Bus & Public Transit Accidents
We've Recovered Over 200 Million Dollars for Our Clients.
Public transportation plays a vital role in keeping Pennsylvania communities connected, serving daily commuters on local buses and visitors exploring the region. Residents depend on reliable and safe transit options, yet accidents involving public buses, trolleys, or other transit vehicles can cause devastating injuries and long-term consequences. After a crash, proving liability in a Pennsylvania public transit accident may require examining driver conduct, vehicle records, witness statements, and other evidence to determine who was responsible.
Bus and public transit systems in Western Pennsylvania are governed by state and municipal regulations. Determining liability after a crash often requires a detailed investigation, including driver records, maintenance logs, and transportation authority policies. Injured passengers or pedestrians may face challenges when filing claims against government entities or insurance providers.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a collision involving a public bus, school bus, or transit vehicle, it’s crucial to act quickly. Our Pennsylvania bus accident lawyers at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George (LGKG) can help you handle the legal process and hold negligent parties accountable. Our team has extensive experience handling complex transportation cases, fighting for the full recovery our clients need to rebuild their lives. Call (724) 658-8535 to speak with our team about your case.
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We only work with clients and cases we truly believe in, we take your case because we genuinely believe in both you and your case’s importance.
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Over 10,000 Clients have trusted LGKG… There Must Be a Reason Why?
Great experience and extremely professional and knowledgeable company and staff. Mr George, Mr Mack, and Ms Kelly were very dedicated and focused on my case and made me feel that…
Mark L.
LGKG are an amazing group who will do everything in their power for their clients. They helped me through a really rough time in my life and I would highly recommend them to everyone…
Dana Rhodes
LGKG has represented me for the past couple accidents that I’ve been in (both hit and runs, crazy I know) and they are very client oriented. Gianna is fantastic and I would recomm…
Tony Gaus
All of the staff I encountered at their office were very pleasant to deal with. Gianna handled my settlement case and she made it all very seamless from start to finish. She kept m…
Tommy Vargo
I cannot give enough praise for attorneys Lauren Kelly Gielarowski and Matt Mangino at the LGKG law practice. Lauren and Matt were able to explain an extremely complicated medica…
Jody Melto
I have to say that I couldn’t have received any better service. Everyone from the receptionist all the way up to the attorneys were absolutely so accommodating. I worked most dire…
Cindy Biddle
Attorney Joe George and his team are a phenomenal group to have in your corner. They explained everything about the process and decisions, making it as stress-free as possible. Mr…
Glenda Jennings
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Bus accidents can happen for many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle crashes, but the size of the vehicle and the number of passengers can make the consequences more serious. Common causes may include:
Determining the cause often requires more than reviewing the police report. Bus camera footage, maintenance records, driver records, witness statements, and other evidence may help show how the crash occurred.
Our personal injury lawyers can address every scenario involving buses:
We can help, whether the accident involved a city bus, a school bus, a private charter bus, or an airport shuttle. Our legal team has extensive experience in motor vehicle accident litigation. We conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to establish liability, and our attorneys work closely with clients and their medical providers to gauge the extent of the injury and the scope of damages.
Joe George was my attorney after a car accident. I cannot say enough about how much he and his staff took care of my case. He was super friendly, caring and honest. If I ever need…
Susan Luce
I am beyond happy and blessed for my attorneys Gianna & Lawrence Kelly! They handled my case with professionalism and grace!!!! I really appreciate y’all both! I highly recommend…
Charina Johnson
Attorney Joe George and Attorney Sam Mack Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Professional. Personable. I experienced this and so much more when working with Attorney George and Att…
Kristina Johnson
I am so happy with my decision to have Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George handle my case. Both Larry and Gianna were beyond helpful and on top of my case, they answered any question…
Star Blontz
Would highly recommend. Attorney Gianna Kelly is super friendly and easy to talk to while at the same time staying professional and keeping me updated on all the processes and upd…
Michelle Delph
I hired Atty Larry Kelly to help me with a workers comp case and let me tell you that he MORE than helped. He knows the law and knew of a precedent set a few years back and was ab…
Donna Zaczyk
Highly recommended. Gianna Kelly of Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.assisted me after I suffered an accident in a retail outlet. The professional and sensible advice was outs…
Regis Rothrauff
Liability for a bus accident depends on who caused the crash and the type of bus involved. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility.
