Wet floors, debris, and poorly maintained surfaces on buses cause slip and fall injuries that can be devastating, particularly for elderly passengers. Bus operators have a duty to maintain safe conditions and may be liable when hazardous conditions cause passenger falls.
Common Bus Slip and Fall Hazards
Passengers face numerous slip and fall risks on buses:
Wet entrance steps: Rain, snow, and tracked-in moisture make entry steps dangerously slippery.
Wet floors and aisles: Weather and spills create slick surfaces throughout the bus.
Debris in aisles: Trash, bags, and objects left by passengers create tripping hazards.
Damaged flooring: Torn floor mats, loose tiles, or uneven surfaces cause trips.
Inadequate handrails: Missing, broken, or poorly positioned handrails fail to provide support.
Poor lighting: Dim interior lighting makes hazards hard to see.
Proving Liability for Bus Falls
Slip and fall claims require proving the bus company knew or should have known about the hazard:
Actual knowledge: Evidence the driver or company was aware of the specific hazard.
Constructive knowledge: The hazard existed long enough that reasonable inspection would have discovered it.
Created the hazard: The bus company's own actions caused the dangerous condition.
Failure to warn: No signs or announcements warned passengers about known hazards.
Bus Company Duties
As common carriers, bus companies must:
Regularly inspect buses for hazardous conditions during operation.
Promptly clean spills and remove debris.
Maintain equipment including flooring, handrails, and steps in safe condition.
Warn passengers about conditions that cannot be immediately corrected.
Provide adequate handrails and grab bars for passenger stability.
Documenting Your Fall
After a slip and fall on a bus:
Report immediately to the driver and request documentation of the incident.
Photograph the hazard before it's cleaned up or repaired.
Get witness contacts: Other passengers can verify the condition existed.
Note your footwear: Defense may argue your shoes contributed to the fall.
Seek medical attention: Document injuries immediately.
Comparative Fault Issues
Bus companies often argue passengers share fault:
Not using handrails: Passengers should hold on while moving.
Distraction: Looking at phones instead of watching where you step.
Improper footwear: Wearing shoes unsuitable for conditions.
Ignoring warnings: Proceeding despite caution signs.
An attorney can counter these arguments with evidence of the bus company's greater responsibility.
Government Notice Requirements
If the bus is operated by a public transit authority, strict notice deadlines apply—often 30-180 days depending on the state. Missing these deadlines can bar your claim entirely.