Bus accidents in South Carolina can result in serious injuries, complex liability questions, and significant financial consequences for victims. Whether you’re involved in a collision with a public transit bus, a private charter bus, or a school bus, understanding the causes, liability rules, and your rights is essential. This guide covers the common causes of bus accidents, how liability differs between public and private buses, and special considerations for school bus accidents. It also covers the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, the types of injuries victims commonly suffer, and the critical steps you should take immediately after a bus accident. If you’ve been injured, contact Evans Moore, LLC today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Evans Moore, LLC for Your Bus Accident Case
When you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you need a legal team with the experience and track record to handle your case effectively. Evans Moore, LLC has been serving South Carolina residents since 2015, with attorneys who have worked together since 2010. Our firm has recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, and we’ve earned recognition as Super Lawyers and members of The Best Lawyers in America. We’ve obtained some of the top 10 highest jury verdicts in South Carolina in 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2023. We handle each case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Understanding your rights after a bus accident is the first step toward recovery, and we’re here to guide you through the process.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in South Carolina
Bus accidents happen for many reasons, and identifying the cause is important for determining liability. Driver error remains one of the leading factors in bus accidents across the state, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Distracted driving is a major cause of bus accidents. Bus drivers who text, use cell phones, eat, or adjust vehicle controls while driving take their attention off the road and increase the risk of collision. Similar to distracted driving accidents, bus driver inattention creates dangerous conditions that can lead to serious injuries. Driver fatigue and inadequate rest also contribute significantly to accidents. Bus drivers who work long hours without sufficient breaks may fall asleep at the wheel or have slower reaction times. Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications, impairs judgment and coordination. Inadequate training or experience can lead drivers to make poor decisions in emergency situations, and confusion with bus operations may cause drivers to misjudge the vehicle’s size or handling.
Beyond driver behavior, mechanical and maintenance issues cause accidents, too. Brake failures, steering problems, and tire blowouts can occur when buses aren’t properly maintained. Poor maintenance and inspection failures mean defects go undetected until they cause an accident. Speeding, poor road conditions, and dangerous obstructions also play roles in bus accidents. These mechanical failures are similar to issues that arise in truck accidents, where equipment maintenance is critical to safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict maintenance standards for commercial vehicles.
Understanding Liability: Public vs. Private Buses
Liability in bus accidents depends heavily on whether the bus is publicly or privately owned. This distinction affects your ability to recover damages and the amount you can receive. The difference between public and private bus accident liability is significant and requires specialized legal knowledge.
Public Buses and the South Carolina Tort Claims Act
When a bus is owned by a government entity, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act applies. This law generally limits the time you have to file a lawsuit to two years. However, if you file a verified claim with the agency within one year of the accident, the deadline to file a lawsuit is extended to three years.
The law also currently caps damages at $300,000 per person (or $600,000 per occurrence) for claims against government entities. Because these procedural steps are strict, working with an attorney immediately is essential to preserve your right to sue.
Private Bus Companies
Private bus companies—such as charter services, tour operators, and private shuttle services—face standard negligence liability. They have no immunity protections and no damage caps. If a private bus company’s negligence causes your injuries, you can pursue full compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages. Private companies typically carry liability insurance, which may cover your claim. This is similar to personal injury claims against private entities.
School Bus Accidents: Special Considerations
School bus accidents present unique challenges because child passengers are involved. Children are among the most vulnerable accident victims, and school districts have a heightened duty of care to protect them. School bus safety is a critical concern for parents and legal professionals alike.
Under South Carolina motor vehicle laws, school buses operate in specific zones with unique hazards. The “pedestrian danger zone” around a bus—particularly the area directly in front and behind the vehicle—is where most child pedestrian accidents occur. Children ages 5 to 7 are at the highest risk for pedestrian accidents involving school buses, often because they don’t understand traffic safety or the bus driver’s limited visibility. The most dangerous times are during morning and afternoon pickup and drop-off periods when traffic is heavy, and children are distracted.
School districts and their contractors must maintain buses properly, train drivers thoroughly, and follow safety regulations. When they fail to do so, they may be liable for injuries. Recent incidents in South Carolina highlight these risks. In August 2025, a school bus crash on Sumter Highway resulted in multiple injuries, underscoring the dangers of heavy traffic and commercial vehicles sharing the road with students. In December 2025, a Sumter County school bus crash resulted in multiple children and adults being hospitalized. These incidents underscore the serious consequences of bus accidents and the importance of holding responsible parties accountable through wrongful death claims when necessary.
Common Injuries from Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. The size and weight of buses mean that collisions often result in significant trauma. Understanding the types of injuries you may suffer is important for documenting damages in your case.
Victims commonly suffer sprains and strains, particularly to the neck and back. Whiplash injuries occur when the head and neck are suddenly jerked backward and forward. Broken bones and fractures are frequent, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from impact to the head and may cause long-term cognitive and physical effects. Brain injuries from bus accidents require specialized legal representation to ensure victims receive appropriate compensation. Spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis. Burns and lacerations can occur from contact with hot surfaces or broken glass. In the most severe cases, bus accidents result in wrongful death.
The American Medical Association (AMA) provides guidelines for documenting and treating bus accident injuries. Medical documentation is crucial for establishing the full extent of your damages in a personal injury claim.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Knowing what to do immediately after a bus accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. The first few hours after an accident are critical for evidence preservation and establishing your case.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury, don’t show symptoms immediately. Call the police and report the accident so an official report can be created. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all witnesses. Obtain the bus driver’s name, company information, and insurance details. Request a copy of the police report once it’s available. These steps are similar to what you should do after a car accident.
Follow all medical treatment recommendations from your doctors. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and expenses. Avoid discussing the accident on social media, as insurance companies monitor social media for statements that could be used against you. Do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies may use your words against you to minimize your claim. Contact Evans Moore, LLC at (843) 995-5000 as soon as possible so we can begin investigating your case and protecting your rights. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence and build a strong case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents
What is the statute of limitations for a bus accident claim in South Carolina?
For bus accident claims involving private bus companies, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if you’re filing a claim against a government entity under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, you have two years from the date of the accident. You must file a verified claim with the government agency within this two-year period before filing a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation, so it’s important to act quickly. Learn more about how long after an accident you can sue in South Carolina.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the bus accident?
Yes. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. Understanding how comparative fault affects your claim is essential for evaluating your case.
What damages can I recover in a bus accident case?
You can recover economic damages, which include medical bills, hospital expenses, prescription costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage. You can also recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Learn more about economic vs. non-economic damages.
Do I need to file a claim with the government before suing for a public bus accident?
Yes. If the bus is owned by a government entity, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act requires you to file a verified claim with the agency before filing a lawsuit. This claim must be filed within a specific timeframe, and the agency has a set period to respond. Failing to follow this procedure can result in losing your case. This is a critical procedural requirement that distinguishes public bus accidents from private bus accidents.
How long does a bus accident case take to resolve?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the other party cooperates. Some cases settle within a few months, while others may take a year or longer. Your attorney will keep you informed at every step and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible. Understanding the timeline of a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina can help you prepare for the process ahead.
Get Help After Your Bus Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in South Carolina, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Evans Moore, LLC is ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (843) 995-5000 for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Our team has successfully handled numerous bus accident cases and understands the unique challenges these claims present.
Learn more about how we can help with your car accident, truck accident, wrongful death, or personal injury claim. We also handle premises liability and other injury claims throughout South Carolina.
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