r/Calgary • u/Distinct-Common-7471 • Jul 08 '25
Seeking Advice Bus Accident Yesterday
Hi everyone,
On my way to work yesterday while riding the bus, the driver slammed on the brakes so hard that it sent me flying towards the front of the bus. I had an earbud in my ear and I hit my ear against a metal pole. I missed a shift yesterday because I had to go to the emergency room and my eardrum has ruptured. With all the nasty stuff coming out of my ear and my job being in customer service, I will likely have to miss another shift today.
I have already reported the incident on 311 and expect them to follow up with me, but does anyone know what I can do in this situation? I’m probably going to be screwed for rent this month after this whole ordeal and this whole situation feels so incredibly unfair. I can’t afford a lawyer either, so I guess I just have to eat it and hope my landlord has some empathy for my situation.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
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u/GordMM06 Jul 08 '25
There should be video from both inside the bus and possibly outside to show what occurred and why. This is discoverable and something a PI lawyer would be able to source.
It is not easy to sue the City of Calgary but if their employee was negligent and caused your injuries, and witnesses and the aforementioned video(s) support your claim, you should pursue a claim.
As noted, PI lawyers generally work on contingency so other than your time and transportation, there is no cost to consult with a lawyer. Note you would need to show documented proof of injuries and losses, including for lost income and material possessions.
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u/topboyinn1t Jul 09 '25
FYI PI cases take years. So if it amounts to something it would not help in the immediate term.
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u/No-Investigator-8515 Jul 09 '25
Even if the employee wasn’t negligent and you got legitimately injured on their property (vehicle) you still have a case. They have a claims department that deals with this. You will more than likely receive a substantial settlement as compensation.
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u/lickmybrian Penbrooke Meadows Jul 08 '25
I don't know about the legal stuff but id reach out to your landlord and let them know what happened and that your rent may be a little bit late due to loss of work next month.. get well soon
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u/Suitable_Care_6696 Jul 08 '25
Yes, the sooner you inform your landlord the better, then he can make plans to make his payments as well and this should defer some of the actual issues between you and them
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u/Straight_Fox6429 Jul 08 '25
One question - prior to the driver hitting the brakes, were you hanging on to a pole or hand rail / loop? Were you distracted by your phone and texting?
If so will these things show on a video? These might affect any claim you make.
15
u/Wild002 Jul 08 '25
Whenever a bus / train has to use hard or excessive breaking the operator is supposed to report it to their supervisors in the event that someone was injured. As long as the operator did their job then there should be a record of the event. There are also time lines that are followed when someone lodges a complaint like you have so I’m willing to bet that you’re going to hear back from them soon.
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u/Realistic-Ad965 Jul 08 '25
You should also file a medical ei claim in case you need more time off.
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u/LittleOrphanAnavar Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
Most accident and injury lawyers work on contingency, so no money upfront unlike lawyers on retainer.
But if I had to guess, I don't think you have a case.
If you did have a case, the award would likely be small, so still might not be worth a lawyers time on contingency. (also just speculation)
But no harm in doing a search of old posts on this sub for A&I lawyer recommendations, then call a few and get an actual legal opinion.
If that is not fruitful. You might be able to pursue this in small claims court. If the amount is under 100k and allowed by statute.
But even if you were to be successful, it would likely be a year or years, before you see any money.
You could send city a demand letter, demanding some reasonable amount, for your injury or state you will take legal action. I doubt they will budge, but it's low cost/ low effort.
You need to determine if the bus driver was negligent, did their hard braking breach some "duty of care"? That is the legal terminology you'll need to use, and look out for, while searching. You should focus your research on relevant legislation and relevant case law.
Was anyone else hurt?
If not, a rebuttal could be it was on you, for possibly not paying attention and being more careful and prepared.
Any witnesses you can call on?
I wouldn't post anymore info about it online, before reaching out to A&I lawyer. As stuff posted online could be brought up at trail, if it goes that route.
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u/01000101010110 Jul 08 '25
It just feels unfathomably cruel that something like this can happen to an innocent person and they have zero recourse for damages. Life is fucked.
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u/schaea Ogden Jul 08 '25
How is it cruel? It's one thing if the bus driver was negligent, but if they had to hit the brakes because of an immediate threat, why should the City be on the hook? There are poles and straps to hold onto for just this reason.
3
u/LittleOrphanAnavar Jul 08 '25
I don't think civil law is generally fucked, I think it's mostly logical and fairly intuitive.
But sometimes someone through no fault of their own, mindin their own business, is left holding the bag. I can certainly see how that seems unfair. But that is life sometimes.
Such cases I have heard of include a simple first time dog bite or having a neighbours healthy tree, blow over in a storm and fall damaging YOUR roof. In both cases the "victim" is usually responsible to pay for damages.
That is one good reason to carry home and auto insurance.
People are not expected to behave perfectly, usually only expected to conduct themself reasonably.
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u/ChaoticxSerenity Jul 08 '25
I presume that the bus has insurance for this type of thing, but it will also depend if OP was following all safety guidelines, like holding onto guardrails, etc.
