Bus Accident Lawyers in Mississippi

The type of bus decides the rules of your claim

Who operated the bus changes everything about the case. A public transit or school bus is run by a governmental entity, which triggers strict notice rules described below. A private casino shuttle, charter, or tour bus company is a common carrier that owes its passengers a high duty of care and usually carries large insurance policies. We identify the operator immediately, because it determines the deadline, the procedure, and where the recovery comes from.

The Mississippi Tort Claims Act and the short deadline for a government bus

When a government-operated bus is involved, the Mississippi Tort Claims Act (Miss. Code § 11-46-1 and following) controls. It requires a written notice of claim at least ninety days before suit, sets a one-year deadline rather than the ordinary three years, and caps the damages recoverable from the governmental entity. Missing the notice or the deadline can bar an otherwise valid claim, which is why identifying a government operator early is critical.

Why partial fault does not end your Mississippi claim

Mississippi follows pure comparative negligence under Miss. Code § 11-7-15. Even if a bus operator's insurer tries to shift some blame onto you, being partly at fault reduces your recovery by your percentage rather than eliminating it. In a bus crash the fault may lie with the bus driver, the company that employed and trained the driver, another motorist, or a maintenance failure, and we build the case so fault is assigned accurately. The most seriously injured are treated at Mississippi's designated trauma centers, including the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, the state's only Level I trauma center.

Serving injured bus passengers across Mississippi

Howe.Law represents injured clients throughout Mississippi, with offices in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Biloxi. Wherever in the state your bus crash happened, we serve you.

Reports, evidence, and filing your case

A bus crash inside a city is investigated by that city's police department, one in an unincorporated area by the county sheriff, and one on an interstate by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. We preserve the onboard camera footage and the company's records, obtain your medical records, and file your lawsuit in the county where the crash occurred, in that county's Circuit Court.

Speak with a Mississippi bus accident attorney

Bus crashes involve big operators, big insurers, and sometimes a public agency with a short notice deadline, so there is no time to waste. Call (844) 876-4357 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Common questions

The crash involved a public transit or school bus. Are the rules different?

Yes. A public or school bus is operated by a governmental entity, so the Mississippi Tort Claims Act applies, requiring a 90-day notice of claim and a one-year deadline. We identify the operator quickly and serve the required notice so your claim is protected, and we pursue any private party whose fault contributed.

How soon do I have to act if a government bus was involved?

Much sooner than the ordinary three years. The Tort Claims Act requires a written notice of claim at least ninety days before suit and a filing within one year. Because those deadlines are short, it is important to contact a lawyer right away after a crash involving a public or school bus.

I was a passenger on a casino shuttle or tour bus that crashed. Who is responsible?

A private shuttle, charter, or tour company is a common carrier that owes passengers a high duty of care, and it can be liable for its driver's negligence, poor maintenance, or inadequate training. These companies usually carry large insurance policies, and we pursue the full coverage available to you.