What Happens if I’m Injured as a Passenger on a Bus?

For many Oklahomans, buses are more than just transportation—they’re a lifeline. Whether it’s hopping on a school bus in the morning or taking Tulsa’s MetroLink to work, buses connect us to the places we need to be. But like any other vehicle, buses aren’t immune to accidents. And when things go wrong, the consequences can be life-altering.

Take this for example: in 2021, Oklahoma saw 151 school bus crashes, leading to 63 reported injuries as reported by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real people who were hurt in a situation they likely never expected. While we often think of buses as a safe way to travel, accidents happen. And when they do, you deserve to know your rights.

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, timing is everything. Multiple parties—like bus companies, drivers, and even other motorists—may be involved, and acting quickly gives you a better chance to secure compensation. At Aizenman Law Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers have guided countless accident victims through the legal process. We’re here to do the same for you.

What Causes Bus Accidents in Oklahoma?

Bus accidents aren’t random—they’re usually the result of someone’s negligence. That’s a legal term for failing to act responsibly in a given situation. Let’s break down some of the most common causes:

Bus Driver Negligence

Bus drivers have a huge responsibility—they’re in charge of getting dozens of passengers to their destinations safely. Unfortunately, that pressure to stay on schedule sometimes leads to risky behavior. Here are some examples:

Speeding: Drivers might push the limits of safety to stay on time, especially during rush hour.
Distracted Driving: Looking at a phone, chatting with passengers, or fiddling with controls can take their eyes off the road.
Aggressive Driving: Quick lane changes or rolling through stop signs might happen when a driver is in a rush.
Fatigue: Long shifts are tough, and a tired driver might not react fast enough in a critical moment.

If a bus driver’s negligence caused your injuries, a skilled injury attorney can help hold them accountable.

Bus Company Negligence

Behind every bus driver is a company responsible for maintenance, hiring, and training. Sadly, some companies cut corners to save money. This often results in:

Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Skipping routine inspections can lead to brake failures or tire blowouts.
Lower Hiring Standards: Inexperienced drivers might be on the road because of lax screening or minimal training.

Oklahoma has strict requirements for school bus drivers and holds them to high standards, like requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and regular drug testing. However, private or charter bus companies might not follow the same rigorous practices. That’s where a personal injury attorney can step in to investigate.

Other Drivers

It’s not always the bus driver or company at fault. Other drivers can cause accidents, too, especially when they get impatient. Common scenarios include:

Tailgating: Following too closely behind a bus is dangerous because of frequent stops.
Reckless Passing: Trying to zip around a bus without checking blind spots can lead to collisions.
Impatience: Frustrated drivers might take unnecessary risks, like speeding or ignoring signals, to get ahead.

Weather Conditions

Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather can also contribute to bus accidents. Living in Tornado Alley means we’re used to sudden storms, high winds, and icy roads. But those conditions are especially dangerous for buses, which take longer to stop or swerve. For example:

Rain or Flooding: Slick streets make it harder for buses to brake.
High Winds: A strong gust can push a bus off course.
Snow and Ice: Slippery roads reduce traction, increasing the risk of accidents.

What Does Oklahoma Law Say About Bus Safety?

In Oklahoma, buses are considered “common carriers.” That means they’re legally obligated to prioritize passenger safety. State laws outline specific responsibilities for bus companies and drivers. Here are a few key ones:

Safe Vehicles: Bus companies must keep their vehicles well-maintained and safe for passengers (Okla. Stat. tit. 13, § 33).
Passenger Limits: Overloading a bus is illegal because it compromises safety and stability (Okla. Stat. tit. 13, § 34).
Reasonable Speeds: Bus drivers must avoid reckless speeding and stick to the proper route (Okla. Stat. tit. 13, § 36).

If a bus company or driver violates these rules, it can serve as evidence in your claim. For instance, if an overloaded bus flips during a turn, that’s a clear breach of Oklahoma law.

What If Faulty Maintenance Is to Blame?

Sometimes, bus accidents happen because something mechanical goes wrong. Maybe the brakes fail, or the tires blow out. In these cases, responsibility could fall on:

The Bus Company: Neglecting maintenance schedules or ignoring known issues.
The Manufacturer: Producing a defective part that caused the failure.

These situations often require experts to figure out what went wrong. A knowledgeable injury attorney can bring in engineers or other professionals to examine the evidence and strengthen your case.

How Can You Get Compensation After a Bus Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Depending on the circumstances, you could file:

A Personal Injury Claim: This is the most common route if negligence played a role in the accident.
A Product Liability Claim: If faulty parts or equipment caused the crash, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
Multiple Claims: In some cases, more than one party might be at fault, such as a reckless driver and the bus company.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Dealing with a bus accident claim is rarely straightforward. You’re not just up against one party—you might be facing a bus company, a driver, and multiple insurance companies. That’s a lot to handle when you’re already dealing with injuries and stress.

Here’s how a personal injury lawyer can help:

Investigating the Accident: They’ll dig into the details, from examining maintenance records to interviewing witnesses.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but your lawyer will fight for what you truly deserve.
Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your attorney can take your case to trial.

Let Aizenman Law Group Help You

If you’ve been injured as a passenger on a bus, you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Aizenman Law Group, we’ve helped people just like you recover after serious accidents. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders.

Don’t wait—evidence fades, and legal deadlines can creep up quickly. Call Aizenman Law Group at 918-215-8856 any time day or night for no-cost case evaluation. Let’s work together to get you the compensation you deserve.