Building a strong bus accident case requires gathering and preserving evidence that proves liability and damages. Understanding what evidence matters—and how to obtain it—helps ensure you can pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Immediate Evidence Collection

If you're able, collect evidence at the accident scene:

Photographs document conditions before anything changes. Take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles, vehicle damage and positions, your visible injuries, road conditions and signage, weather and lighting conditions, and anything that may have contributed to the accident.

Witness information is crucial. Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses from other passengers and bystanders who saw what happened. Witnesses' memories fade quickly, so documenting their accounts early is essential.

Your own notes capture details you might forget. Write down exactly what happened, what the driver said or did, any complaints or concerns you heard from others, and how you felt physically immediately after.

Official Records

Police reports document the official investigation, including officer observations, witness statements, citations issued, and sometimes fault determinations. Obtain a copy as soon as available.

Bus company incident reports are created after accidents. These internal documents may contain admissions or observations helpful to your case. Your attorney can obtain these through discovery.

Medical records document your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. Ensure you receive copies of all emergency room records, diagnostic imaging, treatment notes, and specialist evaluations.

Electronic Evidence

Onboard video from bus surveillance cameras may capture the accident and events leading up to it. This footage is typically deleted after days or weeks, making immediate preservation essential. Your attorney can send a preservation letter demanding the bus company retain all recordings.

Event data recorders ("black boxes") in commercial buses capture speed, braking, acceleration, and other data. This electronic evidence can prove driver negligence like speeding or sudden braking.

GPS and dispatch records show the bus's location, route, schedule compliance, and any communications between the driver and dispatch.

Driver electronic logs document hours of service compliance. Violations suggest fatigue may have contributed to the accident.

Bus Company Records

Through discovery, your attorney can obtain extensive bus company records:

Driver records including employment history, training documentation, performance evaluations, prior accidents, driving record, and drug/alcohol testing results.

Maintenance records showing inspection schedules, repairs performed, parts replaced, and any outstanding maintenance issues for the vehicle.

Safety records including FMCSA compliance history, prior citations, safety audits, and any pattern of safety violations.

Policies and procedures establishing the standard of care the company should have followed.

Expert Analysis

Accident reconstructionists analyze physical evidence to determine how the accident occurred, vehicle speeds, and whether the accident was avoidable.

Mechanical engineers examine the bus for defects or maintenance failures that may have caused or contributed to the crash.

Medical experts document your injuries, explain causation, and project future medical needs and limitations.

Economists calculate lost income and benefits, both past and future.

Preserving Evidence

Evidence can be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly. Key preservation steps include:

  • Sending preservation letters to the bus company demanding retention of video, electronic data, maintenance records, and the vehicle itself
  • Obtaining official records before they're purged
  • Photographing your injuries as they heal
  • Keeping all medical records, bills, and receipts
  • Documenting lost work days and wage impacts
  • Journaling pain levels and how injuries affect daily life

Building Your Case

Strong evidence supports both liability and damages. For liability, evidence must show how the bus company was negligent and how that negligence caused your injuries. For damages, evidence must document all losses—medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts.

An experienced bus accident attorney knows what evidence to seek and how to obtain it. Attorneys have resources to send preservation letters, conduct discovery, retain experts, and build compelling cases. Don't try to navigate evidence collection alone—contact an attorney promptly to ensure critical evidence is preserved.