Ohio Truck Accident Help
A Division of Ohio Truck Accident
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Ohio
Public and private bus operators in Ohio owe their passengers and other motorists a high duty of care; however, when negligence occurs, victims often bear the consequences. Whether you were a passenger on a COTA bus in Columbus, a pedestrian hit by a bus in Cleveland, or another driver hit by a charter bus on the highway, these collisions, which are very similar to other large truck crashes, often cause serious injuries and complex financial challenges.
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our Ohio bus accident lawyers stand up for victims, understand their rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation. If you or someone you love suffered harm in an Ohio bus accident, our commercial vehicle legal team is ready to help.
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A bus accident happens when any vehicle designed to carry multiple passengers, such as a city bus, school bus, charter coach, or shuttle is involved in a collision or incident that causes injury or property damage.
Bus crashes in Ohio can involve municipal systems like the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus, GCRTA in Cleveland, METRO RTA in Akron, or SORTA/Metro in Cincinnati. They can also involve school districts, colleges, churches, tour companies, or hotel shuttles.
Ohio law recognizes that buses operate as “common carriers,” meaning they owe passengers and the public an elevated duty of care. Bus operators must take every reasonable precaution to avoid harming others. Drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet both state and federal requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets passenger carrier standards for vehicle maintenance, driver training, hours of service, and insurance coverage for interstate carriers.
When bus companies cut corners on training, inspection, or scheduling, the results can be devastating.
From a passenger thrown from a seat during a sudden stop to a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk, the aftermath of a bus crash can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to work with a law firm that understands both Ohio’s local transportation systems and regulations governing commercial passenger vehicles.
Bus accidents usually occur because of negligence either by the driver, the transit authority, or another motorist. Common causes include:
Because of their size, passenger capacity, and lack of standard safety restraints, bus accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries for passengers, motorists, and pedestrians. When a bus collides with another vehicle or overturns, the force of impact can cause severe and life-altering harm, including:
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Determining who is legally responsible for a bus accident takes a detailed investigation. Depending on the facts, several parties may share fault:
Bus crashes involving public transit agencies or school districts require extra steps. Public entities are protected by sovereign immunity under Ohio Revised Code §2744.02, but exceptions exist. One key exception appears in §2744.02(B)(1), which permits claims when a government-owned vehicle is negligently operated by an employee within the scope of employment. Victims must provide timely written notice of their injury claim, often within months of the accident.
Claims against a state-run entity, such as a university-operated shuttle, may fall under the Ohio Court of Claims process. According to Ohio Revised Code §2743.16, most state claims must be filed within two years, but notice and procedural rules are strict. These requirements differ from claims against private bus companies, which follow general tort law and insurance procedures.
Private motor carriers operating across state lines must maintain minimum levels of financial responsibility as outlined in the FMCSA regulations at 49 CFR Part 387. This requirement helps ensure that injured passengers and motorists can pursue compensation even when the operator is based outside Ohio.
Taking the right steps after a bus crash strengthens your legal claim and safeguards your health.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bus accident, whether involving a public transit bus, school bus, or private charter, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, pursuing that compensation is rarely simple. Bus accident cases are more complex than standard car crashes because they can involve multiple liable parties, government entities, and special procedural rules for filing claims.
Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible, whether it’s the bus driver, the transportation company, a maintenance provider, or a public agency. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we handle every aspect of your case, from securing police and crash reports to preserving black box data and negotiating with insurers. If the responsible parties or their insurance companies refuse to pay fairly, our legal team is prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for justice in court, allowing you to focus on your healing.
Victims of bus crashes may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages under Ohio law. These may include:
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we carefully evaluate every category of loss to determine the value of your claim. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurance carriers and government adjusters to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
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Liability may fall on several parties, including the bus driver, public transit agency, private bus operator, maintenance contractor, or another motorist. In some cases, manufacturers of defective parts or companies responsible for road maintenance may also share responsibility. Determining fault requires an in-depth investigation into who acted negligently and how their actions contributed to the crash.
Yes. Public school districts are considered political subdivisions and protected by sovereign immunity under §2744.02, but exceptions exist for negligent operation of a school bus. Claims against private school transportation companies are handled like standard negligence cases. These claims often require additional investigation into driver training, background checks, and compliance with state safety regulations.
Absolutely. Pedestrians, cyclists, or bystanders injured by a bus have the same right to pursue compensation as passengers or other motorists. These cases often involve severe or life-threatening injuries. An experienced attorney can help gather traffic camera footage, GPS data, and witness testimony to establish liability.
Claims involving state-owned vehicles or public universities must be filed through the Ohio Court of Claims. The process is governed by Ohio Rev. Code §§2743.02 and 2743.16, which set out specific filing procedures and a two-year statute of limitations. Your attorney can help ensure all documents and notices are submitted properly to preserve your right to compensation.
The timeline depends on case complexity, severity of injuries, and the number of parties involved. Claims against public entities often take longer due to procedural requirements, while private carrier cases may settle within months if liability is clear. A dedicated attorney can help expedite the process while ensuring you don’t settle for less than your claim is worth.
Parents can file claims on behalf of their child. Depending on the bus ownership, the case may involve a public school district, private transportation company, or third-party contractor. Compensation can include medical expenses, therapy, emotional trauma, and long-term care.
Even if labeled as an independent contractor, the company may still be liable if it controlled the driver’s work, dispatching, or route decisions. Ohio courts evaluate the degree of control, not just the employment title, to determine vicarious liability.
Bus companies and their insurers often attempt to shift blame or minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics by presenting evidence of policy violations, maintenance failures, or inadequate driver supervision that clearly establish liability.
Bus accidents often leave victims with serious injuries and unanswered questions. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our experienced attorneys know how to handle complex claims involving public, private, and school buses. We investigate thoroughly, identify every liable party, and fight for the compensation you deserve.