New Bedford Bus Accident Lawyer
Buses lack passenger seat belts, carry large numbers of people at once, and are at higher risk of rolling over. As a result, an accident involving a large bus can lead to a range of physical, emotional, and financial harm.
If you or your child has been injured in a bus accident in New Bedford, you may be experiencing one of the most difficult times of your life. You deserve trusted guidance as you navigate your next steps. Rob Levine Law is here to help you understand your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your losses, starting with a free consultation. Call (800) 742-3920 to speak with a New Bedford bus accident lawyer today.
Find out what your case is worth.
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Last Updated:
August 24, 2026
Table of Contents
- How Our New Bedford Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help You
- What to Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in New Bedford
- The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention After a Bus Accident
- How MBTA’s Involvement Can Influence Your Bus Accident Claim
- Factors That Can Complicate Liability in a New Bedford Bus Accident Case
- How Much Is Your New Bedford Bus Accident Case Worth?
- Why Choose Our New Bedford Bus Accident Lawyers to Represent You?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents in New Bedford
How Our New Bedford Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Proving Liability
Advocating for Maximum Compensation
After we build your case, we’ll present it to the insurance company and enter settlement negotiations. If the insurer refuses to settle for what your case is worth, our team will be ready to take your case to trial.
Over the past 25 years, our New Bedford law firm has earned a reputation for having an aggressive approach to personal injury litigation, and we don’t back down when powerful defendants try to stand in the way of fair compensation for our clients. Using this approach, we’ve helped more than 50,000 people and recovered over $2 billion in disability benefits and injury compensation.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way.
What to Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in New Bedford
Taking the right steps after a bus accident can help you protect both your health and your potential compensation. Here’s what we recommend doing immediately after the crash:
- Call 911. Request emergency medical assistance and law enforcement.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the bus, other vehicles involved, visible injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect information. Get contact information from other passengers or bystanders who witnessed the accident. Write down the bus driver’s name, the bus company, and identifying details about the bus.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical attention can document a link between the accident and your injuries.
- Keep records. Hold on to any ticket or receipt for the ride, and save a copy of any medical bills related to your treatment.
- Contact our bus accident attorneys in New Bedford. We’ll be ready to guide you through your next steps.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention After a Bus Accident
Not every bus accident injury is obvious right away. Some conditions, including whiplash, mild traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage, may take hours or even days to produce noticeable symptoms. The longer these injuries go untreated, the worse they may become over time. Seeking prompt medical care gives you the best chance of recovery.
It’s especially important to see a doctor right away if your child was involved in the accident. Children may have difficulty recognizing symptoms or explaining how they feel. Their growing bodies can be more vulnerable to certain injuries, and an immediate medical evaluation could prevent hidden pediatric trauma from causing long-term complications.
Early medical care is also critical to a successful injury claim. Medical records can establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, creating documentation that can support your case for maximum compensation. Without evidence of this connection, the insurance company may have more opportunity to question the true source of your injuries.
How MBTA’s Involvement Can Influence Your Bus Accident Claim
If your accident involves public transit, such as a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus, your claim may be more complicated than one involving a private bus company. The MBTA is a government entity, which means special rules apply in an accident claim.
For instance, government entities have sovereign immunity protections that can limit the amount of damages available after an injury. Your injury claim may also be subject to stricter filing procedures and notice requirements—if the MBTA is responsible for your injuries, you must submit a notice of claim within two years of the accident.
How Long Do You Normally Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in New Bedford?
Massachusetts’ statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of your bus accident to officially file a personal injury lawsuit. This three-year deadline applies to filing the lawsuit itself and is different from the two-year notice of claim required for MBTA-related accidents. If you miss the filing deadline, you may be unable to recover compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
For example, suppose you were injured when a public bus struck you while you were waiting at a stop on Union Street. If the accident occurred on June 1, 2026, you’d have until June 1, 2029, to file a lawsuit.
Factors That Can Complicate Liability in a New Bedford Bus Accident Case
To recover compensation for an injury, you must prove that someone else is liable for the accident. Determining fault can be particularly complicated in bus accident cases, as multiple parties could potentially be responsible for a single crash. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault parties could include the bus driver, the bus company, the school district, a maintenance provider, another driver, or a passenger.
Strong evidence—such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and driver logs—is necessary to uncover what happened and who’s at fault. However, in a bus accident, the evidence that can prove liability is often controlled by bus companies and other powerful entities. Formal legal procedures, such as subpoenas, may be necessary to retrieve this evidence.
Liability matters may be even more complex if the MBTA is involved in the crash because government entities are subject to different standards than private companies.
