Greyhound and other interstate bus carriers provide affordable long-distance transportation across state lines. When accidents occur on these buses, federal regulations govern the claims process, and the interstate nature of travel creates jurisdictional considerations that affect where and how you can pursue compensation.
Federal Oversight of Interstate Carriers
Interstate bus companies like Greyhound operate under the jurisdiction of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These carriers must maintain minimum insurance coverage of $5 million for vehicles carrying passengers, providing substantial coverage for accident victims. Federal regulations also establish safety standards for driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service.
The FMCSA's Safety Measurement System tracks carrier safety performance and assigns safety ratings. A bus company's safety record and any prior violations can be powerful evidence in your claim. Your attorney can obtain this information through FMCSA databases and discovery.
Common Carrier Duty of Care
As common carriers, Greyhound and similar interstate bus companies owe passengers the highest degree of care. This means they must do everything reasonably possible to ensure passenger safety, going beyond ordinary negligence standards. Failing to meet this heightened duty—through poor maintenance, fatigued drivers, or unsafe operations—can result in liability for passenger injuries.
Jurisdiction and Venue Issues
Interstate bus accidents create complex jurisdictional questions. The accident may occur in one state while the bus company is headquartered in another, the passenger resides in a third state, and the ticket was purchased online. Where you file your lawsuit can significantly affect the applicable law and potential recovery.
Federal court jurisdiction may be available for interstate claims, or you might file in state court where the accident occurred, where the bus company does business, or where you reside. An experienced attorney can evaluate the strategic advantages of different forums.
Hours of Service Violations
Long-distance bus drivers must comply with federal hours-of-service regulations designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Drivers cannot drive more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty, and they must take a 30-minute break within the first 8 hours of driving. Fatigue from hours-of-service violations is a leading cause of serious interstate bus accidents.
Bus companies must maintain driver logs documenting compliance with these rules. Electronic logging devices now track many drivers automatically. Violations of these regulations can establish negligence per se and support punitive damages claims in egregious cases.
Station and Terminal Injuries
Injuries at bus stations and terminals may also generate claims. Bus companies and terminal operators must maintain safe premises, provide adequate security, and ensure safe boarding and alighting areas. Assaults, slip and falls, and other injuries at bus stations can support premises liability claims against the facility operator or bus company.
Preserving Evidence
Interstate buses typically have onboard cameras, GPS tracking, and electronic data recorders. This evidence can prove driver error, speeding, or other violations but may be deleted if not preserved quickly. Send a preservation letter immediately after an accident or have your attorney do so.
Other critical evidence includes the driver's log books, drug and alcohol testing records, the company's maintenance files for that vehicle, and any incident reports. Witness statements from other passengers are also valuable, so try to exchange contact information at the scene if possible.
Pursuing Your Claim
Large interstate carriers like Greyhound have legal departments and insurance adjusters experienced in minimizing claims. Do not give recorded statements or accept early settlement offers without consulting an attorney. Initial offers rarely reflect the full value of serious injuries, particularly when long-term medical care or permanent disabilities are involved.
An attorney experienced in interstate transportation cases can navigate the complex regulatory framework, preserve crucial evidence, identify all liable parties, and negotiate effectively with the carrier's insurers. Most bus accident attorneys work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.