Coach and Bus Passenger Accident Claims

Although road accident deaths are relatively rare in Ireland, there was a 45% increase in driver deaths in 2019 compared to the previous year. Despite the deployment of new technology to help prevent further increases in injuries and deaths, together with additional gardaí assigned to police the roads, road accidents caused by human error remain an inevitability. If you have suffered the misfortune of being involved in an accident involving a bus, you may be eligible to make a claim.

Bringing a Claim for Negligence Against a Bus or Coach Company

Being involved in any sort of accident is frightening and distressing, so it’s understandable if you are unable to keep a completely accurate record of precisely what happened. However, there are several steps that you can take to improve the possibility of securing adequate compensation for your injuries. This includes the following:

• Write a record of what happened – if you are well enough to do so, try to do this as early as possible to ensure that you do not forget any of the details. It can help to draw an overhead map of where the collision took place, documenting any other vehicles or pedestrians involved in the accident.
• Take photos of the accident scene – again, if you or anyone in the vicinity, can take photos of the scene and surroundings, this may well help to aid your claim for compensation by providing clues to the cause of the accident.
• Note down the details of witnesses – if you can, try to take a record of phone numbers and email addresses of people who witnessed the accident. Witness testimony is one of the most powerful forms of evidence used in successful bus accident claims.
• Record the details of other drivers involved – be sure to collect the name of the bus driver, the bus company that (s)he works for, the registration and insurance details for the bus, alongside the details of any other vehicles involved in the collision.

If you have not been involved in a serious accident before, it may feel somewhat daunting to instigate the initial steps of a compensation claim. You may still be physically and emotionally traumatised by the impact of the accident or it may have significantly impacted your finances due to having to take extended time off work.

Whilst it is understandable to be reticent about your experience, it is advisable to seek advice regarding your situation as early as you can. This does not necessarily have to be started by the injured party and you can authorise someone you trust to instigate the claim on your behalf but for reasons of confidentiality we will never discuss any of your affairs with anyone without your clear and express consent beforehand. Speak to one of our specialist personal injury claims solicitors today for further advice.

Some links relating to this topic that you may find useful.

• European Road Safety Observatory – Facts and Figures – Buses / coaches / heavy
  goods vehicles
• ITF-oecd.org – Ireland Road Safety
• ITF-oecd.org – Risk factors for bus drivers’ health and safety