Corpus Christi Bus Accident Lawyers

Why You Need a Corpus Christi Bus Accident Attorney

There are all sorts of buses out on the roads in Corpus Christi. You’ve got public school buses, city transit, private tour buses, and more. Each type serves a different purpose, but they all carry the same risk of being involved in a crash. Our Corpus Christi bus accident lawyers know how to handle all kinds of bus-related cases, including:

• Public transit bus accidents:  Wrecks involving Corpus Christi city buses. These usually involve government agencies, which can make the legal process more complicated.
• School bus accidents:  Accidents involving children traveling to and from school.
• Private charter bus accidents:  Includes crashes with tour buses and other buses owned by private companies.
• Shuttle bus accidents:  Smaller buses often used by hotels, airports, or businesses for quick transportation.

No matter what kind of bus was involved, or whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver, our legal team is here to help. If you or someone you care about was hurt, reach out to us. We’ll walk you through what comes next and help you take legal action.

Why Do Bus Accidents in Corpus Christi Happen?

Bus accidents don’t just happen for no reason. There’s usually something (or someone) behind it. Most of the time, it comes down to careless drivers or poor decisions by the companies that run the buses. But every crash is different, and there are a bunch of possible causes. Here are some of the most common ones we see on Corpus Christi roads:

• Drivers speeding or ignoring traffic laws
• Drivers not paying attention, looking at phones or distracted in other ways
• Blind spots or objects blocking the road
• Drivers running on little to no sleep after long shifts
• Lack of training or no valid license
• Buses that aren’t properly maintained or repaired
• Poor road conditions caused by bad weather or lack of maintenance by the City of Corpus Christi
• Heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, which can lead to rear-end crashes

Of course, this isn’t the full list. There’s a lot that can go wrong. At Thompson Law, our Corpus Christi bus accident lawyers know how to get to the bottom of it. We’ll take a close look at your case and let you know your options. Book a FREE CASE REVIEW today and let’s figure out your next move.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal Bus Accident firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a bus accident injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Corpus Christi personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Major Bus Accidents in Corpus Christi

There are plenty of reasons why bus accidents in Corpus Christi happen. The most common reason is the bus driver (or company) being negligent. However, it will depend on the situation. No two bus accidents are the same. Here are some of the common causes of bus accidents that happen in Corpus Christi.

• Drivers who speed or break traffic laws.
• Drivers distracted by phones or not paying attention to the road.
• Blind spots or objects blocking the driver’s view.
• Drivers who are exhausted after being behind the wheel for long hours.
• Inexperienced drivers who weren’t trained properly or don’t have a valid license.
• Buses that aren’t kept in good condition.
• Bad road conditions due to poor upkeep by the City of Corpus Christi or rough weather.
• Heavy traffic during busy hours, which can lead to rear-end crashes.

These are just some of the reasons behind bus accidents in Corpus Christi, but there’s a lot more. Here at Thompson Law, our team of experienced Corpus Christi bus accident lawyers are ready to step in and take care of your case for you. Let us assess your bus accident case and propose what to do next when you schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW from us.

What to Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in Corpus Christi

Getting into a bus accident in Corpus Christi can be overwhelming to anyone. It may leave you shocked or completely afraid. That being said, it’s important to remember that you can fight for your rights as long as you take immediate action. Here’s what you need to do in order to build an impactful case:

1. Get Medical Help:  Make sure to see a doctor for a full evaluation, even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first.
2. Report the Accident:  Notify local authorities so they can file an official report.
3. Collect Information:  Get the contact details of any witnesses and take photos of the scene if it’s safe to do so.
4. Don’t Make Statements:  Avoid saying anything that could be seen as admitting fault or guessing what caused the accident.
5. Contact an Attorney:  Get in touch with a Corpus Christi bus accident lawyer from Thompson Law right away for expert advice.

You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION and let’s work together to secure the compensation you deserve.

Damages Our Bus Accident Attorneys in Corpus Christi Can Secure for You

If you decide to file a lawsuit against those responsible for the bus accident that caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. This is money the defendant has to pay to cover the costs you’ve incurred and other non-economic damages like emotional distress. Here are some of the damages you could be owed:

• Medical expenses, including ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescriptions
• Missed paychecks because your injuries prevented you from working
• Reduced earning potential if the injuries result in permanent disabilities
• Pain and suffering for the mental distress, anxiety, and depression caused by the accident
• Property damage if your vehicle was affected in the crash
• Impact on personal relationships, if the injury has affected your relationships with family or your spouse
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one died as a result of the bus accident

Statute of Limitations for Bus Accidents in Corpus Christi

Similarly to other Texas personal injury cases, the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a bus accident is two years after the date of the accident. That’s the standard time limit, so if you were hurt in a bus crash in Corpus Christi, the clock starts ticking from the day it happened.