Our bus accident attorneys in New Bedford have experience navigating all of these potential challenges. Our guidance can be critical in identifying liable parties and proving that their negligence caused you harm.
How Much Is Your New Bedford Bus Accident Case Worth?
Bus accident compensation varies widely, and your case’s value will depend on the specific facts of your case.
One key factor is the severity of your injuries, as catastrophic injuries can have more profound impacts on all areas of a person’s life. For example, imagine a passenger was riding the public bus near the New Bedford Port and suffered spinal cord injuries when the bus collided with a large truck. They may require extensive medical care, be unable to return to their previous occupation, experience significant pain, and suffer lasting limitations in the types of activities they can participate in.
Damages in bus accident claims typically include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damage. All of these damages can add up to significant compensation. The greater your losses, the larger your potential settlement or verdict may be.
Calculate the Value of Your Case
Use our free personal injury settlement calculator to determine how much your case may be worth. This calculator is designed to give you a value with a range based on thousands of case we have settled.
Why Choose Our New Bedford Bus Accident Lawyers to Represent You?
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you deserve proven representation—and that’s exactly what Rob Levine Law has to offer. Since we started practicing law over 25 years ago, we’ve achieved more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts, helping over 50,000 people recover the compensation they need to move forward. We take an aggressive approach to personal injury claims while maintaining high ethical standards and a strong connection to the New Bedford community.
We believe in complete price transparency. When you hire us to represent you, you’ll pay zero upfront fees under our Fee Free Guarantee®. If we recover compensation on your behalf, we’ll receive 33% of the award. And if you’re a first responder or military member, we reduce our rate to 25%.
A bus accident can turn your life upside down, and we’re ready to help you rebuild. Start exploring your rights and options with a free consultation. Call (800) 742-3920 or contact us online to speak with a member of our team today.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Personalized Attention and Care in Accident Cases
I am extremely grateful to Rob Levine’s office and all its staff, especially Samantha De Souza at RLL, who has always called me to check on me and how my case is progressing. Everyone at the office goes above and beyond to ensure I am well and to respond quickly to any concerns or questions I may have. I am very grateful to have them as my representatives in my accident case, which is progressing very well. They care about the clients they represent and will do everything they can to help them in any way possible. God bless you, Rob Levine Law.
Peter R.
Professional, Supportive, and Always There for You
My experience with Rob Levine Law has been wonderful. They truly care about you and your well-being. If you’re looking for lawyers to represent you, give Rob Levine Law a call. Thank you, Duane RLL! Very nice, was able to answer all my questions, and made me feel comfortable being represented by Rob Levine Law.
Walden F.
Clear Communication and Exceptional Service
The staff at Rob Levine Law worked diligently and tirelessly to resolve my personal injury matter. They took care of all the details and won my case. I am grateful to Attorney Derrin Almada for his professional, cheerful service and for explaining everything to me in layman’s terms. Could not have asked for a better outcome!
Olivia L.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents in New Bedford
Get the answers you need to common questions about bus accidents in New Bedford.
Can I File a Claim if I Was Injured During an Emergency Evacuation of a Bus That Didn’t Actually Collide With Another Vehicle?
Yes. As long as you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may still have a claim even if the bus never collided with another vehicle. Our personal injury lawyers in New Bedford can investigate the circumstances and determine if you have grounds to pursue compensation.
Can I Sue for Emotional Trauma and PTSD if I Witnessed a Fatal Bus Accident as a Bystander in the Downtown New Bedford Area?
Possibly. Massachusetts law doesn’t require you to have been in physical danger yourself to recover compensation for emotional trauma you suffered as a witness. Instead, courts look at whether your distress was a foreseeable result of what you witnessed, and whether you can show real symptoms—such as PTSD, anxiety, or other conditions—backed by medical evidence. Simply feeling shaken or upset isn’t enough; you’ll need documentation from a doctor or mental health provider showing the trauma had a measurable impact on you.
Can I Pursue a Claim if the Bus Accident Occurred Due to Poor Road Conditions in New Bedford?
Yes, in some situations. If hazardous road conditions, like potholes or dangerous construction zones, contributed to the accident, the party responsible for those conditions may be liable for your injuries. Liable parties may include a government agency, a construction company, or a contractor.
Should I Talk to the Bus Company’s Insurance Company Before Hiring a Lawyer?
Always consult our lawyers before speaking with the insurance company. Insurers may use your statements against you, and our team can handle all communications on your behalf to protect you from these tactics.
How Can I Prove That the Bus Driver’s Negligence or the Bus Company’s Lack of Maintenance Caused My Injuries?
Our attorneys can help you gather evidence to prove the driver’s or the company’s negligence. Depending on your situation, key evidence may include vehicle maintenance records, driver logs, witness statements, accident reconstruction, the police report, or surveillance footage. Your medical records—along with independent expert analysis—can also help us prove that the accident caused your injuries.
