Bus Accident Attorney in Boston

Over 100 Years Combined Experience Representing Victims of Bus Accidents in Boston, Cambridge and Across Massachusetts

Buses, including school buses, mass transit buses, city buses and private charter buses, cause thousands of injuries and deaths each year in Massachusetts and across the U.S.

In Massachusetts, major bus service providers include the MBTA, BAT, WRTA, MVRTA and CCRTA. The MBTA is the largest provider of bus services and serves Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Watertown, Waltham, Newton and many other communities.

Bus accidents may be caused by a number of factors, including distracted driving, cell phone use, operator error, speed, driver fatigue, intoxication and maintenance violations.

Like subways and trains, buses are considered common carriers. As such, they are held to a heightened liability standard. If you are injured by the negligence of a bus operator, the company may be liable for your injuries.

The bus accident lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck of Boston are experienced in representing individuals injured in transportation accidents involving the MBTA and other bus services. Our bus accident law firm has tried bus cases against the MBTA and won at trial and appeal.

If you have been involved in a bus accident, our attorneys have the skills, expertise and resources to handle your case. Read about some of our awards and settlements for clients:

MBTA Bus Runs Over Pedestrian in Crosswalk, $7.1 million

Truck Accident Causing Plaintiff Serious Orthopedic Injuries, $3 million

Truck Collides with Car Causing Plaintiff Multiple Injuries and Surgeries, $2.5 million

Types of Bus Accidents

Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can happen due to operator error, failure to maintain the bus and in some cases, defective design.

Bus Company Negligence

Bus companies have a duty to ensure drivers are properly trained and know how to properly handle the equipment. In addition, they have a responsibility to make sure their drivers are properly rested and are not fatigued from excessive hours on the road. Bus companies also have an obligation to properly maintain vehicles and keep maintenance logs.

Driver Negligence

Drivers have a responsibility to keep their attention on the road and follow safety guidelines, even if they get behind schedule. Cell phone use is banned by bus drivers in Massachusetts. This includes talking on cell phones, texting while driving and e-mail.

Failure of bus companies and individual drivers to carry out these responsibilities is negligence on behalf of the bus company.

Poor Driving Conditions

Poor driving conditions could also be why an accident happens. Rain-soaked or damaged roads are difficult to navigate for regular vehicles. They are even more treacherous for buses. Drivers must know how to handle those kinds of roads. If they lack that bit of knowledge, they should not be behind the wheel of a bus.

Injuries and Damages

When a bus overturns on a highway or collides with another vehicle, it is likely that there will be wrongful death or personal injuries. These injuries may include head trauma, lacerations, broken bones and internal injuries. These injuries may prevent passengers from returning to work for a long period of time. Passengers may also suffer debilitating emotional trauma.

An experienced bus accident lawyer can file a claim on behalf of you or your family for wrongful death or personal injuries. In injury cases, you may be entitled to damages for lost wages, pain and suffering and punitive damages. In wrongful death cases, you may be entitled to loss of income, loss of companionship, loss of support and punitive damages.

Who is Liable

Bus and motor coach companies, maintenance companies and design and engineering firms and others may be liable. Bus companies typically have insurance policies which are capable of compensating bus accident victims.

What To Do If You've Been Injured in a Bus Accident

First, seek appropriate medical treatment. Then, contact an experienced Massachusetts bus accident attorney who can preserve your rights. All accident cases are governed by the Statute of Limitations, and when municipal carriers are involved, there is likely a shorter period for the required statutory notice.

In bus accident cases, it is important to preserve evidence while it is still fresh and to stay informed about what evidence has been gathered by local, state and federal authorities. An experienced bus accident lawyer will promptly contact officials and launch his or her own investigation.

Bus Accident Law Firm

The Boston bus accident attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck have the experience, expertise and resources to obtain the best results for you. If you have been injured in a bus accident, please call us today for a free consultation. We can be reached at toll free at 800-379-1244 or use our online form.

Municipal and Other Public Carriers in Massachusetts (Partial List)

    • Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority - MBTA
    • Brockton Area Transportation Authority - BAT
    • Southeastern Regional Transportation Authority - SRTA
    • Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority - PVTA
    • Worcester Regional Transit Authority - WRTA
    • Lowell Regional Transit Authority - LRTA
    • Merrimack Regional Transportation Authority - MVRTA
    • Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority - CCRTA

MBTA Accident

Train Accidents