But there are exceptions. If the crash involved a government vehicle or city employee, like a Corpus Christi public transit bus, you could face much shorter deadlines. You may have to file a notice within months, not years. Also, if the person injured is a minor or legally not able to make decisions, the timeline might be paused until they turn 18 or are considered capable.

Corpus Christi’s Local Bus Laws

In Corpus Christi, buses and other large commercial vehicles have to follow certain parking rules, especially around neighborhoods. These rules are meant to keep streets safe and easy to navigate.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s okay and what’s not:

• Commercial vehicles in neighborhoods:  If a bus or commercial vehicle is more than 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, or 8 feet tall, it’s not allowed to park or stop on public streets, alleys, parks, or even in private driveways near residential homes. These rules help prevent big vehicles from blocking views or causing safety problems in tighter areas.
• Time limits on parking:  Vehicles can’t be left parked on a public street or alley for more than 72 hours. Some spots have posted signs with shorter time limits, and those must be followed too.
• Where parking is never allowed:  Parking is never allowed where there are no-parking signs, red or yellow painted curbs, fire lanes, or in alleys and other public areas where restrictions are clearly marked.
• Median strips:  You can’t park or stop in the center of the road where the median is. These areas are off-limits completely.

Who Can Be Found Liable for a Bus Accident?

At first, it might seem like the bus driver is always at fault in a bus accident, but that’s not always the case. Other parties involved in the crash could be held with liability, including

• Bus companies that hire untrained drivers and encourage long work schedules that lead to fatigue and exhaustion
• Reckless third-party drivers who crash into buses
• Government entities, such as the City of Corpus Christi or the public transit bus system
• Bus manufacturers, if parts of the vehicle are found to be defective and unsafe
• Private companies that own the bus, such as hotels, private schools, airport shuttle services, tour companies, and more

Corpus Christi Hospitals to Seek Medical Attention After a Bus Accident

After a bus accident, the first thing you must absolutely do is to take care of yourself. Prioritize on getting medical help fast and making sure the accident gets reported to law enforcement. Even if your injuries seem small at first, don’t wait it out because some symptoms hit later. If it ends up being more serious, head to a hospital right away.

If you’ve been badly hurt, call 911 or ask someone to drive you there. There’s no use in toughing it out. Here are some major hospitals in Corpus Christi you can head to for emergency care:

• CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline (600 Elizabeth St)
• CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – South (5950 Saratoga Blvd)
• Bay Area Hospital (7101 S Padre Island Dr)
• Corpus Christi Medical Center – Doctors Regional (3315 S Alameda St)
• Driscoll Children’s Hospital (3533 S Alameda St) for younger patients

When is the Deadline for Filing a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Corpus Christi?

As we mentioned earlier, the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a bus accident is two years after the date of the accident. However, if you decide to sue a government entity like the city of Corpus Christi, then you have to act faster and file it within six months of the bus crash, following the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Our Corpus Christi Bus Accident Lawyers Will Fight for Your Rights

Buses are meant to make life easier for people in Corpus Christi, not be a source of danger. While nobody anticipates getting hurt in a bus crash, accidents still happen due to someone else’s carelessness.

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident and want to hold the driver or another negligent party accountable, give our team of Corpus Christi bus accident lawyers a call. We’ll walk you through your rights and options, making sure you know how to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. We’re just a call away and ready to fight for you. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us to talk about your next steps to recovery.

FAQs About Bus Accidents in Corpus Christi

Who can file a claim after a bus accident in Corpus Christi?

If you were injured in a bus accident, you can file a claim. This includes if you were riding the bus, walking near it, biking, or driving another vehicle. If someone close to you died in the crash, their immediate family members can file a wrongful death claim.

Can I sue the city if I was injured on a public bus?

Yes, you can. However, public buses in Corpus Christi are operated by a government agency. According to the Texas Tort Claims Act, you only have six months from the date of the accident to file your claim, which is much shorter than the usual two-year window for most injury cases.

How much compensation can you get from a bus accident in Corpus Christi?

The amount you can get depends on the extent of your injuries and how the accident impacted your life. This includes medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. If the case involves a government agency, there are limits on how much you can receive. Right now, the maximum is $250,000 per person or $500,000 total for each incident.

How much do Corpus Christi bus accident attorneys charge for a case?

Most bus accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront. Instead, they take a percentage of the settlement or court award, typically between 25% and 35%.

Can I file a claim if I was a pedestrian hit by a bus?

Yes, you can. If a bus hit you while you were walking and you got injured, you have the right to file a claim and seek compensation.