
More than one million buses registered across the United States are responsible for transporting countless travelers, schoolchildren, commuters, and more to their destinations. While riding the bus is considerably safer than driving a car — according to a Journal of Urban Health study, fatality rates are 23 times higher for car occupants than bus occupants — but that doesn’t mean they are perfect models of safety without the hint of risk.
Far too often, bus accidents are caused by the driver’s reckless actions, putting the safety of their passengers and others on the road at risk.
If you were seriously injured or if your loved one was killed in a bus crash, you may be able to take legal action to secure the compensation necessary to cover any medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, our attorneys are committed to providing experienced and excellent representation that puts our clients in the best position to seek the maximum compensation available.
Contact our firm today to discuss your case and plan your next steps with our Gulfport bus accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Bus Crashes in Mississippi
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 15,033 bus accidents, 7,119 of which resulted in at least one injury in 2021.
Thirteen thousand two hundred sixty-eight people were injured in these crashes throughout the country, and another 248 were killed. Approximately 84% of these fatalities were pedestrians and people in other vehicles involved in the crash.
While Mississippi is far from the top of the list of bus crashes in the country — 97 bus crashes occurred in the state in 2022, it remains a danger that can affect people in both rural and urban areas of the state.
Some of the most common causes of these types of accidents include:
Bus Company Negligence and Lack of Maintenance
While the bus industry is regulated on the state and federal level, this oversight doesn’t prevent people from failing to properly fulfill the steps necessary to ensure every vehicle is safe and road-worthy. This can include failing to replace seat belts promptly, missing routine maintenance, and not properly inspecting the brake lines and tires, among other potential issues, which can dramatically increase the risk of an accident.
Driver Error
Just like the trucking industry, bus drivers should be limited in how long they can drive before needing to take a break. Whether the drivers themselves choose to push past their limits or if the bus company forces its drivers to continue well past their mandated limits, extended operation of these massive vehicles increases the risk of an accident.
On top of ignoring these restrictions, bus drivers can make the same dangerous choices as any driver — taking their eyes off the road, driving under the influence, speeding, etc.
Poor Road Conditions
Mississippi has some of the worst road conditions in the entire country. According to a study conducted by TRIP, 25% of all rural roads are considered to be in poor condition, a likely high contributing factor to the high rate of fatal crashes on rural roads in the state. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 67% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities occurred on rural roads in 2022.
Poor Weather Conditions
Even in a relatively mild storm, road conditions and visibility can drop significantly, increasing the risk of a crash. Whether the bus driver loses control of the vehicle or an oncoming motorist does, failing to account for road conditions in sub-optimal weather can dramatically increase the chances of an accident.

Speak With a Bus Accident Lawyer
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Crash in Mississippi?
Understanding who can be named in your bus accident lawsuit is key to securing the maximum compensation possible. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash, you may be able to take legal action against:
- The bus driver
- The bus company
- The manufacturing company
- Government agencies
Uncovering and establishing who can be held responsible for your crash is vital in securing the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and any other damages caused by the crash. An experienced Gulfport bus accident lawyer will be able to help you navigate this process and take all the necessary steps to ensure that you are put in the best position possible moving forward.
Contact a Gulfport Bus Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously injured in a bus crash, acting quickly and getting your claim started as soon as possible is important. While Mississippi has a more lenient statute of limitations than some other states, there is still just a three-year window to file your claim before you lose the right to seek damages.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a bus crash, finding the right legal representation can make the difference you need. At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, our accident lawyers have spent decades representing injured victims throughout Mississippi.
Through our efforts, we have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we remain committed to providing the knowledgeable and dedicated representation that injured victims deserve in their time of need.
Contact us to discuss your situation today. Fill out our online form to schedule a case evaluation with our Gulfport bus accident lawyer.
