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Bus crashes are rare, but when they happen, they can change dozens of lives in an instant. Whether it’s a school bus collision, a Greenlink Transit crash, or a private charter accident, the injuries are often severe and the legal process complex.
At Ted Law Firm, our Charleston bus accident lawyers fight for victims and families across Charleston County and the Lowcountry. We hold negligent drivers, transit companies, and government agencies accountable helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident, don’t wait. Evidence fades quickly, and deadlines under South Carolina law can be short. We’re ready to protect your rights today.
Local Roads, Local Representation
From I-26 and I-526 to Savannah Highway (US-17), Rivers Avenue, and Meeting Street, Charleston’s roads see constant bus traffic. Public commuters, schoolchildren, and tourists all depend on safe drivers, but a single act of negligence can cause disaster.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), Charleston County reports dozens of serious bus crashes each year, many involving Greenlink public transit, school buses, or private shuttle operators.
We’ve represented victims injured in:
- Car Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Birth Injury
- Bicycle Accident
- Bus Accident
- Construction Accident
- Dog Bite
- Drunk Driving
- Moped Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Pedestrian Accident
- Rear End
- Rideshare Accident
- Truck Accident
Understanding Bus Accidents in Charleston
Traffic accidents involving buses are more complicated than ordinary auto accidents. The presence of multiple liable parties—like bus drivers, transportation companies, government entities, or maintenance contractors—means that pursuing a personal injury claim requires careful investigation and knowledge of traffic law and civil liability principles in Charleston, South Carolina.
Victims of these accidents often suffer severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury, neck injury, internal bleeding, and head injuries. The large size of buses compared to regular motor vehicles increases the risk of death, risk of accidents, and the extent of damage to property. Often, such collisions also lead to fatal injuries or long-term emotional trauma for bus accident victims or bus passengers when buses and two-wheel vehicles share the road.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Charleston
Bus accidents often happen because of preventable human error. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (cell phone, radio, or passengers).
- Driver fatigue from long shifts or poor scheduling.
- Speeding or reckless driving to meet route times.
- Improper training or supervision.
- Poor maintenance leading to brake or tire failure.
- Drunk or impaired driving.
- Unsafe road design or construction zones.
When negligence or poor oversight leads to harm, our lawyers uncover the cause — and the responsible parties.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
Determining who is at fault is central to your pursuit of compensation. In many personal injury cases, the bus driver may be a careless driver, but sometimes, the root cause is faulty rearview mirrors, broken brake lights, or non-compliance with federal standards. Sometimes, a negligent driver from another vehicle is to blame, especially when lanes of traffic are not clearly defined or when blind spots are ignored.
In South Carolina, the principle of comparative negligence applies. This means that your percentage of fault will affect your ability to recover compensation. For example, if you were found 20% at fault for the crash, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. It’s important to understand both comparative negligence rules and comparative negligence law as they apply to your case.
Public vs. Private Bus Claims in South Carolina
It’s critical to know who operated the bus, because that determines your filing deadline and legal process.
Public Buses (Greenlink or School District Vehicles)
If the crash involved a government-operated bus, your case falls under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (SCTCA).
- You must file a Notice of Claim within one year of the accident.
- Damages are capped at $300,000 per person or $600,000 per accident.
- Strict procedural rules apply for suing state or county entities.
Private or Charter Buses
If the bus was operated by a private company, church, or tour operator, the standard personal-injury deadline applies three years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530.
There are no damage caps, and we can pursue claims against all responsible insurers.
Common Injuries in Bus Crashes
Because buses carry multiple passengers and lack seatbelts, injuries can be catastrophic. Victims often suffer:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
Our attorneys work with medical experts to document every injury and ensure the value of your claim reflects its full impact.
Understanding Fault and Liability
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule the 51% rule.
- You can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the crash.
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How Ted Law Firm Supports Bus Accident Victims
At Ted Law Firm, we’re committed to helping victims secure the fair compensation they deserve. We gather medical records, witness statements, and character witnesses to build a strong case. Our team ensures every factor is addressed—be it road rash, brain injuries, medical bills, or bus accident injuries in cases where buses collide with buses.
We also assist clients with:
- Filing and managing personal injury claims
- Navigating insurance dealings with insurance companies
- Evaluating damage to property and recoverable damages
- Ensuring compliance with proper laws, bus belt laws, and universal bus driving laws where applicable
- Investigating conditions like adjacent lines, temporary driveway entries, or public roads that may have played a role
Our understanding of South Carolina’s traffic law, legal actions, and civil liability ensures that every client receives tailored legal support.
Types of Recoverable Damages
Accident victims may be eligible to recover various damages including:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and anxiety
- Wrongful death compensation in fatal accident cases
We’ve represented clients suffering from bus crash, bus wreck, and collisions between buses and bus operators, bus riders, and bus drivers, ensuring that their voices are heard.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Charleston
- Call 911 and report the crash to Charleston Police Department or SC Highway Patrol.
- Get medical treatment immediately at MUSC Health or Roper St. Francis Hospital.
- Take photos and video of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
- Collect contact info for witnesses and bus passengers.
- Avoid giving statements to bus company or insurance representatives.
- Call Ted Law Firm — we’ll handle every detail from investigation to settlement.
Why Legal Help Matters in Charleston Bus Accidents
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims or shift blame. In a bus accident claim or a case involving bus collisions, the presence of multiple parties, insurance companies, and complex regulations makes legal representation essential.
Charleston’s growing traffic and crowded rows of vehicles increase the risk of head injury and fatal injuries.
We also educate clients about key traffic safety elements such as:
- Use of reflective material and white light on vehicles
- Understanding percent effective safety gear
- Recognizing the dangers of wireless phones and cell phone use
How Ted Law Firm Helps Charleston Bus Accident Victims
When you hire Ted Law Firm, you get a team that handles every step:
- Investigate the crash – obtain driver records, maintenance logs, and camera footage.
- Identify liable parties – company, driver, or government entity.
- Document your injuries – work with local doctors and specialists.
- Handle insurance communications – protect you from unfair tactics.
- Negotiate or litigate – fight for your maximum recovery.
Our mission is simple: justice and compensation for every Charleston victim.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Claims involving public transportation or school buses often have shorter deadlines under the SCTCA. Acting fast ensures:
- Evidence (dash-cam, maintenance logs) is preserved.
- Witness statements remain fresh.
- Deadlines are met for both public and private entities.
Call us now so we can start protecting your rights before time runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can I sue after a bus accident in Charleston?
Depending on the case, you can file against the bus driver, bus company, school district, city, or another negligent driver.
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
For public buses, you must file a Notice of Claim within one year under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. For private buses, the deadline is three years.
3. What damages can I recover?
You can recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Families can file wrongful-death claims.
4. What if my crash involved Greenlink Transit?
Claims against Greenlink are governed by SCTCA — our attorneys handle these cases routinely.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident claim?
Yes. Bus cases involve multiple parties and complex regulations. A lawyer ensures all responsible entities are held accountable.
6. How much does it cost to hire Ted Law Firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Ted Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a bus crash in Charleston, South Carolina, don’t wait to get help. Ted Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. We make it easy to get started through our contact forms or online form and provide compassionate, results-driven legal representation every step of the way.
Whether you’re dealing with bodily injury liability, obscene bumper stickers, or complications arising from contributory negligence, we are here to advocate for you.
Ted Law Firm Supporting bus accident victims across South Carolina with diligence, clarity, and a strong commitment to justice.
