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When you step onto a bus, you expect a safe ride not a life-changing accident. Unfortunately, bus crashes in Columbia and throughout South Carolina can leave passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers with catastrophic injuries and overwhelming bills.
Whether it was a COMET city bus, a school bus in Lexington County, or a private charter along I-26 or I-20, you have rights , and Ted Law Firm is here to protect them.
Our Columbia bus accident attorneys fight for victims and families across Richland County, Lexington County, and the Midlands, ensuring they receive full and fair compensation.
Why Bus Accidents Are So Dangerous
Bus accidents can involve dozens of victims, multiple insurance carriers, and layers of corporate or government liability. The size and momentum of buses make injuries devastating even at low speeds.
Common bus types involved in crashes include:
- Public transportation buses (The COMET)
- School buses operated by local school districts
- Charter or tour buses serving Columbia and nearby attractions
- Private company or shuttle buses
- Intercity coaches traveling on I-26, I-77, and I-20
At Ted Law Firm, we understand how to navigate these complex cases holding negligent drivers, bus companies, and municipalities accountable.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Columbia
Many bus crashes stem from preventable negligence. We investigate every factor that contributed to your accident, including:
- Driver fatigue or distracted driving
- Improper maintenance or brake failure
- Overcrowded or overloaded buses
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Poor hiring or inadequate training of drivers
- Defective vehicle parts or tires
- Unsafe road design or lack of signage
We collect bus maintenance records, driver logs, surveillance video, and eyewitness statements to build the strongest possible claim for you.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
Unlike a car accident, bus crashes often involve multiple at-fault parties. Competitors mention this , but few break it down as clearly as we do.
Depending on the situation, liable parties may include:
- The bus driver (for negligent or reckless behavior)
- The bus company or employer (for poor maintenance, training, or hiring)
- A school district or local government (for school or city bus collisions)
- The bus manufacturer or maintenance contractor (for mechanical defects)
- Another negligent motorist who caused the crash
Our legal team conducts a comprehensive investigation to identify every responsible party and pursue each available insurance policy.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can cause severe and lasting injuries, including:
- 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
We work with top medical experts across Columbia and South Carolina to ensure your injuries are properly documented and your long-term care is fully valued.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Under South Carolina law, victims of bus accidents may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills and hospitalization
- Rehabilitation and long-term therapy
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
We also pursue punitive damages when reckless or willful misconduct such as driving under the influence or ignoring safety standards causes a crash.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Columbia
- Call 911 and report the collision to law enforcement.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Document the scene: take photos, gather witness names, and note bus numbers or driver info.
- Avoid talking to insurance representatives before consulting an attorney.
- Contact Ted Law Firm as soon as possible — evidence like surveillance footage or maintenance logs can disappear quickly.
Statute of Limitations in South Carolina Bus Accident Cases
South Carolina’s statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, if your claim involves a government-operated bus (such as The COMET or a school district bus), you must file a Notice of Claim within one year under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.
Failing to meet these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation — which is why acting quickly is critical.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm
We know Columbia. We know South Carolina law. And we know how to take on powerful transportation companies and their insurers.
- Decades of combined experience handling complex injury cases.
- Deep understanding of South Carolina transportation and liability laws.
- Proven results — millions recovered for accident victims statewide.
- Local representation for victims in Columbia, Lexington, and the Midlands.
- No fees unless we win — guaranteed.
- 24/7 availability for free consultations.
At Ted Law Firm, we combine compassion with courtroom strength so your family can focus on recovery while we handle everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can I sue after a bus accident in Columbia?
You may have claims against the driver, the bus company, the city or school district, a maintenance contractor, or another driver who caused the collision.
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
In most cases, three years from the accident date. For government buses (like The COMET or school buses), you must file a Notice of Claim within one year.
3. What if my child was hurt in a school bus accident?
You can file a claim against the responsible school district or driver. We’ll guide you through the special procedures for school-related injury claims.
4. How do you prove negligence in a bus accident?
We use driver logs, black box data, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert reconstruction to establish fault.
5. What if I was a pedestrian or another driver hit by a bus?
You still have the right to pursue compensation under South Carolina law. The same deadlines and negligence standards apply.
6. How much is my case worth?
Each case depends on medical costs, long-term impact, lost wages, and available insurance. We evaluate every factor to pursue maximum recovery.
7. What if the bus company’s insurer contacts me?
Do not speak with them. They may use your statements to reduce or deny your claim. Direct all communication to your attorney.
8. What does it cost to hire Ted Law Firm?
You pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
Talk to a Columbia Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident, don’t face the insurance companies or government agencies alone. Ted Law Firm has the experience, local insight, and dedication to fight for you every step of the way. Call or message us online for a free consultation.
We proudly represent bus accident victims throughout Columbia, Lexington County, and the entire Midlands region. No fees unless we win. No risk. Just results. Because when a bus company’s negligence changes your life we make sure they’re held accountable.