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Notable Case Results
$130,000
Defendant made a wide turn on Narragansett Parkway in Warwick, turning to wide to avoid hitting the front of our clients vehicle. Client had a stiff neck and back after the accident however the pain continued resulting in months of treatment. The case could not be settled and our litigation team had to tackle the file to get a successful result.
$125,000
Client was driving on 95 South in Warwick when they were rear ended by a defendant who did not slow down and hit our client going about 55 miles per hour. After months of physical therapy the client had an MRI that revealed small spinal fractures. This file was denied but our litigation team was able to get a settlement for the client.
$24,158
Client was rear ended. Allstate claimed low impact accident and denied any injuries. Our attorney filed suit and litigated the file, proving injuries even with a low impact, winning the case for our client.
$37,810
Jefferson Blvd in Warwick, our client who was 7 months pregnant was side swiped by a truck. Client was rushed to Woman and Infants Hospital in Providence where client was monitored as she began contractions. She also was treated for body pain. Car was a total loss
$300,000
Client was driving on Route 5 in Warwick near the Lowe’s. Defendant was pulling out of a parking lot and hit our clients motorcycle. Our client was thrown from the bike, slamming his head on the ground. He was rushed to the hospital. Our office settled the claim for policy limit. We recovered $240,000 for the client and an additional $60,000 for a loss of consortium claim for the clients spouse.
$50,000
Client was in Dicks Sporting Goods in Warwick RI. Client was walking in an isle and fell on plastic wire straps that were in the isle. Was taken from the store to Kent Hospital via ambulance. Had to have rotator cuff surgery
$55,000
Client was walking his dog in Warwick. During the walk a pitbull named Xavier started fighting with our clients dog. Our client broke up the fight between the dogs. Rescue came to scene along with police. Client was treated and released. The next day an infection formed causing the client to be hospitalized for 6 days.
$50,881
Client residing in Warwick RI could not work due to Seizure, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder, Chronic Pain, Boderline Personality Disorder
$52,000
Client living in West Warwick suffering from headaches, PTSD, TBI, IBS and was a sexual victim during his time of army service in the early 2000s. Our firm won 52,000 in back benefits.
$575,000.00
Client was traveling east on Long Street in Warwick when the defendant, pulling out of a side street, ran a stop sign. The client attempted to stop but was unable to avoid hitting the passenger side of the defendant’s car. Our client was taken from the scene by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital, where he stayed for two days.
Quick Follow-Up and Personalized Case Attention
Easily reached the attorney via phone. I dropped off paperwork and promptly received a call to go over it. The attorney is on the ball and doesn’t need time to look me up when I call to discuss my case, unlike other firms I’ve used.
Leo Z.
Unmatched Attention to Veterans’ Cases
Very great law firm for veterans. The time they take on your case is unbelievable. Please give them your business; you will never regret it.
Leland R.
Efficient Disability Claim Representation
Rob Levine is one of the greatest lawyers I’ve ever had. He got my settlement in just nine months for my disability, and it was a great settlement. If you’re looking for a disability lawyer to help you get your settlement quickly, please give them a call.
Yvette R.
Clear Communication and Genuine Client Care
I had an amazing experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, they were professional, supportive, and truly cared about my case. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made everything feel much less overwhelming.
A special thank you to the paralegal, Candy Rosado. She was absolutely incredible. She was always responsive, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly. Anytime I had questions or concerns, she made sure I felt heard and reassured.
I also want to recognize my attorney, Heather. She has been amazing, very firm, confident, and clearly knows exactly what she’s doing. That gave me so much peace of mind throughout the process.
I’m truly grateful for all the help and dedication they showed while handling my claim. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a team that genuinely cares and goes above and beyond for their clients.
Errolis G.
Thorough and Caring Legal Team for Motorcycle Accidents
Rob Levine Law provides a great experience for my personal motorcycle accident injuries and motorcycle value recovery. Their website portal is easy to use, updating and logging your critical information, personal case references, and timelines. My lawyer, Kevin Marchand, is very proactive, detailed, and reliable! Thankfully, my case manager, Jorge Bedoya, is very caring, precise, and attentive to my needs. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them throughout my case.
Matt S.
Excellent Communication and Fast Case Resolution
My paralegal, Samantha De Souza, and attorney, Kevin Marchand, were both great! They kept me up to date with my case. They were really friendly and helpful with all their information and super patient with all my questions. I loved their online system as well, which kept track of where we were at, and the videos they used to help explain the next steps. They did a great job and closed my case quickly.
Alyssa S.