A board certified Civil Trial Lawyer with almost five decades of experience in Ohio Personal Injury Law.
The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus transportation to the Youngstown area, and thousands of people use these bus services every day. But what happens if you are hit by a WRTA bus in Youngstown? If you were driving your car or walking as a pedestrian and were hit by a WRTA bus, you need to know your legal options for claiming compensation.
What Happens If You Are Hit by a WRTA Bus in Youngstown?
In Ohio, all vehicle accidents that involve multiple parties are resolved based on fault. Whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages, and proving fault is a crucial first step in your recovery if you believe that another party caused your recent accident. However, WRTA is technically covered by sovereign immunity, meaning filing a claim against this government entity will be very different from filing a claim against another private party.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 5,596 vehicle accidents in Mahoning County in 2025, 349 of which involved commercial vehicles. Bus accidents can occur for the same reasons as most other accidents, but filing a claim against WRTA will require clear proof that their driver was negligent, that there was a mechanical defect with the bus, or that WRTA was negligent in some way that directly resulted in your accident.
What to Do After a WRTA Bus Accident
The first steps after any vehicle accident in Youngstown are crucial, and this is especially true if you are involved in a WRTA bus accident. You should seek medical care right away, and you may need transportation to the nearest hospital if you suffered severe injuries. However, if you are able to do so, you should document as much as possible from the accident scene while you wait for first responders.
After you receive medical treatment for your injuries, it’s a good idea to hire a bus accident lawyer at your first opportunity. Some of the evidence you will need will not be obtainable for very long, and some will be difficult to obtain without an attorney’s help. Once you have legal counsel on your side, they can explain the process you must follow to file a civil claim for damages against WRTA, or you could have grounds to file a claim against another party.
If a WRTA bus driver’s negligence caused your accident, you can claim compensation, but you must be ready to prove that the bus driver’s negligence directly caused your claimed damages. Additionally, Ohio law limits how much compensation can be recovered from a claim against a government entity, and your attorney can explain the limitations that apply to your case.
It could also be that a third party caused the accident. If someone driving their own car is found liable for your damages, then your attorney can help you file a claim against their auto insurance policy or pursue a personal injury claim. Ultimately, it is crucial to hire a bus accident lawyer with proven experience to have the greatest chance of successfully recovering compensation for your damages.
The Gervelis Law Firm has years of proven experience helping injured clients in Youngstown and throughout Mahoning County recover from all types of vehicle accidents. Founding attorney Mark Gervelis is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer who can leverage decades of experience in helping you prove liability for your recent accident and recover compensation for your losses. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help with your bus accident case.
FAQs
What Evidence Do You Need in a Bus Accident Claim?
The evidence you may need in a bus accident claim includes eyewitness statements, vehicle computer data, traffic camera footage, and documentation from the bus service. Your case may require proving that WRTA was negligent in its hiring practices or that a WRTA employee’s negligence directly caused the accident. Some evidence is time-sensitive, so hire a bus accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can start building your case.
What Is a Bus Accident Claim Worth in Youngstown?
The value of a bus accident claim in Youngstown depends on the severity of your injuries. If you are eligible to file a claim against WRTA, you can seek compensation for all of the economic damages you suffered, such as your medical bills and lost income, but pain and suffering compensation is strictly limited, even if the accident caused a permanently disabling injury. Your attorney can estimate the full potential value of your claim.
Why Should I Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Youngstown?
You should hire a bus accident lawyer in Youngstown because filing a claim against any government entity is very different from filing a claim against a private party. If you were injured because of a WRTA employee’s negligence, you need legal counsel with proven experience handling this type of case. Your attorney can help you establish liability and pursue as much compensation as state law allows for your damages.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve a WRTA Bus Accident Claim?
The time it could take to resolve a WRTA bus accident claim varies based on several factors. If you are eligible to file a civil claim against this public entity, a skilled attorney should be able to negotiate a settlement relatively swiftly. There are strict time limits for filing claims against government entities, and if WRTA denies liability, the case will need to proceed to litigation that will take much longer than settlement negotiations.
What Does it Cost to Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Youngstown?
The cost to hire a bus accident lawyer in Youngstown depends on your chosen attorney’s billing policy. The Gervelis Law Firm accepts personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost to hire our firm and no fee if we are unable to secure compensation for you. This policy makes legal counsel accessible when you need it most at no risk.
The team at the Gervelis Law Firm can provide comprehensive legal counsel throughout all stages of your bus accident claim in Youngstown. We have successfully helped many past clients prove liability and recover compensation in these cases, and we will put that experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Youngstown bus accident attorney.
