Bus accidents cause serious injuries and financial hardship. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Tulsa, you have the right to pursue compensation. Abel Law Firm helps injured passengers recover the compensation they deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.
Why Choose Abel Law Firm for Your Bus Accident Claim
Abel Law Firm has spent over 50 years helping injured Oklahomans recover more than $550 million in compensation. Our team includes multiple Super Lawyers recognized by their peers. We received the Best Law Firms award for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025). Our clients gave us a 5.0 Google rating with 221 reviews.
We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win. We also offer free consultations at no obligation. Our Tulsa office is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
Our attorneys bring significant experience to bus accident cases. Kelly Bishop has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for 13 consecutive years and teaches insurance law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Matthew Wade is a Super Lawyer and a National Trial Lawyer Top 100 honoree. T. Luke Abel is a Super Lawyer, a Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability, and a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer.
Who Is Liable in a Tulsa Bus Accident
Determining liability in a bus accident requires understanding Oklahoma negligence law. Under Oklahoma law, a person is negligent if they fail to exercise reasonable care, and that failure causes injury to another person.
Bus drivers have a duty of care to operate vehicles safely and protect their passengers. When a bus driver violates traffic laws, drives recklessly, or fails to maintain control, they may be liable for injuries. The bus company or operator can also be held liable. Bus companies must hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, maintain their vehicles, and enforce safety policies. If a bus company fails in these duties, they can be held responsible for bus accident claims.
City and government entities that operate public buses may also be liable. Different rules apply to government entities. Government entities have sovereign immunity protections, but they can still be sued under certain circumstances. Understanding government liability is crucial for public transportation accidents.
Third-party drivers can also be liable if their actions caused the bus accident. For example, if another vehicle strikes the bus, that driver may be responsible for your injuries. Bus manufacturers and maintenance contractors can be liable if defective equipment or improper repairs contributed to the accident.
What Damages Can You Recover
Bus accident injuries often result in significant financial losses. Oklahoma law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for financial losses you’ve actually incurred. Medical bills are often the largest component, including emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. Lost wages represent another major category. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost. You can also recover damages for lost earning capacity—the difference between what you would have earned and what you can earn with your injuries.
Non-economic damages compensate you for harm without a specific dollar amount. Pain and suffering is the most common non-economic damage. Emotional distress and trauma are also recoverable. Bus accidents are frightening experiences, and many victims suffer anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Loss of enjoyment of life recognizes that your injuries may prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed. Scarring and disfigurement damages compensate you if the accident left visible marks or scars.
Steps to Protect Your Bus Accident Claim
Taking the right steps immediately after a bus accident strengthens your claim. First, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries don’t appear immediately. Medical records create important documentation of your injuries.
Call the police and request an accident report. Get the report number and the names of the officers who responded. Collect information from the bus driver, including their name, driver’s license number, and employment information. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Document the scene with photos and video if you’re able to do so safely. Take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Preserve all evidence, including the clothing you wore and any personal items damaged.
Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies or the bus company. Don’t post about the accident on social media. Contact a lawyer before giving any statements beyond what you told police. Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, expenses, and lost wages.
Oklahoma Bus Accident Laws and Deadlines
Oklahoma law sets strict deadlines for filing bus accident claims. For accidents involving private bus operators, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. For accidents involving city-operated buses, the deadline is one year. Understanding the statute of limitations is critical for your case.
Government entities have additional requirements. You must file a written claim with the city within one year of the accident. After the city denies your claim (or after 90 days if no response), you have 180 days to file a lawsuit.
Oklahoma follows a comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, you can only recover if you were less than 50 percent at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can recover $80,000. This is governed by Oklahoma’s comparative negligence statute.
How Abel Law Firm Can Help
When you hire Abel Law Firm, you get a team committed to investigating your case thoroughly. We begin by gathering evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs from the accident scene.
We identify all liable parties. Bus accident cases often include multiple defendants. We investigate the bus driver’s background, training, and history. We review the bus company’s safety policies, maintenance records, and prior accidents. We examine the bus itself for mechanical defects or maintenance issues. Our personal injury investigation process is thorough and comprehensive.
We handle all communication with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims. Our experience allows us to negotiate effectively for fair settlements. If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we prepare your case for trial.
We manage all legal paperwork and deadlines. We explain your rights and options in clear language. We handle medical lien issues and work to maximize your net recovery. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We’ve recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, including a landmark $15 million verdict in an oil rig accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bus accident lawyer cost in Tulsa?
Abel Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay anything upfront. We only collect a fee if we win your case through settlement or verdict. There are no hidden costs or surprise bills. Learn more about personal injury lawyer costs.
How long does it take to settle a bus accident claim?
The timeline depends on your case’s complexity. Simple cases with clear liability might settle in three to six months. More complex cases typically take six to twelve months. Cases involving multiple defendants, disputed liability, or serious injuries may take one to two years or longer. For more details, see our guide on how long a personal injury lawsuit takes.
Do I have a case if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Oklahoma’s comparative fault law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible. You can recover as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Read more about how comparative negligence affects your claim.
What if the bus was operated by the city?
City-operated buses are subject to different rules than private buses. The statute of limitations is one year instead of two years. You must file a written claim with the city within one year of the accident. We understand these special rules and know how to handle them effectively.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Usually not. Insurance companies often make low initial offers. Our experience shows that settlements negotiated by lawyers are significantly higher than initial offers. If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Learn about dealing with insurance adjusters.
Can I sue if I was a passenger on the bus?
Yes. Bus operators have a duty of care to their passengers. You can sue the bus company, the driver, or third parties whose actions caused the accident. As a passenger, you have a stronger legal position than other accident victims. See our article on legal rights as an injured passenger.
Contact Abel Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Tulsa, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact Abel Law Firm, the sooner we can begin investigating your case. Call us today at (918) 777-7046 for a free consultation. Our Tulsa office is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. There’s no obligation to hire us after your consultation. We simply want to help you understand your legal options. Let our experience and dedication work for you. Contact Abel Law Firm today.
