Bus Accident Claims*

Involved in a Bus Accident?

Being involved in a bus accident, regardless of how serious the road traffic accident was, can be a traumatic experience – especially if you have sustained any injuries. In cases where you are involved in a bus crash that was not your fault, there may be a legal remedy. This legal remedy you can seek by way of a bus accident claim.

---

Common Bus Accident Claims*

The public transport system in the Republic of Ireland maintains a high level of health and safety standards each year. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) released the statistic that buses are the safest form of public transport within the country. However, when accidents do occur, they can have a calamitous effect due to the size of the vehicle and a number of passengers on board. A claim against the Bus Claims Department takes into account who was liable for the accident and the potentially life-long consequences that the injury which occurred can have on the quality of life of the victim.

The most common bus accident claims are:

• Rear-end Collision Claims*
• Hit and Run Claims*
• Roundabout Accident Claims*
• Passenger Injury Claims*
• Uninsured Driver Claims*
• Accident with an Intoxicated Driver Claims*
• Accident with a foreign registered car claims*
• Side Impact Collision Claims*

---

What do I do if I'm involved in a bus accident?

Following a bus accident, whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist there are a number of steps you should follow:

1. Seek medical attention

   Your health is your wealth and should be your first priority. Immediately after a bus accident, take a second to assess yourself to determine if you have any injuries. Then check if any passengers or anybody else involved in the accident need medical attention. If you or anyone else involved has sustained a serious injury ensure that you contact an ambulance to attend the scene.

   For minor injuries, you must remember that minor injuries where you ‘feel fine’ could progress to a more serious injury in the future. In this case it is always better to be safe than sorry and advisable that you go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) or local GP to be checked out.

2. Gather all relevant information at the scene

   It is important that you collect all the relevant information in connection with your accident:

   • Details of the bus number, route and closest stop.
   • If Details of another driver(s)/people involved: name, address, contact information, vehicle registration number and vehicle insurance information. You can also offer your own information to the others involved in the accident.
   • Name and contact details of any emergency service workers at the scene – paramedic/Gardaí.
   • Take a picture of the scene, from different angles; this will help your solicitor understand how the accident happened.
   • If there are any CCTV recordings of the accident, such as CCTV cameras in a nearby shop, for example, you should try to obtain this footage.
   • Record the time and date of the accident.
   • Weather conditions at the time.

3. Report the incident to the Gardaí

   Regardless of how minor or serious the bus accident was, it is important that you call the Gardaí to report the accident immediately.

   For minor accidents, the Gardaí may tell you that they will not be attending the scene. It may be a case where you can settle the issue yourself. In this scenario, the appropriate information should be exchanged. In these cases, it is also important that you visit your nearest Garda station to request that they take details of the accident and to take your statement about the accident.

   For more serious bus accidents, where an ambulance has been called, the Gardaí may arrive at the scene to assess, take statements from the people involved and any witnesses.

4. Contact your insurance company

   If you are the driver of the vehicle involved in a bus accident or a passenger onboard it is important to inform the bus company so they have a record of the accident.

5. Speak to a bus accident claims solicitor

   If you are considering moving forward with a bus accident claim for any personal injuries sustained it is advisable that you speak with a bus accident claims solicitor as soon as possible. If you are proceeding with a claim, the first step will be submitting your claim to the Injuries Board for assessment. A bus accident solicitor can help you in preparing your application to the Injuries Board and ensure that you follow the process in the correct format, meaning that you can move forward with your claim quickly without unnecessary delays.

   It is important to remember to keep copies of any expenses that you have incurred as a result of the accident. It is also imperative to retain copies of medical reports or Garda reports, where possible as you will need them when making a claim.