Bus Accident Lawyer in Orange Beach, AL

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Because of their size and weight, buses can cause severe harm when accidents occur. Passengers inside may be tossed around without seatbelts, while drivers, pedestrians, and people in smaller vehicles face the full force of the impact. Some of the most common injuries we see in bus accident cases include:

• Head and brain injuries such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Neck and back injuries, including whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord damage.
• Broken bones and fractures, which may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries that can be life-threatening and are sometimes not immediately obvious.
• Severe cuts, burns, and disfigurement from shattered glass, fire, or collision impact.

Tragically, some bus accidents lead to loss of life. When a family loses a loved one, they may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide financial relief and a measure of justice for the devastating loss.

Who’s at Fault for Orange Beach Bus Accidents?

Determining fault in a bus accident can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. Liability could rest with the bus driver, the bus company, a government agency, a vehicle manufacturer, or even another motorist involved in the crash. An experienced attorney can use evidence to prove who’s at fault in your case.

Proving Negligence

To hold someone accountable, it must be shown that their negligence caused the accident. This may involve proving that a driver was distracted, that a company failed to maintain the bus, or that safety rules were ignored. Evidence such as accident reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements often play a key role in building a strong case.

Alabama Laws That Can Affect Your Bus Accident Claim

• 2-year filing deadline (most injury claims): The statute of limitations for Alabama personal injury cases is typically 2 years from the date you were injured.
• Short notice deadlines for government-related bus claims:
  • If the at-fault bus is a city/municipal vehicle (e.g., a city transit or school system), you generally must present a written tort claim to the city clerk within 6 months of the injury.
  • If the claim is against a county, you must present an itemized claim within 12 months (and present it to the county commission before suit).
• Damages caps against local governments: When you sue a city, county, or other local governmental entity, Alabama caps recovery at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury/death (and $100,000 for property damage).

Because these rules can change how (and how much) you can recover, ask an experienced lawyer to evaluate the facts, identify any government-notice or limitations issues, and estimate a fair case value using your medical documentation, wage records, and how the injuries affect your day-to-day life.

Orange Beach Bus Accident FAQs