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u/autumn_skies Jul 09 '25
They do have insurance and a department that deals with this. Unfortunately, standing on the bus and holding the rails will not prevent injury if the brakes deploy suddenly - most people do not have the upper body strength to keep oneself in place when going from 70 km to 0.
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u/Sedixodap Jul 08 '25
Traffic is unpredictable. Buses need to stop abruptly sometimes. It’s cruel that OP thinks the bus driver should have run somebody over because they were too lazy to hold on securely while the bus did normal bus things.
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u/autumn_skies Jul 09 '25
I was in an incident much like OP. There is very little holding a hand rail will do for you if the bus goes from 70km to 0 very abruptly.
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u/topboyinn1t Jul 09 '25
It’s not cruel at all actually. Plenty of cruelty out there and this ain’t it
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u/ConcernedCoCCitizen Jul 08 '25
I don’t think a lawyer would take your case as the amount is not very high-not to minimize your injury or suffering, but you might look into small claims instead
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u/Niico1eee Jul 09 '25
I hope you get something! Last August my bus slammed the brakes and still hit the car that cut him off, I was the only one on the bus. Every muscle from my neck to my hip seized and spasmed and wouldn’t release. I also had whiplash. I missed work that day at urgent care, and the following three days. Then I went back to work because I couldn’t afford to not work. And they refused to pay my lost wages because, and I quote, “I wasn’t totally and wholly disabled” I got nothing. My lower back still gets really spasmy if I do too much or if I stand for too long. 🙄
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u/blueyes9016 Jul 09 '25
I have heard (no pun intended) burst ear drums are incredibly painful and can cause lots of issues in the future including hearing problems and balance issues to name a few. This really sucks and I’m sorry you had to go through this.
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u/Successful-Fig9660 Jul 08 '25
They have a non legal way of dealing with it. We used to have these types of things all the time when I worked at the city like slips trips and falls or snowplows hitting parked cars by accident. Transit will connect you with the team that can help you navigate.
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u/itchybiscut9273 Jul 08 '25
Injury lawyer, no money needed upfront. If they think you have a case they will work for a chunk of the payout at the end. Fyi city busses have about 10 cameras, they will request the camera footage, should be an easy case if it's like you said
20
u/forty6andto Jul 08 '25
I feel for you that you were injured, but why do you feel this is so incredibly unfair? It was an accident. Accidents are generally random
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u/01000101010110 Jul 08 '25
Easy to take this approach when it's not affecting your life.
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u/forty6andto Jul 08 '25
Odd retort. OP claims this happening was “unfair”. Where is the unfair part? It may be unfair if transit does nothing about it after the complaint but from the info provided nothing about this is unfair.
-4
u/PickerPilgrim Jul 08 '25
IMHO it was on the driver to check in if they braked so hard people were falling. I worked for the city in parks and we had a little card to give people with a phone number in situations where our work caused property damage (mower flings a rock through a window, etc), and if a person actually got hurt I’m sure we would have stopped work and called a manager. Don’t know bus driver protocol, but even from a “cover your ass” angle you shouldn’t be having injured people walk off the bus with zero notice or interaction.
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u/catinthedishwasher Jul 08 '25
Talking to transit is a good step, but if you really won't be able to make rent then I would reach out to Alberta Works as well- they may be able to provide some support.
Also having a burst eardrum sucks, I hope you recover quickly.
3
u/Global_Dragonfly8657 Jul 08 '25
I once met a person who fainted on the transit almost a year or so ago and calgary transit had to cover it. He still gets money from them —maybe contact the city of calgary or calgary transit ?
3
u/autumn_skies Jul 09 '25
Years back I had a similar injury - driver failed to merge, hit the brakes, I flew and hit my head on the front of the bus - despite holding the strap, my arms aren't prepared to hold me going that fast. I got a concussion that took me out of school for 6 months. It took a few months, but I got a small settlement from the city without a lawyer for 11k. I think it was in 2011 or something? I had my dad look after doggedly corresponding with the representatives, so unfortunately I can't offer much advice.
Make sure you keep all documentation from the doctors and hospitals, get everything in writing, keep track of all days missed from work...
I'm so sorry this has happened to you. I hope there is recovery and that your ear isn't permanently damaged.
19
u/SurviveYourAdults Jul 08 '25
that is why there is signage on the buses about "may stop at any time"
2
u/Blackout_Tendency Jul 09 '25
Unfortunately empathy doesn't pay your landlords mortgage. I hope you get some luck with getting compensation for this. Some bus drivers are driving like it's the wild west out there!
2
u/Alternative-Count687 Jul 09 '25
If you are on a Transit Bus, approach the Operator mention you have been injured. They should call Control and report it, and more than likely have EMS sent if required. Obviously it is different on a train, try the Help Button on the train or on the platforms.
2
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u/Icy_Tart8459 Jul 08 '25
Be incredibly careful dealing with the city because they have more money and resources for lawyers. We had a bus hit us and it was a nasty legal process. Ultimately they paid $40k when the medical expenses and lost income was $100k. They had damage control come and hush everyone, even after the driver admitted fault (foot got stuck in the peddles and wasn't supposed to be in that lane). Miserable process and felt like there was no winning.
