Essential steps for a bus accident claim
1. Ensure immediate safety
Assess the situation: Check yourself and others for injuries and move to a safe location where possible.
Prevent further hazards: Remain clear of traffic and follow any instructions given by emergency services.
2. Contact emergency services
Dial 999 or 112: Report the accident and provide details of the location, injuries, and any immediate dangers.
3. Document the accident scene
Photographic evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries where possible.
Accident details: Record the bus registration number, route information, operator details, and the names of any parties involved.
4. Gather witness information
Collect contact details: Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses willing to provide a statement.
5. Seek medical attention
Obtain medical treatment: Even if injuries initially appear minor, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not become apparent immediately.
6. Report the incident
Notify the relevant parties: Ensure the accident is reported to An Garda Síochána and, where appropriate, the bus operator. This helps create an official record of the incident.
7. Maintain detailed records
Keep documentation: Retain copies of medical records, receipts, correspondence, photographs, witness details, and any documentation relating to the accident.
8. Consult a solicitor
Seek legal advice: A solicitor can advise you on your legal rights, preserve evidence, identify the correct defendant, and guide you through the claims process.
Have you been involved in a bus accident?
Bus operators in Ireland, including Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, owe a duty of care to passengers travelling on their services. Where that duty of care is breached and injury results, a personal injury claim may be pursued against the operator.
According to Road Safety Authority (RSA) data, between 2016 and 2021, there were:
- 69 fatal collisions involving buses
- 76 fatalities arising from those collisions
- 244 serious injuries involving buses
Bus accidents can result in serious physical injuries, psychological trauma, loss of earnings, and other financial losses.
If you have been injured in a bus accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
Who can bring a bus accident claim in Ireland?
A personal injury claim arising from a bus accident may be brought by:
- Passengers travelling on the bus at the time of the accident
- Pedestrians struck by the bus
- Cyclists involved in a collision with the bus
- Drivers or occupants of other vehicles involved in a collision with the bus
- Bus drivers injured in the course of their employment
The correct defendant will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
For incidents involving Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann services, the relevant transport operator will typically be the defendant.
For private coach operators or tour bus companies, the claim is generally brought against the operating company.
Legislation governing bus accident claims
The principal legislation governing bus accident claims in Ireland includes:
- Road Traffic Acts
- Civil Liability Act 1961
- Personal Injuries Guidelines adopted by the Judicial Council
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
What compensation can I claim after a bus accident?
Personal injury compensation is generally assessed under two categories:
General damages
Compensation for pain and suffering, physical injuries, psychological injuries, and any reduction in quality of life arising from the accident.
Special damages
Compensation for financial losses directly caused by the accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of earnings
- Travel expenses
- Care and assistance costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Statute of Limitations
In most cases, personal injury claims arising from a bus accident must be brought within two years less one day from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury.
Different rules apply to persons under the age of 18.
We recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that important evidence is preserved.
Frequently Askes Questions
Who is the correct defendant in a Dublin Bus accident claim in Ireland?
In Ireland, where a passenger or other person is injured in an accident involving a Dublin Bus service, the defendant may be Dublin Bus (Bus Átha Cliath), another road user, or both, depending on the circumstances.
For Bus Éireann services, a claim may be brought against Bus Éireann.
For private coach or tour bus operators, the claim is generally brought against the operating company.
Your solicitor will advise on the appropriate defendant and notify the relevant insurer.
Can a bus driver bring a personal injury claim if they are injured in a road traffic accident?
Yes. A bus driver who sustains injuries in a road traffic accident may bring a personal injury claim in the same way as any other road user.
Where the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, the claim may be brought against that driver or their insurer.
Where the accident arose from defective equipment, an unsafe system of work, or another workplace safety issue, the driver may have a claim against their employer under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Can I claim compensation if I was injured during an emergency stop on a public bus in Ireland?
An injury sustained during an emergency stop may give rise to a personal injury claim where the stop resulted from the negligence of the bus driver or another road user.
The key issue is whether reasonable care was exercised in the operation of the vehicle.
The circumstances of the incident, witness evidence, CCTV footage, and medical evidence will all be relevant when assessing liability.
Does the limitation period apply to bus accident claims in Ireland?
Yes. In most cases, personal injury claims arising from a bus accident must be brought within two years less one day from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury.
If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, different rules apply.
Claims brought outside the applicable limitation period may be statute-barred.
What types of injury are most commonly sustained in bus accidents in Ireland?
Common injuries arising from bus accidents include whiplash and soft tissue injuries, back and neck injuries, fractures, concussion, traumatic brain injuries, and psychological injuries such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Passengers who are standing at the time of an accident or sudden stop may be particularly vulnerable to injury.
Compensation is assessed by reference to the Personal Injuries Guidelines adopted by the Judicial Council.
