Arlington Bus Accident Lawyer

Injuries resulting from bus accidents can often be serious or even catastrophic because buses do not have seatbelts or airbags for passengers. 

Bus accident cases can also be very complicated because there are many types of buses serving the Arlington area, including ART buses, WMATA Metrobus, school buses, and commercial buses. Your options for pursuing a claim are affected by who owns and operates the bus, as well as by the cause of the crash. To protect your rights, consulting an experienced Arlington personal injury lawyer immediately is critical.

Monge & Associates has spent decades fighting for the rights of the injured, including those involved in bus accidents. We understand complex legal rules that can apply when government entities or large bus companies are involved, and we will bring decades of experience to your case to build the strongest claim possible.

Just give us a call or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an Arlington bus accident lawyer who is ready to fight for you. 

Why Choose Monge & Associates

Monge & Associates brings strong qualifications to the table to help you maximize your chances of a favorable outcome in a bus accident case. You can feel confident that our firm offers the advocacy you need after your bus accident because:

• We have over 33 years of experience. Since 1993, we’ve been representing clients in bus accidents and other complex accident claims. We’ve developed a deep understanding of Virginia laws in these situations, and we know the Virginia court system well. Local insurers and bus companies are also aware of our long history in the legal industry and know we won’t back down. 
• We’ve recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. Our proven track record shows that we’re not afraid to stand up to transit authorities, bus companies, and other large defendants. While every case is different, we understand how to build strong claims and present evidence in the most compelling ways possible. 
• We have the resources and network needed to investigate bus accident claims. We work with accident reconstruction experts, take a comprehensive approach to evidence gathering, and can obtain records and data from bus transportation companies to build the strongest claim possible. 
• We handle complex government claims and understand federal and state regulations. Our firm knows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that apply to bus drivers, and we have a deep understanding of federal and state laws governing claims against government entities. We’ll make sure you follow all procedural requirements, avoid missing deadlines, and protect your case as you navigate the justice system.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents happen for many different reasons. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Bus driver negligence:  Drivers may engage in high-risk behavior including distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving. This negligence can give rise to liability.
• Driver fatigue: FMCSA rules limit the hours drivers can work. Hours-of-service violations are a serious breach of a driver’s obligations and can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
• Inadequate training or supervision: Bus companies must ensure drivers are trained and know how to operate buses safely, as untrained drivers put passengers and others on the road at risk.
• Poor bus maintenance: Improperly maintained buses can experience dangerous incidents such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and other accidents caused by mechanical defects.
• Negligent hiring practices: Bus companies may hire unqualified or dangerous drivers who significantly increase the risk of a collision. 
• Other driver negligence: This can include dangerous driving maneuvers by other drivers, such as cars cutting off buses and causing rear-end collisions.

Types of Buses We Handle

At Monge & Associates, we have extensive experience with all different types of bus accidents. This includes:

• ART (Arlington Transit) buses, which mostly offer local routes throughout the county
• WMATA Metrobus, including regional transit buses serving Arlington and the DC area
• School buses serving Arlington Public Schools and private schools
• Private charter buses and tour buses
• Commercial long-distance buses including Greyhound and Megabus
• Shuttle buses run by hotels, airports, and corporations

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents can cause very serious injuries because there are neither seatbelts nor airbags to protect passengers. Some of the most common bus accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations from broken glass
• Internal injuries
• Wrongful death

The more serious your injuries, the more compensation you should collect.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Monge & Associates will work with you to identify all of the different defendants who could be held liable for your losses. This may include: 

• Bus drivers for negligent operation
• Bus companies for inadequate training, maintenance, or hiring
• Government entities including Arlington County (ART) and WMATA, which can be held vicariously liable for employee negligence or liable for their own negligence
• Other drivers who cause collisions with buses 
• Maintenance contractors for mechanical failures
• Manufacturers for defective bus parts

We’ll carefully review your claim to determine who may be at fault and required to compensate you.

Special Challenges with Government Buses

Unfortunately, when you are involved in a bus accident, a government entity is often to blame. This can raise unique challenges because of sovereign immunity rules. Those rules date back to English common law when you couldn’t sue the king.

When you pursue a claim against the government, there are strict notice requirements to meet after your injury, and you may have a shorter deadline than a typical personal injury claim against a private defendant. Because you are dealing with government bureaucracy, negotiating a settlement and moving your claim forward can also be much more complicated.

The stakes are high in these cases, as a missed deadline could mean your claim can’t move forward. Monge & Associates has a deep understanding of the laws that apply, and we’ll ensure that we meet all the requirements to preserve your case and hold the government liable for losses they’re responsible for.

Virginia Bus Accident Laws

There are also additional challenges in bus accident claims because there are many special laws that apply to drivers.

For instance, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations generally govern commercial buses and set specific requirements for time on duty, driver training, and safe operations, among other things. A violation of these laws, or any Virginia laws that apply to bus drivers, can create a presumption of negligence and make it easier to prove your claim. 

You may also have different timelines that apply depending on who the defendant is, and you must ensure you provide all required notice when the government is involved to avoid jeopardizing your claim.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you can successfully prove your case, you should be entitled to be “made whole” for all of your losses. Some of the different kinds of damages that Monge & Associates can help you recover include:

• Medical expenses including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
• Future medical costs for any ongoing treatment or therapy you need due to lasting injuries
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you miss work or cannot perform your full work duties in the future
• Pain and suffering if your injuries cause discomfort
• Emotional distress and PTSD if you experience mental health issues following the accident
• Permanent disability when you won’t recover from your injuries
• Wrongful death damages including funeral costs, and loss of companionship

Arlington Bus Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim against an ART bus or Arlington County?

Under Virginia Code § 15.2-209, if your injury involves a county or city entity like an ART bus, you must file a formal written Notice of Claim within just six months of the accident. Missing this deadline will generally bar you from recovering compensation.

What is the deadline for claims against WMATA or the State of Virginia?

If your claim falls under the Virginia Tort Claims Act (such as certain transportation districts or state entities), Virginia Code § 8.01-195.6 requires a Notice of Claim to be filed within one year of the injury.

Are bus drivers held to a higher standard in Virginia?

Yes. Commercial and public transit buses are legally classified as “common carriers.” Under Virginia law, common carriers owe their passengers the highest degree of practical care and can be held liable for even the slightest negligence that results in passenger injury.

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How Our Arlington Bus Accident Lawyers Help

At Monge & Associates, we understand how high the stakes are after a bus accident, and we’ll be there for you from day one. Some of the different services we offer include the following: 

• Free case evaluations to determine liability
• Immediate investigations before evidence disappears
• Handling all complex notice requirements and deadlines
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault
• Calculating total damages including future needs
• Helping navigate WMATA cases, which may take place in the federal court system
• Negotiating with government agencies and insurance companies
• Filing a lawsuit and representing you at trial if necessary

We do not charge any upfront cost for our services. We are paid on a contingency basis, and you only pay legal fees if we get compensation for you.

To find out more, give us a call today or contact us online to speak with an Arlington bus accident lawyer who you can trust.