Bus Accident Claims

Victims of bus accidents are often entitled to significant compensation. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the crash, you may be eligible to recover:

• Medical Expenses – Both current and future treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – Income lost due to time away from work, and loss of earning capacity if your injuries are long-term or permanent.
• Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage – If your personal belongings or vehicle were damaged.
• Wrongful Death Damages – In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss.

At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino, we assess the full scope of your losses- not just the obvious medical bills. We fight for the true value of your case, factoring in long-term implications on your health, career, and life. Our track record includes high-dollar settlements and verdicts that reflect not only what was lost, but what justice demands.

Under Pennsylvania law, most personal injury claims, including bus accidents, are subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. That means you generally have two years to file a lawsuit.

However, there are important exceptions and nuances. If the claim involves a public or government-operated bus- like a school district or a municipal transit authority- you may be required to file a Notice of Claim within six months of the incident. Failing to meet this notice requirement could jeopardize your case.

Time is truly of the essence in these cases. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a compelling case. At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino, we move quickly and strategically to ensure all deadlines are met and your rights are fully protected. Even if you think you’re close to the deadline, don’t delay- contact us right away.

Absolutely. Bus accident claims are far more complex than standard car accident cases. They often involve multiple victims, government entities, commercial carriers, federal regulations, and high-stakes insurance defense teams. Without an experienced attorney, you risk being under-compensated- or worse, denied altogether.

At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino, we’ve spent years navigating these legal minefields for our clients. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and the legal requirements for proving negligence. We handle everything- from evidence collection and witness interviews to filing claims and negotiating with insurance companies.

Additionally, we prepare every case for trial from day one. This trial-ready approach shows insurers we mean business, often leading to larger settlements without ever stepping into a courtroom. But if trial is necessary, we’re aggressive litigators with a proven record in Lancaster County courts. Don’t go it alone- your health, finances, and future may depend on the outcome.

Your actions in the moments and days following a bus accident can significantly impact your ability to file a successful claim. Here’s what we recommend based on decades of experience:

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
2. Call 911 – Make sure police file a report; this becomes a key piece of evidence.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos, get witness contact info, and jot down everything you remember.
4. Do Not Talk to Insurance Adjusters – They are trained to limit what you’re paid. Direct them to your attorney.
5. Contact Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino – The sooner we get involved, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Bus companies and insurers act quickly to protect themselves. You need an experienced legal team to do the same for you.

School bus accidents involve a unique set of legal challenges due to the involvement of children, public school systems, and sometimes municipal entities. These cases often trigger additional protections for the bus operators, and strict deadlines apply.

For example, if a public school district operates the bus, you may be suing a government agency, which has immunity protections and notice requirements under Pennsylvania law. You may also be required to file faster than in a typical personal injury case. Moreover, the emotional trauma to the children involved can be just as important as physical injuries- and must be carefully documented and presented in the claim.

At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino, we’ve handled numerous school bus injury cases. We understand the emotional weight these cases carry, especially for parents, and we pursue maximum compensation while treating families with compassion. When a child is harmed, we leave no stone unturned in seeking justice.

Yes, pedestrians struck by buses absolutely have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. In fact, these types of accidents often result in the most severe injuries- broken bones, spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, or even death.

Bus drivers have a legal duty to operate with heightened awareness, especially in urban and residential areas. When they fail to do so- by speeding, making unsafe turns, or failing to yield- they can and should be held accountable.

At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino, we understand how devastating pedestrian-involved accidents can be. We will investigate driver negligence, company liability, route design, and surveillance footage to build your case. Whether you were struck at a crosswalk, bus stop, or sidewalk, we work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and your suffering is compensated.

Weather-related accidents add complexity to liability claims, but they do not eliminate fault. Bus drivers and companies are still expected to adjust their driving practices for conditions like rain, snow, or fog. Failing to reduce speed, keep proper distance, or cancel trips when unsafe is considered negligence.

For example, in the recent August 2023 charter bus accident during a heavy rainstorm, questions arose about whether the driver should have continued operating under those conditions. That’s where legal experience comes in.

At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino, we dig into the details- weather reports, dispatch logs, training records, and safety protocols- to determine whether the company or driver made negligent decisions. In many cases, even when weather is a factor, it’s not the only cause. Our job is to find what the other side wants to hide and use it to win the compensation you deserve.

When many people are injured in the same accident, the insurance company’s liability is typically capped per accident- meaning all victims may need to share a limited pool of funds. This is known as a “policy limit” issue and can drastically affect your payout if you don’t act quickly.

At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino, we prioritize our clients by acting swiftly and strategically. We work to file claims early, position your case strongly, and identify other possible sources of recovery- like secondary policies or third-party liability.

We also focus on presenting strong documentation of your specific injuries and losses to differentiate your claim. When dozens are involved, the most detailed and well-prepared claims often receive the highest settlements. Don’t wait- get in front of the line with a seasoned team that knows how to handle mass injury litigation.

It costs nothing upfront to hire our firm. At Georgelis Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if and when you do. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing- no hourly fees, no retainers, no surprises.

This allows injured individuals and families to access high-caliber legal representation without financial risk. Our fee is a standard percentage of the final settlement or jury award, which we’ll explain clearly at your free consultation.

We also advance all case costs- such as investigators, medical experts, court fees, and more- so you can focus on healing while we fight for justice. With millions recovered for bus accident victims across Pennsylvania, we’re confident in our ability to deliver results. You’ve got nothing to lose- call us now at 717-394-3004.