Bus stops are pedestrian gathering points where people wait, board, and exit buses. Accidents at bus stops involve transit agencies, other drivers, and property owners who may share liability for injuries. Understanding these claims helps victims pursue all responsible parties.
Types of Bus Stop Accidents
Bus striking pedestrians occurs when buses pull into stops, pull away, or maneuver near waiting passengers.
Other vehicles hitting waiting pedestrians - cars jumping curbs, losing control, or failing to stop behind buses.
Slip and falls at poorly maintained bus stop areas due to uneven surfaces, ice, or debris.
Boarding and exiting injuries from gaps between buses and curbs, or bus movement before passengers are clear.
Transit Agency Liability
Transit agencies have duties to operate buses safely and protect passengers and pedestrians near bus stops.
Driver negligence in pulling too close to waiting pedestrians, starting before passengers are seated, or failing to check mirrors creates agency liability.
Bus stop placement decisions that create dangerous conditions may establish agency negligence.
Third-Party Driver Liability
Drivers must stop behind school buses with flashing lights under state law. Similar caution applies around transit buses.
Drivers who pass stopped buses unsafely or fail to yield to boarding passengers face liability for striking pedestrians.
Distracted or impaired drivers who lose control and strike bus stop areas bear clear liability.
Property Owner Liability
Property owners adjacent to bus stops may be liable for hazardous conditions in areas where pedestrians wait.
Inadequate barriers protecting waiting areas from traffic may constitute negligent premises maintenance.
Failure to maintain sidewalks and waiting areas in safe condition creates slip and fall liability.
Municipal Liability
Cities control bus stop locations and design. Dangerous placements or designs may create municipal liability.
Inadequate traffic controls - missing signals, poor signage, absent crosswalks - near bus stops may indicate government negligence.
Government claims require following tort claims act procedures with strict notice deadlines.
Common Carrier Duties
Transit agencies are common carriers owing heightened duties of care to passengers. This elevated standard extends to bus stop areas.
Common carriers must use utmost care to protect passengers, a higher standard than ordinary negligence.
This heightened duty applies from approach to departure from stops.
Proving Bus Stop Accident Claims
Surveillance footage from buses (interior and exterior cameras) and nearby businesses captures many accidents.
Transit agency records including driver logs, maintenance records, and prior incident reports provide evidence.
Witness testimony from other waiting passengers establishes accident circumstances.
Sovereign Immunity Issues
Public transit agencies may claim government immunity from lawsuits. However, most states waive immunity for negligent operation.
Tort claims acts impose notice requirements and damage caps for claims against government transit agencies.
Strict deadlines - often 30-180 days - require prompt notice of claims against transit agencies.
Evidence Preservation
Request bus camera footage immediately. Transit agencies may overwrite recordings within days.
Document the bus stop conditions - shelter, curb height, surface condition, visibility.
Photograph your injuries and keep records of medical treatment.
Damages in Bus Stop Cases
Medical expenses for treatment of pedestrian injuries, which can be severe.
Lost wages during recovery from disabling injuries.
Pain and suffering for physical trauma and emotional distress.
Pursuing Bus Stop Claims
Identify all potentially liable parties - transit agency, third-party drivers, property owners, municipalities.
File notice of claim against government entities immediately to preserve rights.
Consult an attorney experienced in transit accidents and government claims who can navigate immunity issues and pursue all responsible parties.