Great Falls Bus Accident Attorney

Experienced Legal Help After A Serious Bus Crash

A routine ride on a school bus, city bus, or tour coach can change in an instant when a crash happens. One moment, you or a loved one is heading across town, and the next, you are facing injuries, confusion, and questions about who will pay for the damage.

If you were hurt in a bus collision in the Great Falls area, Hoyt & Blewett PLLC is here to step in and guide you. We are a third-generation Montana personal injury law firm known for taking serious cases to trial and securing record-breaking results. Our work includes the largest reported individual personal injury settlement in state history at $27 million.

You do not have to sort through insurance forms or deal with bus companies alone. Our team offers free, no-obligation consultations, with no out-of-pocket fees, to meet with us and discuss what happened and how a bus accident attorney in Great Falls can help.

Call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our team.

Common Types of Buses in Great Falls

Great Falls serves as a hub for North Central Montana, meaning our roads see a high volume of various bus types. Each type of bus carries different insurance requirements and legal protocols for filing a claim.

• Great Falls Transit District (GFTD): The "Diamond" buses provide fixed-route and paratransit services throughout the city. Because these are government-operated, claims are subject to the Montana Tort Claims Act.
• School Buses: Operated by Great Falls Public Schools or private contractors like Big Sky Bus Lines, these vehicles carry our most vulnerable residents.
• Interstate Carriers: Companies like Greyhound and FlixBus frequently pass through Great Falls, connecting us to Missoula, Billings, and beyond.
• Charter and Tour Buses: Often used for school sports trips or private group travel to Glacier National Park.
• Shuttle Services: Including hotel shuttles and airport transport to and from Great Falls International Airport (GTF).

Common Causes of Bus Collisions

Bus accidents are rarely simple "fender benders." Due to the weight of these vehicles, even low-speed impacts can be devastating. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long shifts and demanding schedules can lead to drowsy driving, which the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) strictly regulates.
• Inadequate Training: Operating a bus requires specialized skills. When companies cut corners on training, passengers pay the price.
• Poor Maintenance: Failing to inspect brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to catastrophic mechanical failure on steep Montana grades.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, using navigation systems, or interacting with passengers can divert a driver’s attention at a critical moment.
• Blind Spots: Buses have massive "No Zones" where smaller passenger vehicles are virtually invisible to the driver.

Common Bus Crash Injuries

Unlike passenger cars, most transit buses are not equipped with seatbelts or airbags for passengers. This often results in riders being thrown from their seats or striking hard interior surfaces.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by heads hitting windows, metal poles, or other passengers.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a bus collision can lead to herniated discs or even paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Especially common in the wrists, arms, and legs as passengers try to brace for impact.
• Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage: Frequent in rear-end collisions involving heavy vehicles.

Montana Bus Driving Laws

Montana has specific statutes designed to protect bus passengers and other motorists. One of the most important is the “Common Carrier Doctrine.”

Under Montana law, a bus company is considered a "common carrier." This means they are held to the highest degree of care for the safety of their passengers—a much stricter standard than the "reasonable care" required of standard drivers.

Additionally, Montana code (MCA 20-10-103) sets strict qualifications for school bus drivers, requiring specific commercial endorsements, medical exams, and first aid certification. When these laws are violated, it creates a strong foundation for a negligence claim.

Liability for a Bus Accident

Determining who is at fault for a bus accident is significantly more complex than a standard car accident. Often, multiple parties share liability:

• The Bus Driver: For speeding, DUI, or traffic violations.
• The Bus Company: Under the principle of respondeat superior, employers are liable for the actions of their employees. They can also be sued for negligent hiring or poor maintenance.
• Government Entities: If a Great Falls Transit bus is involved, the City or County may be liable.
• Other Motorists: If a third-party driver cut off the bus or caused the collision.
• Manufacturers: If a defective part (like a tire blowout) caused the crash.

Bus Accident Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim in Montana?

Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury in Montana is three years. However, if you are suing a government entity (like the Great Falls Transit District), you must file a formal notice of claim much sooner—often within months.

What if I was partially at fault?

Montana follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I sue if I was a passenger on the bus?

Yes. As a passenger, you almost never bear responsibility for the crash. You have a right to seek compensation from whichever party—the bus driver, the bus company, or another motorist—caused your injuries.