The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) operates public transportation in Maryland. Many residents who cannot drive or do not own a vehicle use buses to get to work and appointments and run errands.
Buses are built to be very sturdy and are generally one of the safest forms of transportation. However, dangers can still occur. Catastrophic or even fatal accidents are still possible.
Bus accidents cause various injuries. You may be unable to work. If you have been affected, the Furman | Honick Law team can help you with your case.
Our Baltimore bus accident lawyer can assess your case and sue the bus company, bus driver, and other liable parties.
Why Choose Furman | Honick Law?
You can’t help but feel emotionally and physically destroyed after a bus accident in Baltimore.
You need a team of attorneys who not only understand the complexities of Maryland law but also genuinely care about securing the best outcome for your case.
At Furman | Honick Law, we bring a results-driven approach backed by decades of experience and a proven track record of success.
Experienced, dedicated representation
Attorneys Craig S. Furman and Jared M. Honick have built their reputations by securing millions in settlements and verdicts for clients.
With backgrounds as former defense attorneys, they know how insurance companies think and use that insight to your advantage.
A track record of success
Our results speak for themselves. From significant six-figure settlements to complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, our team consistently delivers exceptional outcomes.
Personalized attention and compassionate support
At Furman | Honick Law, you’re more than just a case number. We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our strategy to fit your specific needs.
You’ll have direct access to our attorneys, who handle your case from start to finish.
No fees unless we win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. This ensures everyone has high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Our initial consultations are always free so you can discuss your case with a seasoned attorney without any obligations.
Fighting for Justice, One Client at a Time
When you choose Furman | Honick Law, you choose a team fully committed to fighting for justice. We believe in holding negligent parties accountable, whether a bus company, a government entity, or a private individual.
Let us be your advocates in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.
Categories of Bus Accidents
Generally, there are four main categories of bus accidents:
- Negligence on the part of the bus company
This may include poor hiring practices, poor training, and a lack of bus maintenance. - Negligence on the part of the bus driver
The bus driver can be held liable for drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other actions that led to a crash. - Negligence on the part of another driver
It’s possible that another motorist was negligent and led to a bus crash. Speeding, failing to yield, and not following traffic signs and signals can all contribute to an accident. - Faulty and defective buses
Sometimes, buses are defective due to manufacturer negligence.
Types of Compensation for Bus Accident Victims
Bus accident victims may seek several types of compensation to recover from their injuries and losses financially:
- Medical Expenses – Victims can claim compensation for current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any required medical equipment.
- Lost Wages – If injuries prevent survivors from working, they may recover lost wages for missed time, including future earnings, if injuries impact long-term work capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation may cover the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, reflecting the personal toll the injuries take on the victim’s life.
- Property Damage – If personal property, such as a vehicle, suffered damage in the accident, victims can claim repair or replacement costs.
- Long-term Care Costs – Severe injuries might require ongoing care, such as home modifications or in-home nursing, and victims can seek compensation for these expenses.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – When injuries affect a victim’s ability to enjoy activities they once loved, compensation may address this diminished quality of life.
Each of these forms of compensation can make a meaningful difference as victims work toward recovery.
Insurance Companies and Bus Accident Claims
Insurance companies typically seek to minimize payouts when a bus accident occurs, making it challenging for injured passengers and motorists to obtain fair compensation.
Baltimore bus accident lawyers know how insurance adjusters approach these cases, especially when involved by multiple parties or government entities, like the Maryland Transit Authority or Charm City Circulator.
An experienced Baltimore bus accident attorney focuses on securing financial compensation for injuries sustained, lost wages, and emotional distress, particularly in complex cases where liability may rest with public transportation providers, private bus companies, or at-fault drivers.
Hiring a legal team to handle the bus accident claim relieves victims from navigating the insurance process alone.
A free consultation with a Baltimore bus accident lawyer helps victims understand their rights and develop a strategy for pursuing fair compensation.
Sovereign Immunity in Public Transportation Cases
Sovereign immunity shields government entities, like the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and Maryland Transit Authority, from certain legal claims, complicating public bus accident cases.
In Maryland, public transportation providers benefit from these protections, including city buses, school buses, and public transit.
