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How Long Does the Average Bus Accident Lawsuit Take?

How Long Does the Average Bus Accident Lawsuit Take?Wondering how long the average bus accident lawsuit takes? The answer depends on many factors, including how complex the case is, how cooperative the insurance companies are, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. While some claims may resolve in a few months, others can take more than a year to conclude. Our Long Island bus accident lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process. We work to avoid unnecessary delays while building a strong case that supports the full value of your damages. With our team handling the paperwork, negotiations, and communications, you can focus on your recovery.
Edward Friedman
REVIEWED BY Edward Friedman September 11, 2025
In This Article
Reading time: 5 minutes
  1. How to Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case From the Start
  2. Other Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Finish a Lawsuit
  3. Negotiation Is a Big Part of the Legal Process
  4. What Your Bus Accident Compensation Will Include
  5. Finding Out Who Will Pay Your Damages
  6. Let Us File Your Bus Accident Lawsuit on Your Behalf

How to Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case From the Start

While it is impossible to control everything about your case, you could solidify the foundation upon which the case will be built, right from the start, by: 
  • Collecting evidence from the scene. Evidence like accident scene photos and the liable driver’s contact information could strengthen your case and make it clear who the liable party is.
  • Seeking medical care immediately. Not only does this protect your health, it makes it easier to establish a connection between the collision and your injuries.
  • Consulting with our bus injury lawyers. Even if the insurer tries to say you do not need an attorney, it is a good idea to get legal advice anyway. We will educate you about your rights and make sure the insurance company respects those rights.
Even a seemingly small error, like errors in the forms used when you file your lawsuit, could make the bus accident lawsuit process take much longer than it has to or, worse, jeopardize the chances for your case’s success. Our law firm will handle paperwork and communications so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

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Other Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Finish a Lawsuit

Unfortunately, even if you take swift action and do everything right, your lawsuit might be delayed if:
  • The at-fault party denies liability
  • The insurance company for the at-fault party is able to build a strong case of their own
  • The accident is very complex (e.g., it involves numerous vehicles), requiring additional time to both investigate and present your case
  • There is a lot of evidence (e.g., we have to interview many of the bus passengers) or evidence is difficult to locate
Insurance companies often try to prolong cases like yours in the hope that you will get tired or frustrated and be more willing to accept a lowball settlement. The best way to combat these tactics is by allowing our legal representatives to:
  • Handle all communications with the insurance company, the bus company, and other parties
  • Prepare you for any interviews or depositions with the insurer so you know what to say, what not to say, and what to expect
  • Present your case on your behalf to a judge and jury

Negotiation Is a Big Part of the Legal Process

You do not always have to sue for a monetary award right away. In many cases, the first and preferred option is to negotiate a pretrial settlement. The insurance company might offer what you need early on, but do not count on this, and do not assume that their first offer will be appropriate. Negotiating with the insurer would require you to:
  • Prove that your injuries were caused by their client’s negligence
  • Prove that your injuries are worth the amount of money you have asked for
  • Disprove any allegations the insurance company makes that would diminish your settlement (e.g., that you are partly liable for the crash)
The end result of a successful negotiation will be a settlement agreement that meets all of your current and expected financial needs. If negotiations are not successful or not an option, we will consider whether filing a lawsuit and going to trial is the right option for you. If you do have to take your case to trial, you must do so within the statute of limitations, and lawsuits typically take longer to complete than pretrial settlement negotiations. (It is also very important to note that a shorter statute of limitations may apply to your situation, depending upon the circumstances of your case. It is best to take advantage of a free case review with our firm so that you know exactly what deadlines you are facing and what your best options for legal action are.) However, being able to sue the at-fault party is a valuable piece of leverage to have over the insurer. A trial is sometimes the only way to get an appropriate monetary award.

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What Your Bus Accident Compensation Will Include

Your bus accident settlement or jury award should account for past, present, and future losses. This frequently includes but is not limited to:
  • Medical expenses
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of wages
  • Partial or total disability
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Loss of consortium
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Disfigurement and scarring
Before asking for compensation, you must determine which types of damages you are eligible for and how much you qualify for. You want to ask for enough money that you do not run out of funds while you still have accident-related expenses to pay. You also want to know if and when the insurance company tries to shortchange you. Our attorneys will investigate your accident and tell you what a just settlement or award looks like in your case.

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Finding Out Who Will Pay Your Damages

Generally, it is not the at-fault party themselves that pays compensation but their insurance company. To find out who will pay your damages, you first have to identify all of the liable parties and then figure out who insures them against motor vehicle accident damages. In a bus accident case, the bus company is typically responsible for paying damages. Even if the bus driver was negligent, their employer is often vicariously liable for their actions. Other possible liable parties include:
  • Vehicle part manufacturers
  • Bus maintenance companies
  • Government agencies responsible for maintaining the roadway
If there are multiple liable parties, or if it is initially unclear who the liable party is, it might take longer to complete a bus accident lawsuit. Our lawyers will carefully investigate your case to make sure we identify all at-fault parties and demand that each insurance company pay what it owes you.

Let Us File Your Bus Accident Lawsuit on Your Behalf

Friedman & Simon Injury Lawyers L.L.P. understands that you need money as fast as possible. We have almost a century of combined experience to bring to your case. Our lawyers will answer your questions about how long the average bus accident lawsuit takes and how to fight for the money your family is depending on. Call now for a free consultation.

Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form