Award Winning
A bus crash can change dozens of lives in seconds. Whether you were a passenger on a COMET city bus, your child was hurt on a school bus, or you were hit by a charter or tour bus traveling through Orangeburg County, you deserve justice and full compensation.
At Ted Law Firm, our Orangeburg bus accident lawyers fight for injured passengers, pedestrians, and families across South Carolina. We take on negligent drivers, transit authorities, and bus companies to hold them accountable, and to help you rebuild your life.
Bus Accidents in Orangeburg, South Carolina
Orangeburg sits at the crossroads of I-26, I-95, US-301, and US-178 major routes for commercial, school, and charter bus traffic. With buses carrying dozens of passengers daily, one act of negligence can cause widespread harm.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), Orangeburg County sees dozens of bus-related crashes each year, many involving school buses, public transit, and private charters.
We’ve helped clients recover after:
- School bus collisions involving students and commuters
- City or COMET bus crashes in traffic on St. Matthews Road and John C. Calhoun Drive
- Charter or tour bus wrecks along I-26 and I-95
- Shuttle and church bus accidents across Orangeburg County
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Our team investigates every crash to uncover the truth. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to yield or unsafe turns
- Improper bus maintenance (brake or tire failure)
- Overcrowding or improper loading
- Mechanical defects or poor inspections
- Unsafe roads or intersections
Bus accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, which is why you need an experienced legal team to identify every source of liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Bus accidents are rarely simple. Liability may involve:
- The bus driver – negligent operation, speeding, or distraction
- The bus company or operator – failure to maintain or train drivers
- School districts or public agencies – negligent supervision or maintenance
- Maintenance or inspection contractors – missed mechanical defects
- Manufacturers – faulty brakes, tires, or components
- Other motorists – unsafe lane changes or rear-end impacts
We dig deep into maintenance records, driver logs, black-box data, and witness reports to build a case that proves who is responsible.
Public vs. Private Bus Claims
It matters who owned the bus that caused your injuries.
Public Buses (City, County, or School)
If your crash involved a government-operated vehicle such as a COMET bus or a school bus your claim falls under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (SCTCA).
- You must file a Notice of Claim within one year of the accident.
- Damage caps and procedural rules apply.
Private or Charter Buses
If your crash involved a private or charter company, standard negligence rules apply, and you typically have three years from the crash date (S.C. Code § 15-3-530).
Passenger Rights After a Bus Accident
As a bus passenger, you have the right to recover compensation even if the driver wasn’t directly at fault. We help passengers pursue claims against all responsible parties to recover for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage (phones, personal items, vehicles)
We also handle cases for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers injured in bus collisions.
Wrongful Death in Bus Accidents
Tragically, some bus accidents result in fatalities. Families may bring a wrongful death claim to recover for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- Emotional anguish
- Lost financial contributions
Our Orangeburg wrongful death attorneys help grieving families find closure and hold negligent parties accountable.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Orangeburg
- Call 911 and request assistance from the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety or South Carolina Highway Patrol.
- Seek medical treatment immediately — visit Regional Medical Center (TRMC) or your nearest ER.
- Document everything: bus number, route, driver info, and visible damages.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Get witness names and contact details.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters or transit investigators before consulting a lawyer.
- Call Ted Law Firm we’ll start investigating while evidence is still fresh.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
We pursue every category of damages available under South Carolina law, including:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death compensation for families
We calculate the full impact of your losses not just what insurers want to pay.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm
- Decades of experience in South Carolina personal injury and bus accident litigation
- In-depth knowledge of Orangeburg County courts, judges, and insurers
- Proven record of six- and seven-figure recoveries for crash victims
- Local commitment representing Orangeburg families and commuters
- No fees unless we win guaranteed
- Available 24/7 for free consultations
When powerful companies or government agencies try to deny responsibility, Ted Law Firm fights back with experience, compassion, and results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can I sue after a bus accident in Orangeburg?
You may have claims against the driver, bus company, school district, maintenance provider, or another negligent motorist.
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
For private or charter buses, you generally have three years. For government-operated buses (COMET or school districts), you must file a Notice of Claim within one year under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.
3. What if my child was injured on a school bus?
Parents can file a claim against the school district or responsible agency. We handle all communications with state authorities.
4. Do I have to go to court?
Not always — most cases settle. But if the insurer refuses to pay fairly, we’ll take your case to trial.
5. How much does it cost to hire a Ted Law Firm?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we win.
6. What damages can I recover?
You can recover for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more — depending on the facts of your case.
7. What if the bus was owned by the city or county?
Special rules apply under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, including shorter deadlines and caps on damages. Contact us immediately.
Talk to an Orangeburg Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Bus accident cases can be complex with multiple victims, multiple defendants, and powerful insurance companies working to protect themselves. Let Ted Law Firm protect you. Serving Orangeburg, Santee, Elloree, Bowman, and all surrounding communities. No fees unless we win. No risk, just results. At Ted Law Firm, we stand up for passengers, families, and Orangeburg residents making sure those responsible are held accountable and victims get the justice they deserve.
