Whether it’s a Palmetto Breeze public transit bus, a school bus, or a private tour shuttle, bus accidents in Hilton Head can result in serious and sometimes fatal injuries. With heavy seasonal traffic on roads like US-278, Beach City Road, and Pope Avenue, it only takes one moment of inattention to cause a devastating crash.
At Ted Law Firm, we represent injured passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, and families affected by bus crashes throughout Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort County. We take on government agencies, private companies, and insurers, so you don’t have to face them alone.
Who Can File a Bus Accident Claim?
Bus accident victims are not limited to passengers. If you were injured in an incident involving a bus, you may have a case whether you were:
- A passenger injured inside a public or private bus
- A pedestrian or cyclist struck by a bus
- A driver or passenger in another vehicle hit by a bus
- A parent of a child injured in a school bus crash
- A family member of someone killed in a fatal bus collision
Each type of claim involves different procedures. Public bus cases may include claims against city or county entities, while private buses typically involve commercial insurance.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Hilton Head
Bus crashes often occur because of preventable human error or poor maintenance practices. We frequently see collisions caused by:
- Distracted or fatigued bus drivers
- Speeding or aggressive maneuvers
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Mechanical failures or brake issues
- Failure to yield, especially at crosswalks or intersections
- Dangerous road conditions or lack of signage
We investigate every contributing factor to build the strongest case possible and identify all liable parties.
Common Injuries in Bus Accident Claims
Unlike passengers in private vehicles, bus passengers often aren’t wearing seatbelts. That makes them more vulnerable to serious injuries when buses suddenly stop or collide with another vehicle. Pedestrians and occupants of smaller vehicles often suffer the most.
We regularly represent victims who suffer:
- Head trauma and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones or joint damage
- Facial injuries and lacerations
- Internal injuries or organ damage
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
We work with doctors and life care planners to fully document the impact of the crash and calculate future treatment costs.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a bus accident caused by negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospitalization, surgery, rehab)
- Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental health care
- Long-term disability or scarring
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
If the bus was publicly owned, special damage caps or procedural requirements may apply. We’ll guide you through those steps and protect your claim at every stage.
How We Help Injury Victims
At Ted Law Firm, we know bus crash victims face large, well-funded entities from public transportation systems to tour companies. We level the playing field by putting our experience to work for you.
We handle:
- Investigating the accident and preserving key evidence
- Navigating public vs. private liability
- Filing government claims (when applicable) within statutory deadlines
- Identifying all liable parties and insurance policies
- Negotiating for a full settlement, or litigating if necessary
While you recover, we do the work.
What Are the Deadlines for Filing?
In South Carolina, the typical deadline (statute of limitations) for personal injury claims is three years. However, if the bus was operated by a public agency, such as a city or county system, you may be required to file a notice of claim within a much shorter timeframe.
Early legal intervention is critical. We’ll file all required notices and paperwork on time to protect your rights.
Talk to a Hilton Head Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Bus accidents can leave lasting injuries and unanswered questions. Whether the crash involved public transit, a school bus, or a tour shuttle, you don’t have to face the system alone. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery your family deserves.
Call Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients across all of South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta, and beyond, we offer trusted, compassionate representation with no fees unless we win your case.
You’re in caring, capable hands with Ted Law Firm.
