When someone gets hurt in a bus crash, the last thing on their mind is paperwork. There’s pain, doctor visits, and maybe even lost time at work. But in Pennsylvania, if you’re thinking about taking legal action after a bus accident, time matters—a lot. You only get a short window to file a lawsuit. If that window closes, you might not be able to do anything about it, no matter how serious your injuries are. That window is called the statute of limitations.
What Is the Statute of Limitations and Why Does It Matter
The statute of limitations is a law that puts a time limit on your right to bring a lawsuit. In simple terms, if you don’t file your case before that deadline, you could lose your chance to ever file it. In most personal injury cases in Pennsylvania, including bus accidents, the time limit is two years from the date of the crash. This law keeps things fair. It helps make sure evidence is still fresh, people can remember what happened, and the case moves forward quickly.
Two Years Goes by Fast When You’re Hurting
Two years may sound like plenty of time. But when you’re dealing with doctor appointments, physical therapy, missed work, or helping a hurt family member recover, those months can slip away. That’s why it’s so important to understand this rule early on. Missing this deadline—even by a day—can mean your case gets thrown out.
What If the Bus Is Owned by the Government
Here’s where things get more serious. If the bus that hit you was owned or run by a government agency—like a city bus or a school district bus—you must act even faster. In Pennsylvania, you only have six months to give the government notice that you plan to sue. This notice is called a “Notice of Claim.” If you don’t send it in on time, you might lose the right to sue altogether, even if your two years hasn’t run out.
“Highly Recommended” is the epitome of an understatement when it comes to the firm of McDonald At Law!! Michael McDonald’s genuine pleasant, and empathetic demeanor masks his legal astuteness, and the level of aggressiveness he implements in pursuit of a victim’s right and the monetary compensation legally entitled to us. I was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the hands of an intoxicated driver in York County. In my case I suffered what I described as an atypical injury, Mr. McDonald offered to be my Lawyer immediately after explaining to him the events leading to and after being struck in turn causing me to have a heart attack, when another law firm seemed hesitant. McDonald At Law secured a sizable monetary compensation that not only met my expectation but exceeded it. Mr. McDonald’s wealth of experience, and legal prowess is priceless and never did he act as the case was beneath his practice. In the end my family and I were well compensated, but also felt justified. Thank you McDonald At Law!!- Miguel Lopez
This notice isn’t the same as a lawsuit. It’s just a warning shot to let them know a claim may be coming. But it’s a required step, and missing it is a big deal.
Who Does the Statute Apply To
Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, in another vehicle, or a cyclist, the statute of limitations still applies. The same is true if a loved one was killed in a bus crash and you want to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. That kind of case must usually be filed within two years from the date of death.
If a child was hurt in a bus accident, the clock may work a little differently. Kids usually get more time. In Pennsylvania, the two-year limit doesn’t begin until the child turns 18. That means the deadline would be their 20th birthday. But waiting that long may not always be the best idea—evidence can disappear and memories can fade.
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What If You Didn’t Know You Were Hurt Right Away
Sometimes, injuries don’t show up right after a crash. Maybe you had a sore back that got worse over time. Or you found out weeks later that you had a concussion. In rare cases like these, Pennsylvania law may extend the deadline. This is called the “discovery rule.” But it’s tricky. You’d have to prove you didn’t know, and couldn’t have reasonably known, about your injury sooner. Courts are very strict about this, so don’t count on it unless you talk with a lawyer right away.
Waiting to File Can Hurt Your Case
Besides the risk of missing your deadline, waiting too long to act can hurt your case in other ways. Evidence can be lost. Bus companies may throw away security camera footage after a few weeks. Witnesses can move away or forget what they saw. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to build a strong case.
Don’t Rely on the Insurance Company to Protect You
Sometimes, people think the insurance company will help them figure this out. They won’t. Insurance companies are looking out for themselves, not for you. They know the law. If they can stall and make you miss the statute of limitations, they win. You lose your rights, and they keep their money.
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The Law Isn’t Always Simple, but Help Is Available
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for bus accident lawsuits sounds simple—two years. But once you start looking closer, it gets complicated fast. That’s because bus accidents often involve more than just one driver or one company. Maybe the bus was owned by a private company, but hired by a school. Maybe a part on the bus failed, and a parts maker is responsible. Each piece of that puzzle can come with its own deadlines and legal rules. Knowing who to sue, and when, is something you don’t want to guess on.
That’s where having someone by your side who understands these cases matters. You don’t need to be the one figuring out whether the bus was privately owned or part of a public transportation system. You just need someone who knows how to find those answers fast—and who takes your case seriously from day one.
Insurance Claims Don’t Pause the Deadline
It’s easy to think that as long as you’re talking with an insurance company, you’re safe. But that’s not true. Just because a claim is being processed or investigated doesn’t mean your clock has stopped ticking. You can be in back-and-forth talks for months and still lose your right to file a lawsuit if that two-year mark passes. The insurance adjuster won’t remind you of your deadline. That’s why it’s risky to wait and see what happens.
Filing a lawsuit doesn’t always mean going to court. In many cases, once a lawsuit is filed, it puts pressure on the other side to take you seriously. That can lead to better settlement talks. But you can’t use that leverage if you miss the filing date.
Don’t Let Fear or Confusion Keep You From Acting
Some people are afraid to file a claim. They think it’s too complicated or that they can’t afford it. Others just feel overwhelmed by their injuries and don’t want to deal with one more thing. That’s completely understandable. But here’s what you should know—at McDonald At Law, talking with us won’t cost you anything. You can ask your questions, learn your rights, and decide what to do next. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Every Day You Wait Can Cost You
If you were hit by a bus in Pennsylvania, the clock is ticking. Even if you’re still healing, even if you’re not sure what to do next, it’s smart to get answers early. You don’t want to be the one who missed the deadline and couldn’t hold anyone accountable.
At McDonald At Law, we help people who’ve been injured in bus accidents figure out what to do next. If you have questions, we’re ready to listen. Let’s make sure your rights are protected before it’s too late. Call us now. We’re here to help.