public transportation are some of the most common cases we handle. This includes injuries caused by DC Metrobus vehicles and other municipal services operating in heavy traffic and residential areas. Riders and pedestrians are at risk when a driver is distracted, speeding, or makes an abrupt stop without warning. Even when no other vehicle is involved, passengers can be injured if they fall, hit a pole, or are thrown from their seat.

In these cases, we investigate:

• Driver records and training history
• Vehicle maintenance logs
• Surveillance footage from the bus and surrounding area

Our goal is to show how a lapse in safety measures led directly to the injury.

School Bus Accidents

Children are especially vulnerable during bus rides, particularly when school buses are involved in crashes or safety protocols aren’t followed. These cases often involve younger passengers, meaning the injuries may require long-term care and close monitoring.

Common issues include:

• Failure to use safety restraints or seat belts
• Improper loading and unloading procedures
• Collisions caused by driver distraction or inexperience

We take extra care in cases involving minors and work closely with families to understand how the injury has affected the child at school, home, and in daily activities.

Private Charter and Shuttle Bus Incidents

Many people rely on charter buses or hotel shuttles to travel across the city or between events. When a driver is undertrained or the vehicle hasn’t been properly inspected, passengers are put at risk. Unlike public transportation, these services are often operated by private companies, which may try to deny responsibility or shift blame.

We represent passengers injured by:

• Bus rollovers on highways or rural roads
• Poorly maintained brakes or tires
• Unsafe driving by operators on tight schedules

Our team evaluates the company’s safety policies and investigates whether driver fatigue, substance use, or mechanical failure played a role.

Pedestrian and Bystander Injuries

Not all bus accident victims are passengers. We also represent pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers hurt in incidents involving large buses. These injuries often happen at intersections, in parking lots, or near schools and crosswalks. The weight and size of a bus can cause devastating harm even at low speeds.

In these situations, we work to prove that the driver failed to yield, ran a signal, or operated the vehicle in a careless way. The physical and financial impact on victims in these cases is often severe, and we fight to recover damages for medical care, lost income, and more.

Talk With Our Lawyer Who Handles Bus Crash Claims

If you or someone you care about was injured in a crash involving a bus, you may be entitled to compensation. A Washington DC bus accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you understand your legal options and take action. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to listen and fight for the outcome you deserve.

6 Common Causes Our Lawyer May Investigate

Bus accidents often happen without warning, and the results can be life-changing for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. These large vehicles require more space to operate and greater caution to control, especially in busy areas. At Cohen & Cohen, we work with people who have been injured in bus crashes and help them determine who may be at fault. Recognizing what typically leads to these accidents is an important part of building a strong legal case.

Driver Fatigue or Inattention

Bus drivers often work long shifts and are expected to maintain focus for hours at a time. When a driver becomes tired or distracted—even briefly—the results can be devastating. Falling asleep at the wheel or missing a red light may lead to a crash involving multiple people and vehicles.

Common causes in this category include:

• Driving for too many hours without required breaks
• Using a phone or device while operating the bus
• Losing focus during routine routes or long drives

We investigate logs, camera footage, and communication records to determine if driver inattention played a role in the accident.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance

Buses are large, heavy vehicles that experience daily wear and tear. Without regular inspections and maintenance, key systems like brakes, steering, and tires can fail. If the company or agency responsible for upkeep skips scheduled checks or ignores known issues, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Examples include:

• Worn brake pads that reduce stopping ability
• Bald tires with low traction
• Steering problems that make the vehicle hard to control

We examine maintenance logs, repair records, and inspection reports to see whether preventable failures caused the crash.

Aggressive Driving or Speeding

Bus drivers are sometimes under pressure to stay on schedule, which can lead to risky behavior behind the wheel. Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions can make it harder to avoid obstacles or stop in time.

We commonly see:

• Buses speeding through intersections
• Drivers tailgating other vehicles
• Unsafe lane changes or sudden stops

This type of behavior can lead to collisions, rollovers, or injuries inside the bus due to abrupt movements.

Unsafe Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roads, lack of signage, and unmarked construction zones all increase the chance of a bus crash. While a driver is responsible for operating the vehicle safely, the city or contractor managing the roadway may also be at fault if known hazards were left unaddressed.

We’ve handled cases involving:

• Potholes that cause tire blowouts or steering loss
• Confusing or missing lane markings
• Road debris or poorly placed barricades

We gather scene photos, traffic reports, and records of public complaints to support these claims.

Passenger or Pedestrian Incidents

Some bus accidents don’t involve other vehicles. Injuries may occur when passengers fall due to sudden stops or when pedestrians are struck while entering or exiting the bus. These situations often stem from a lack of proper attention or failure to follow basic safety procedures.

These cases may involve:

• Bus operators pulling away too quickly
• Ignoring pedestrians in crosswalks
• Improper ramp use for individuals with mobility devices

We evaluate training standards and operator behavior to determine whether the incident could have been avoided.

Third-Party Driver Negligence

Not all bus crashes are the fault of the driver or operator. Other motorists may cut in front of a bus, brake suddenly, or attempt an unsafe turn. In these situations, we look beyond the bus company and determine whether another driver caused or contributed to the crash.

Examples include:

• Cars swerving into a bus lane without warning
• Motorcycles passing on the right in unsafe conditions
• Trucks backing up without checking for buses in the lane

We use witness statements, dashcam footage, and police reports to identify the true cause of the accident.

Speak With a Legal Advocate About Your Case

If you were injured in a crash involving a bus, you deserve answers and fair compensation. A Washington DC bus accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you understand your rights and determine who should be held responsible. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to support your next step forward.