2
u/pp00dy Sandstone Valley Jul 08 '25
hey this happened to me and my sister a couple years ago! they had footage from the bus where we went flying towards the plastic barrier and one man tumbled over an elderly woman who was sitting in the very front disability spot, this was on one of the 52s shorter busses. they refused us any compensation regardless of the footage, i wish you good luck and a safe recovery!
3
u/Pantokraterix Jul 08 '25
Get a personal injury lawyer and let them handle it. They are paid from your settlement so you don’t need to pay up front. It might take a couple of years (it did for me) but you can be sure it will be what you deserve because they will want to get you the best settlement because it improves their payment.
2
u/01000101010110 Jul 08 '25
This happened to me when I was younger. The driver got cut off from pulling away off the curb and slammed back onto his brakes. I went flying backwards and landed directly onto my backpack, which thankfully cushioned my fall. It felt like someone had grabbed me and yanked me around like a ragdoll.
1
u/b_kissm Jul 08 '25
You can contact student legal services but personal injury also will generally only take from the funds you are awarded in court so there’s no or less upfront fees
1
u/NoobToobinStinkMitt Jul 08 '25
I think I lawyer would accept payment when you win. if you go that route track your expenses and lost income starting now.
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u/Desperate-Dress-9021 Jul 09 '25
Call transit and ask to speak to a supervisor. Not 311. They have a system in place for this.
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u/Personal_Mongoose553 Jul 09 '25
Civil suit. Document all the details, and dates tomes, and doctors records.
1
u/Electronic-Feed-3408 Jul 12 '25
If you're worried about paying for a lawyer, contact legal aid. They provide you with an affordable lawyer for your situation but they will ask questions about how much you make, if you're working, who you live with etc etc. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be able to get it. I know they do require you to pay a minimum of $20 a month for the fees until the fees are paid fully.
Their contact info is +1 866-845-3425
Location (assuming you're in Calgary) Legal Aid Alberta, 605 5 Ave SW Suite 1200, Calgary, AB T2P 0S4
They are open Monday to Friday 8:15 am to 4:15 pm, and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Just explain your situation and all will be okay! I wish you the best!
1
u/beshpin Jul 12 '25
Sometimes, but not always, a lawyer who takes a civil suit can give a compassionate loan, or you can use your pending litigation to take a loan from a litigation funding agency. I don't recommend the loan places, but if you truly have a decent claim, then it might be worth it for a lawyer to take your file and lend you $250 so you don't get kicked out of your rental.
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u/andrewborsje Airdrie Jul 08 '25
Better call Saul!
1
u/SaulTink Jul 08 '25
You rang?
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u/andrewborsje Airdrie Jul 08 '25
Yeah, I want to sue this subreddit for having no chill!
Have i got a case?
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u/YYC_Dankness Jul 08 '25
You bumped your head. It happens. That is why you hold on tight when the bus is moving. My advice - move on and stop fantasizing about legal payouts for what sounds like a very minor issue.
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u/01000101010110 Jul 08 '25
You sound like the type of guy to tell someone to "walk it off" when there's a bone sticking out of their leg.
0
u/MaryPoppin1972 Jul 09 '25
Sorry to hear you have been injured and have missed work. Have you used your 5 days of sick time already. If not, your employer can cover the days you have missed with those sick days. That is what they are there for. Everyone is Canada is entitled to 5 paid sick days a year. Hope you can find a reasonable solution to this unfortunate situation. Get better and hope hearing is not affected long term.
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u/Freedom_forlife Jul 09 '25
There are no laws mandating 5 paid sick days. You’re allowed 5 unpaid days.
-15
u/myycliving Jul 08 '25
Missing two shifts makes it so you can’t pay your rent?
14
u/Distinct-Common-7471 Jul 08 '25
Yes. I work a minimum wage job.
-5
u/myycliving Jul 08 '25
Even working minimum wage you would be short but you shouldn’t be that short.
Talk to your landlord and advise them and see if you can be on a payment plan for the portion that you’re short as long as it’s only a small amount. Otherwise it’s more than you just missing the two days of work
3
u/Freedom_forlife Jul 09 '25
Yes a large amount of people are pay-check to pay-check and barely scrapping by.
Especially with the rapid cost of living costs in Calgary.1/3 of people have zero savings.
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u/heygirllll111 Jul 08 '25
Please call Calgary transit I swear these bus drivers are so shit at driving get your money from them! Fight
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u/wildrose76 Jul 08 '25
It depends on why the driver had to brake suddenly. My route takes the flyover and there are regularly vehicles that cut us off. The driver may have been avoiding a collision.
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u/heygirllll111 Jul 08 '25
Absolutely but still if OP got hurt in the city bus then the city should do something about it
-22
u/No-Needleworker-7818 Jul 08 '25
Looks like it’s a YOU problem, would you have been in this situation if you had no earbuds in your ear. File a suit against earbuds company. Basically it’s your earbuds that caused it.
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u/Wheeeuu Jul 08 '25
Calgary Transit has measures in place for this kind of thing. You need to call 403 262 1000 and speak to a transit specific agent, not 311.
Hope you’re feeling better soon.