A typical bus weighs between 12,000 and 20,000 lbs.
Any accidents involving these large vehicles can be catastrophic, even at lower speeds. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were more than 71,000 injuries from bus accidents across the United States in 2024.
Some of these injuries are not immediately apparent – like a brain injury or spinal cord injury.
For victims who have been affected by a bus accident, understanding the types of injuries and their long-term effects is key to planning for the future.
At Manning Herington Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve managed hundreds of these cases through 30 years of experience. In this post, we will discuss the most common injuries in bus accidents, what they may mean for the long term, and the potentially liable parties.
1. Head Injuries and Brain Trauma
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are very common in bus accidents. In the hours or days following the incident, victims may experience dizziness, headaches, or trouble concentrating.
TBIs, which generally result from severe impacts or whiplash, can lead to impairments in cognitive function, memory, and physical coordination.
Victims may experience bruising or swelling of the brain, which can worsen over time if untreated. The force of impact during a bus crash can also cause skull fractures, adding to the severity of the injury.
Head injuries can take time to feel the effects. This is why it’s imperative to get examined by the medical staff immediately at the scene of the accident – even if the symptoms are not super apparent. These professionals are trained to spot the early signs of head injuries and brain trauma. Additionally, victims need to make an appointment with their doctor in the days following the incident.
Long-Term Effects
Head injuries can have many long-term consequences. These typically involve persistent headaches, memory loss, reduced cognitive function, or sensitivity to light and sound. Severe cases may require lifelong care or accommodations for mental and/or physical disabilities.
2. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Bus accidents commonly result in whiplash, which affects the neck and upper spine – known as soft tissue injuries. This can lead to spinal injuries, herniated discs, or in extreme cases, paralysis.
These injuries generally affect posture and flexibility, making even the simplest movements painful. For example, victims may find it hard to sit, stand, or lift objects. Spinal injuries can also lead to secondary complications, including nerve damage or inflammation, requiring long-term medical treatment.
Similar to head injuries, the symptoms of spinal cord and back injuries can take time to develop. The most common symptoms of spinal cord injuries include numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or shoulders.
Like brain injuries, the medical staff at the scene of the accident will be able to identify the early signs of injuries to the spinal cord and back.
Long-Term Effects
Spinal injuries may result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or in more extreme bus accidents, permanent disability. Victims may need ongoing physical therapy, surgery, or assistive devices to manage their conditions.
A bus accident injury claim may account for all these hardships faced by the victim – and a skilled attorney will negotiate for the highest compensation.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures
Most school buses, public transit buses, and tour buses are not equipped with seatbelts, meaning passengers are more susceptible to injuries (compared to car passengers) in the event of a collision. The force of the crash can throw bus passengers into hard surfaces or other objects.
Broken bones and fractures – affecting arms, legs, or ribs – are some of the most common injuries we see in bus accident cases. We also tend to see compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infections during recovery.
These types of injuries generally require surgery to realign the bones or install pins and screws for stability. Simple fractures may heal with immobilization, while more severe injuries may take months to recover.
Even after treatment, victims often need physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.
Long-Term Effects
Broken bones and fractures can lead to lingering pain, stiffness, or potentially arthritis. Victims commonly end up using crutches or wheelchairs after the accident for a specific timeframe based on the severity.
Complex fractures might result in permanent mobility or chronic discomfort, requiring ongoing medical care and physical therapy.
4. Internal Injuries
The impact of bus crashes – combined with the lack of seatbelts – can cause internal injuries like organ damage or bleeding. The liver, spleen, or kidneys are particularly vulnerable in high-impact collisions. Victims may not notice these injuries immediately, as internal bleeding can develop over time.
Damage to major organs, like the lungs or heart, can be identified by breathing difficulties or poor circulation.
Internal injuries typically require emergency surgical interventions to prevent fatalities. In addition to rest, the recovery process may involve dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes.
Emergency medical care is essential to diagnose and treat these injuries. If you suspect any internal damage after a bus accident, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to life-threatening complications and long-term health issues.
Long-Term Effects
Internal injuries can result in chronic health conditions such as reduced organ function or scar tissue complications. We recommend victims see their doctor regularly for monitoring, even if the injuries seem minor.
5. Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Bus accidents are traumatic experiences.
Some victims can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an intense fear of traveling, particularly on public transportation.
Emotional injuries – while not always visible – can have disastrous effects on a victim’s life. These may strain relationships with family and friends as victims struggle to communicate their feelings.
Anxiety and depression may also occur as the victim is dealing with physical injuries and financial stress. Many feel overwhelmed by the sudden changes to their lives and struggle to regain a sense of normalcy. Without professional therapy, these emotional injuries can persist and worsen over time.
Long-Term Effects
Emotional injuries can cause lasting struggles with trust, relationships, and self-esteem. We recommend that victims struggling with these issues seek out therapy to manage symptoms and regain confidence in public transportation or daily activities.
Who is Liable in Bus Accidents?
Liability in bus accidents can potentially involve several parties. The most common we see in these cases include:
1. The Bus Driver
If the bus driver is experiencing fatigue or was behaving recklessly – speeding, distracted behind the wheel, or failing to follow traffic laws, they could be held responsible for the accident. Their employer may also share a portion of the liability.
2. The Bus Company
Employers of bus drivers may be liable for the actions of their employees under vicarious liability. Additionally, bus companies are responsible for making sure their buses are properly maintained, that their drivers are trained, and that safety standards are followed.
If they fail to meet these responsibilities, they can be held accountable in a bus accident injury case.
3. Maintenance Providers
If a bus accident is caused by mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or tires, the party responsible for maintaining the bus (which may be the bus company or a third-party maintenance provider) could be liable.
4. Manufacturers
If the bus has a defective part (like a faulty engine or brake components) that contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the bus might bear responsibility. The vehicle’s components typically get examined during the investigation process.
5. Other Drivers
If another vehicle caused the crash, the driver of that vehicle could be held liable for damages. Many modern buses are equipped with dash cameras. If applicable, the footage may be examined to determine if another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.
6. Government Entities
If the bus is publicly owned (e.g., city buses), the government agency operating it might be held responsible. Keep in mind, personal injury claims against government entities often have specific procedures and shorter deadlines.
Additionally, the regional transportation district is responsible for maintaining the road systems, providing proper signage, and keeping traffic lights in working order. If any of these elements contributed to the crash, the city may be held liable.
7. Pedestrians or Cyclists
In some cases, a pedestrian or cyclist may have caused or contributed to the accident by disobeying traffic signals or acting recklessly.
Speak with a Denver Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries with long-term effects on victims.
Fortunately, the law is on their side.
Hiring a personal injury attorney with experience in bus accident injury claims is the most important step to pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t wait to seek help.
At Manning Herington Accident & Injury Attorneys, our firm is dedicated to helping victims of bus accidents in Colorado hold liable parties accountable. Our lawyers work diligently to add up every damage incurred and fight aggressively to reduce financial strain and get their lives back on track.
Send us a message online or call 720-515-3191 to schedule a FREE consultation.
