Public Transit & Bus Accidents

Michigan Public Transit & Bus Accident Claims

Public transit systems — including DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation), SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation), and other municipal bus services — carry thousands of Michigan residents daily. When bus drivers are negligent, vehicles are poorly maintained, or transit authorities fail to ensure passenger safety, the resulting accidents can cause serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. Koussan Law represents victims of public transit accidents throughout Michigan.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents in Michigan result from distracted driving, fatigued operators working long shifts, failure to yield to pedestrians, aggressive driving in heavy traffic, mechanical failures including brake and tire defects, inadequate driver training, and failure to secure passengers (particularly elderly and disabled riders) before the bus moves. Sudden stops and starts can throw standing passengers to the floor, causing serious injuries even without a collision.

Special Rules for Claims Against Government Entities

Most public transit systems in Michigan are operated by governmental entities, which means claims are subject to Michigan's Governmental Tort Liability Act (MCL § 691.1401 et seq.). Strict notice requirements apply: a claim against a public transportation authority such as SMART must be presented in writing within 60 days of the occurrence (MCL 124.419); a claim against the State of Michigan or a state agency must be filed or noticed in the Court of Claims within 6 months (MCL 600.6431); and a highway-defect claim requires written notice within 120 days (MCL 691.1404). Failure to provide timely notice can bar your claim entirely, regardless of how serious your injuries are. This makes it critical to contact an attorney immediately after a public transit accident.

Injuries Common in Bus Accidents

Bus passengers are often unrestrained and vulnerable to being thrown around the vehicle during an accident or sudden stop. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries from striking seats, poles, or windows; spinal cord injuries; broken bones; shoulder and rotator cuff tears; and knee injuries. Pedestrians struck by buses often suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries due to the vehicle's size and weight.

Act quickly. Call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 before the government notice deadline expires — it can be as short as 60 days for a transit authority.

Use our free case calculator for a preliminary estimate of your claim value.

Experience With Government Liability Claims

Claims against government transit agencies require specialized knowledge of Michigan's governmental immunity laws and strict procedural requirements. Koussan Law has the experience to navigate these complex cases. Our firm's track record — including a $14,950,000 jury verdict against a hospital — demonstrates our ability to take on institutional defendants and win.

Free consultation. No fees unless we recover. Call (313) 800-0000.

Aggressive Representation for Public Transit & Bus Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else's negligence, Koussan Law is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Call (313) 800-0000 today.

Who is liable for a public transit bus accident in Michigan?

The transit authority (DDOT, SMART, or the local transit agency) may be liable under the motor vehicle exception to governmental immunity (MCL 691.1405). The bus driver, if grossly negligent, may be personally liable under MCL 691.1407. If a private bus company is involved, standard negligence rules apply without governmental immunity protections.

What special rules apply to claims against public transit agencies?

Because transit agencies are government entities, strict notice rules apply: written notice to a public transportation authority within 60 days of the occurrence (MCL 124.419), and a claim against the State of Michigan or a state agency filed or noticed in the Court of Claims within 6 months (MCL 600.6431). The notice must include specific information about the claim. Governmental immunity under MCL 691.1407 limits recovery, but the motor vehicle exception (MCL 691.1405) allows claims for negligent bus operation. Strict compliance with notice requirements is mandatory.

What types of transit bus accidents support a claim?

Claims arise from bus collisions with other vehicles, passenger falls caused by sudden stops or starts, door malfunctions trapping passengers, passenger injuries from bus driver negligence, pedestrian strikes by buses, and defective bus equipment. Transit agencies owe a heightened duty of care to passengers as common carriers.

What is the statute of limitations for bus accident claims?

The three-year personal injury statute under MCL 600.5805(2) applies, but the notice deadlines for government defendants are the critical ones: 60 days for a public transportation authority (MCL 124.419), 120 days for highway-defect claims (MCL 691.1404), and 6 months for a claim against the State of Michigan (MCL 600.6431). PIP benefits for accidents involving motor vehicles must be applied for within one year under MCL 500.3145.

Why hire Koussan Law for a bus accident case?

Bus accident claims against government transit agencies require strict compliance with notice deadlines and navigation of governmental immunity rules. Koussan Law files required notices immediately and builds strong cases under the motor vehicle exception. Attorney Ali Koussan fights for bus accident victims across Metro Detroit. Call (313) 800-0000.

Our Practice Areas

At Koussan Law, no case is too complex. Whether it’s a trucking accident, lead poisoning, or a child’s rights violation, our experienced attorneys are committed to achieving justice for you and your loved ones.

Medical Provider No-Fault Collections

Koussan Law represents Michigan medical providers in collecting unpaid and underpaid no-fault claims from auto insurance carriers: surgeons, ambulatory surgery centers, pain management, and ancillary providers. Over $50 million recovered for a single provider client. Call (313) 800-0000.

Medical Provider No-Fault Collections

Social Security Disability

Denied Social Security Disability in Michigan? Koussan Law does not handle SSDI or SSI claims in-house, but can refer you to an experienced disability firm in our referral network. Call (313) 800-0000 for a free consultation and referral.

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Public Transit & Bus Accidents

Michigan bus and public transit accident attorneys representing passengers and pedestrians injured in DDOT, SMART, and other public transportation accidents across the state.