The bus driver may be liable if speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or another unsafe action caused the collision. A private bus company may also be responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, or failure to properly maintain its vehicles. If defective brakes, tires, or other mechanical problems contributed to the crash, a maintenance contractor or other company responsible for the vehicle may also be involved. Another motorist can be liable when that driver’s negligence causes or contributes to the collision.
Claims involving a public transit authority or other government entity can be more complicated. Pennsylvania law generally gives local government agencies governmental immunity from many lawsuits. However, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8542 provides several exceptions, including certain injuries caused by the operation of a motor vehicle in the possession or control of a local agency.
This means an injured passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist may be able to pursue a claim against a public transit agency when the facts fall within one of the statutory exceptions. Determining who may be held responsible requires examining how the accident happened, who operated or maintained the bus, and whether special rules for claims against government entities apply.
Bus companies have a responsibility to transport passengers safely. Pennsylvania courts have recognized that common carriers owe their passengers a high degree of care while providing transportation. This duty can extend to giving passengers a reasonably safe opportunity to board and exit the bus.
A claim does not always require a collision with another vehicle. A passenger may be injured after a sudden stop, while getting on or off the bus, or when the driver stops at an unsafe location. The circumstances of the incident help determine whether the driver, transit agency, or another party may be responsible.
Yes. A claim involving a privately operated charter bus or shuttle generally does not raise the same governmental immunity issues as a claim against a public transit agency. Claims against government entities may be subject to special rules governing when the agency can be sued and how quickly notice must be provided.
Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522, a person bringing certain injury claims against a government unit generally must provide written notice within six months. Pennsylvania law also recognizes limited circumstances in which failure to provide that notice may be excused, including situations involving reasonable excuse or actual or constructive notice by a local government unit.
Contrary to myth, government agencies are not immune to lawsuits. We have brought claims against the New Castle Area Transit Authority and other public bodies. One key difference is the short statute of limitations.
In a typical personal injury case, you have two years to bring a claim. When suing a public transit agency for a bus accident, however, we must file written notice of your claim within six months of the injury. Failing to meet this deadline can bar you from recovering any compensation. Don’t wait any longer to call us!
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Having represented over 10,000 clients, we’ve brought more cases to trial than many attorneys in Western PA
Larry Kelly is amazing! He always there to answer any questions and gets back to you asap. He would be the first attorney I would call and he should be your first as well! Best ex…
Chelsea Goldstrom
I have had to use LGKG law offices on two occasions. On both times the attorneys and their staff were the the best. The attorneys are always at the top of the game when it comes t…
Gina Denucci
Joe George was extremely helpful and I couldn’t recommend him more. We had a very sensitive issue and he was honest, gave great advice, and helped my family navigate a win. Really…
Brandy Holland
My husband was in a motorcycle accident. We went to see Luxenberg Garnett Kelly & George. We met with Gianna Kelly. She went through everything with us and they helped us out a lo…
Patricia Sager
The service that was provided couldnt have been more professional. Giana handled everything in a timely manner and my case was resolved without delay. Thank you and I would defini…
Vincent Canzano
Lauren and Larry were amazing in helping my friend Amanda with her personal injury case. Great representation and treated everyone like family. Thank you both…
Kenny Neely
My experience with LGKG was fantastic. I dealt with Larry Kelly and Sam Mack. They could not have been more helpful, professional and kind. They were very supportive the entire ti…
Susan Karidis
It All Starts Here
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We only work with clients and cases we truly believe in, we take your case because we genuinely believe in both you and your case’s importance.
Our Family is Here to Help Yours
Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George has a strong track record representing injured clients. Our Western PA car accident lawyers bring extensive experience handling accident claims involving serious injuries, disputed fault, and insurance coverage issues.
Bus accident claims can involve transit authority records, driver histories, maintenance logs, onboard video, and special rules for claims against public agencies. If you were injured in a bus or public transit accident, call (724) 658-8535 to speak with our team about your legal options.
