Bus & Coach Accident Claims

Q: Am I able to get early compensation payments for rehabilitation after a bus crash?

If the other party accepts fault for your injuries, we will be able to apply for early compensation payments, which are known as interim payments. These can be used to cover any lost earnings and help pay for early support to help with your recovery. Any interim payments you do receive will be taken off your final settlement amount.

Q: How long do I have to make a claim for compensation after a coach crash or collision?

As with most road accident claims , you will have three years to make a claim for compensation after being involved in a bus or coach crash. There are some key exceptions to this rule: Accidents abroad: If your accident happened abroad, the time limits might be shorter or longer. Children: There are no time limits if you are claiming on behalf of a child. When they turn 18, the three-year time limit starts, so they must claim during this time. Mental capacity: If you are claiming on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity, there are no time limits to making a claim.

If you’ve been injured in a bus or coach crash, our specialist road traffic accident team is here to help you put things right.

We’ve secured successful outcomes for individuals that have been involved in accidents in the UK and internationally, and we’re recognised experts in representing groups affected by major accidents.

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Why choose Irwin Mitchell to make a bus or coach accident claim?

You will get more than legal help from us—your emotional and physical wellbeing are as important to us as securing the financial compensation you need to deal with your injuries. That’s why we offer you access to our Support and Rehabilitation Coordinators to get you through this difficult time.

On the legal side, our road traffic accident solicitors have vast experience in coach and bus accident claims, having successfully claimed compensation for individuals and groups who have sustained injuries in the UK or overseas.

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Meet a specialist from our team

Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.

Tracey Storey

Managing Partner - Personal Injury

Find out more

Meet our experts

Tracey Storey

Managing Partner - Personal Injury

Find out more

How do I claim after a bus or coach crash?

The first thing to do to start your claim is contact our team. An initial consultation will help us determine if you have a claim, after which we can start gathering evidence if you want to go ahead, such as:

Witness statements
Medical records
Police reports
CCTV (if available).

Don’t worry, we will explain the whole process and be there with you to guide you through it to the end, even if your case has to go to court.

Can I claim compensation for bus or coach accidents that happened abroad?

If you were abroad at the time of your accident, whether on holiday or for work, you may still be able to claim compensation.

However, the time limit you have for claiming may be shorter than if your accident happened in the UK. It’s important, then, that you contact us as soon as possible to begin the claim process.

Many claims can be made in the UK, and if your claim does need to be made abroad, you can rely on our many years of experience with foreign legal systems, so you don't need to worry.

What kind of compensation could I receive for a bus or coach accident claim?

Each bus or coach accident claim will result in a different amount of compensation because of the unique set of circumstances in each claim.

When valuing your claim, we’ll often consider:

The type and severity of your injuries
Your pain and suffering
Current and future loss of earnings
Medical and travel expenses you have incurred
Your care and support needs – both now and in the future
Modifications to your home.

Some of these might not apply to your claim, or there might be other things we need to consider. You can be assured that we make sure everything that needs to be considered will be before we take a settlement amount to the other party.

Speak to a Specialist

We are here to help you understand your rights and the support you need. Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.

Alternatively, you can call us now.

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).

0800 0232 233

Case study

Six figure settlement secured for Swiss national after Oxford bus collision
We successfully helped our client claim compensation after she was struck by a bus while visiting OxfordOur team successfully achieved a substantial settlement for Alina, a Swiss national who sustained life‑changing injuries after being struck by a double‑decker bus while visiting Oxford. Despite the bus company denying responsibility, our detailed investigation showed that earlier braking and adherence to the speed limit could have prevented or significantly reduced the severity of the collision. Alina’s injuries resulted in long‑term cognitive, neurological, and psychological challenges affecting her education and future employment. The settlement, reached in March 2025, will help ensure she receives the support she needs for her ongoing rehabilitation and future wellbeing.
Read the full story

Frequently asked questions about bus and coach accident claims

Get the answers you need if you’ve suffered an injury in a coach or bus accident at home or abroad—we have helped many people like you claim the compensation they need to recover over the past 30 years.

Can I make a group claim for a bus or coach accident?

You can claim for compensation individually, or you may be able to make a claim as part of a group.

Due to the nature of accidents involving public transport, there are often many people injured in the same incident. Sharing your experience with others can be helpful when it comes to claiming compensation, as multiple accounts of the accident and a united voice for those affected can help when it comes to achieving a better outcome.

Am I able to get early compensation payments for rehabilitation after a bus crash?

How long do I have to make a claim for compensation after a coach crash or collision?

As with most road accident claims, you will have three years to make a claim for compensation after being involved in a bus or coach crash.

There are some key exceptions to this rule:

Accidents abroad: If your accident happened abroad, the time limits might be shorter or longer.
Children: There are no time limits if you are claiming on behalf of a child. When they turn 18, the three-year time limit starts, so they must claim during this time.
Mental capacity: If you are claiming on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity, there are no time limits to making a claim.

Irwin Mitchell Scotland

Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.