Whether it’s commuting to work, riding to school, or simply trying to save money, commercial buses are an undeniable convenience for getting around. However, there are inherent risks that are out of our control. These dangers can quickly turn a convenient trip into a life-altering event. If you or a loved one relies on buses for travel, knowing the potential risks involved can help keep you safe and alert. Attorney Matthew Breen, an experienced South Carolina bus accident attorney, is here to educate you about everything you need to know regarding the nature of bus injuries, the causes of accidents, and how our firm advocates for accident victims.
A Bus Accident Attorney Explains the Risks of Bus Crashes
Buses are among the largest vehicles on the road, and their weight and size give them the potential to cause devastating harm in a collision. When a public bus strikes a smaller car, SUV, or van, the occupants of the smaller vehicle almost always face the most severe consequences.
Although not as common, school bus crashes also pose the same dangers. In the 2024–2025 school year, South Carolina reported 985 bus crashes alone. However, the people involved in these accidents are more than just a statistic. They can face life-altering physical, emotional, and financial struggles long after the incident occurred.
Injuries to Occupants of Passenger Vehicles
When a bus collides with a passenger car, the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the impact. The force of these crashes, especially at higher speeds, often leads to catastrophic injuries. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, injuries from collisions occurred every 15 minutes in 2023 alone.
Motorists in these crashes often experience:
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Traumatic brain injuries or concussions
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Spinal cord damage or paralysis
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Multiple fractures and broken bones
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Internal bleeding or organ damage
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Deep lacerations from shattered glass or debris
Even when not fatal, these injuries can lead to long recovery times, permanent disability, and financial strain.
Injuries to Bus Passengers
Passengers inside a bus face a different but equally serious set of risks. The lack of seatbelts leaves riders vulnerable to being thrown into seats, windows, or other passengers. Overhead baggage can also become a source of blunt-force trauma when dislodged during a collision.
Common injuries among bus passengers include:
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Head and neck trauma from being tossed within the cabin
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Broken arms or legs in rollovers or side impacts
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Concussions from striking seats or windows
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Bruising or fractures from falling luggage
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Internal injuries that may not appear immediately
Rollovers are particularly dangerous due to the bus’s high center of gravity. The April 2025 Chester County crash, where a school bus overturned after a tire blowout, tragically illustrated these dangers, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Because the effects inside a bus are not always immediate, passengers sometimes delay treatment, allowing hidden injuries to worsen.
Why Bus Accidents Happen
Determining the cause of a bus crash is critical for accountability and recovery. Common contributing factors include:
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Fatigued or distracted driving
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Poor bus maintenance (e.g., brake or tire failures)
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Inadequate driver training or negligent hiring
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Dangerous road hazards, poor signage, or infrastructure
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Gross negligence by municipalities, school districts, or transit agencies
Each of these factors can point to different liable parties, which is why a thorough investigation by a bus accident attorney is so important.
Who May Be Liable
Responsibility for a bus accident rarely falls solely on the driver. While a negligent operator may be directly at fault for speeding, distraction, or other unsafe conduct, liability often extends beyond their actions. Employers, such as bus companies or school districts, can be held accountable if they fail to properly screen, train, and supervise their drivers. Maintenance contractors may also share blame when their negligence results in mechanical failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions.
Liability can also rest with manufacturers when a defective part, such as faulty steering or brakes, contributes to a crash. In cases where a government agency operates the bus, such as a school district or city transit system, that entity may be responsible. These claims are especially complicated because they involve strict notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines, which is why consulting a bus accident attorney right away is so important.
Contact Lowcountry Law, LLC: Your South Carolina Bus Accident Attorney
At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we help injured motorists, bus passengers, and families of wrongful death victims pursue the damages they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in South Carolina, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with Lowcountry Law, LLC today. We will review your case, explain your legal options in plain language, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
