If you are reading this, you may be feeling stressed or unsure after being hurt in a bus accident. You may not know who is at fault or how to get the help you need. That’s okay. You are not alone, and you’ve come to the right place. These feelings are normal when you’ve been in something as scary and confusing as a bus crash. Whether it was a city bus, a school bus, or a private charter bus, your situation matters. We understand how overwhelming it can be to think about medical bills, missed work, and dealing with insurance companies. This page will help explain the legal differences between public and private bus accidents in Oklahoma so you can understand your rights and how to take the next step.
What Makes a Bus Public or Private in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, buses can be public or private. A public bus is owned and run by a government group. This includes city buses, school buses, and buses run by the state or county. A private bus is owned by a business or a person. This can be a charter bus, a tour bus, a church bus, or even a shuttle owned by a hotel.
The reason this matters is because the laws are not the same for public and private buses. When you are hurt in a crash, who owns the bus can change how your case works. The type of bus changes who you can sue, how much time you have to file your case, and what steps you need to take first.
James V. Murray
Attorney with Over 40 Years Experience
Different Rules Apply to Public Bus Accidents
If you are hurt on a bus that is owned by the city, state, or school, there are special rules. These rules are found in a law called the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act. This law says you must tell the government group about your injury within one year. If you do not tell them in time, you may lose your chance to file a lawsuit at all.
Before you can even file a lawsuit against a public bus owner, you must file a special claim with them. This claim gives them a chance to look into what happened. They may offer to pay for your injuries or they may deny the claim. If they deny it or don’t answer, then you can move forward with a lawsuit. But you must follow these steps exactly or your case could be thrown out.
Another important rule is that the money you can get from a public bus claim may be limited. The law puts a cap on how much you can be paid. This means you might not get the full amount you need, even if your injuries are serious. That is why it is very important to act quickly and carefully.
Private Bus Accidents Follow Normal Personal Injury Rules
If the bus that caused your injuries is privately owned, the rules are more like a regular car crash case. You do not have to give special notice or wait before you can sue. You have up to two years to file a lawsuit in most private bus accident cases in Oklahoma.
Mr. Murray and his team were very professional and helpful throughout this process. As my case was very unique, I knew I was going to need a very specific and special team to help me through this. My wife and I prayed about it and God led us to Murray Law Firm. During the first consultation I requested he pray with me about it and he was quick to agree and that is when I knew we had made the right decision. They went above and beyond our expectations and won the case. I would highly recommend this firm.”
- Roger Buchanan
The Murray Law Firm worked wonders for me and my needs. James Murray along with his staff are so helpful, understanding, and answered all my questions and concerns. James was able to work his magic and get things done in such a timely manner. James even made his self available by phone after hours when I was in such need. He put not only mine but my whole families worries and concerns at ease. Would highly recommend James Murray to anyone searching for a very good attorney!"
- Tiara Rich
Jamie is personal yet professional. He can put you at ease and make you feel safe and secure. He will be at your side through this most difficult time in your life and will keep you informed about what is going on in your case and what you can expect. His staff is always ready and willing to do everything the can to help you. Highly recommended."
- Alicia Mayfield
With private buses, the business that owns the bus can be held responsible. You may also be able to sue the driver or others who were careless. There are no money caps for damages like in public bus claims. That means you can ask for full payment for your medical bills, pain, and other losses.
But that does not mean these cases are always easy. Private bus companies and their insurance teams often fight hard to avoid paying. They may say the driver was not at fault or claim your injury was not serious. You will still need strong evidence and a clear story to win your case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Oklahoma
Many things can lead to a bus accident. Some of the most common are driver error, bad weather, poor road conditions, and not keeping the bus in good shape. Sometimes the driver is tired or not trained well. Other times, the bus company does not do its job to fix or check the bus.
In public bus cases, the government may be at fault for hiring a bad driver or not keeping the bus safe. In private bus cases, the business owner may be careless about who they hire or how they train their drivers. Either way, people get hurt when rules are not followed.
In both public and private bus accidents, passengers are not the only ones hurt. People in other cars, people walking, or riding bikes can also be injured. Anyone who is hurt has the right to ask for help.
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What You Need to Do After a Bus Crash
If you or someone you love was hurt in a bus crash, there are steps you should take. First, get medical care right away, even if you think your injury is small. Then, try to get names of witnesses, take photos, and write down what you remember. If it was a public bus, write down the bus number and which agency ran it.
Do not talk to the insurance company without knowing your rights. They may try to get you to settle for less than you deserve. It is smart to talk with someone who understands the law and can help you figure out what to do next.
How the Legal Process Works Depending on the Bus Type
For a public bus case, you will begin by sending a claim to the correct government agency. You must do this within a year of your injury. They then have 90 days to respond. If they deny the claim or ignore it, you have six months to file a lawsuit.
For a private bus case, you can file a lawsuit anytime within two years. You can ask for payment from the bus company or the driver. You may also sue anyone else who caused or helped cause the crash.
No matter the kind of bus, you will need to prove that someone was careless and that their actions caused your injury. You will also need to show what your injury has cost you in money, pain, and time.
Why These Cases Can Be Hard to Handle Alone
Bus accidents are not the same as car crashes. There are more people involved, more rules, and more steps. Public bus cases are even more tricky because of the special laws and short time limits. You may need to prove your case with records, videos, or reports that are hard to get.
Also, big bus companies and government agencies have teams of people who work to avoid paying money to victims. They may not take your case seriously if you try to handle it alone. That is why it helps to have someone who can deal with the paperwork, the deadlines, and the people trying to stop your case.
What Can You Be Paid For in a Bus Accident Case
If you win your case, you may be paid for your medical bills, including future care. You may also be paid for time you missed from work or any changes to your job in the future. You can ask for money for pain, stress, and changes in how you live your life.
In private bus cases, there is no cap on what you can get. In public bus cases, there is a limit set by state law, unless the crash was very serious or caused death. Even with the limits, you can still ask for what you are owed and hold the other side responsible.
We Can Help You Take the Next Step
If you have been hurt in a bus crash in Oklahoma, and you are feeling confused or lost, you do not have to go through it alone. Understanding whether the bus was public or private is one of the most important parts of your case. The kind of bus decides the rules you must follow and the steps you must take. You deserve to have someone on your side who understands those rules and can help guide you through them.
Whether your case involves a school bus, a city bus, or a tour bus, the law has ways to help you—but time is short and delays can cost you. We have worked with many people who have faced what you are going through right now. Let us look at your case and help you find the path forward. If someone else was careless and caused you harm, you have the right to ask for justice.
Reach out to Murray Law Firm today. We care about your story and want to help you find peace, healing, and the fair result you deserve.