However, when an accident involving a public bus causes injuries, sovereign immunity doesn’t eliminate the possibility of legal action; rather, it limits and shapes how injured passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers may pursue compensation.
In a Baltimore bus accident involving a public bus, this legal doctrine restricts how victims seek compensation, particularly from government agencies.
For example, a personal injury lawsuit filed against the MTA or other government-run transportation entities must adhere to strict guidelines, including filing deadlines and caps on damages.
Missing a filing deadline means losing the right to compensation entirely, which underscores the need to consult a Baltimore bus accident attorney promptly if a public bus accident caused severe injuries or financial losses.
Sovereign immunity impacts not only the amount of compensation that may be available but also the process of establishing liability.
While private bus companies may face full liability for bus crashes resulting from driver negligence, poor maintenance, or inadequate training, government entities often enjoy protections that require a higher standard of proof.
Victims may need to demonstrate gross negligence or prove that the government agency failed in its fundamental duty to protect public safety.
For instance, if a public bus driver operated under the influence, ignored mandatory rest periods, or skipped essential training, the injured party’s legal team could argue that this behavior meets the threshold for holding a government entity accountable under Maryland’s laws.
Navigating a bus accident claim involving a government entity requires experienced legal support, as sovereign immunity and its limitations demand careful, strategic planning.
Seeking a free legal consultation with Baltimore bus accident lawyers who understand sovereign immunity provides valuable insight into building a compelling case for fair compensation.
Skilled accident lawyers gather evidence, investigate the accident scene, and secure critical records to support claims, guiding victims through the unique complexities that public bus accident cases present.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the lack of seatbelts and the size of most buses.
Victims, including passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists, may suffer:
- Head and Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur from blunt force trauma or sudden jolts, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The impact of a crash may cause spinal cord damage, resulting in paralysis, chronic pain, or limited mobility.
- Broken Bones – Fractures often occur due to the force of collision, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs, requiring extensive recovery.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Sudden stops can cause soft tissue injuries, leading to chronic pain and reduced range of motion.
- Internal Injuries – Blunt force impact may damage organs, causing internal bleeding that requires immediate medical intervention.
- Lacerations and Contusions – Broken glass, sharp metal, and unsecured objects can cause deep cuts, bruises, and abrasions.
These injuries lead to significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering. Consulting a Baltimore bus accident attorney ensures victims explore all avenues for compensation and recovery.
When to Call a Lawyer After a Bus Accident
Victims of bus accidents often face a confusing aftermath filled with medical appointments, insurance claims, and mounting expenses. Knowing when to reach out to a Baltimore bus accident lawyer makes a significant difference in securing compensation for your injuries and losses.
When injuries are severe or long-term
Severe or long-term injuries, such as spinal cord damage, head trauma, or multiple fractures, make consulting with an accident lawyer essential.
Serious injuries often lead to extended medical treatments, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
A lawyer helps you pursue financial compensation to cover these ongoing expenses.
When the accident involves a public bus
If your accident involved a public bus operated by entities like the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) or the Maryland Transit Authority, the legal process becomes more complicated due to sovereign immunity laws.
Experienced Baltimore bus accident attorneys know how to navigate these challenges and can protect your rights.
When liability is disputed among multiple parties
Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, such as bus drivers, private bus companies, other motorists, or even parts manufacturers.
When there’s disagreement over who is at fault, having a lawyer on your side ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable.
When insurance companies deny or reduce claims
Insurance adjusters typically minimize payouts or deny your bus accident claim altogether. A legal team negotiates and fights for the compensation you deserve, including coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
When tour buses or charter buses are involved
Accidents involving private or charter tour buses usually include out-of-state companies and additional legal complications.
A skilled attorney with experience in bus accident lawsuits can help manage these complexities and guide you through the process.
Seeking a free consultation with a Baltimore bus accident attorney promptly after an accident helps preserve crucial evidence and strengthens your case.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to explore your legal options.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
Bus accident claims involving a public bus can be tricky to fight. You need the right legal help on your side to move your case along. Contact the team at Furman | Honick Law right away.
Whether you were on the bus or hit by a bus when you got injured, you may be able to seek compensation. To schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer, fill out the online form or call (410) 844-6000.