Houston Bus Accident Lawyers

How Common Are Bus Accidents in Houston?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) In 2023, Texas experienced a total of 1,132 bus-related accidents, resulting in 995 injuries and 17 fatalities.

While these figures encompass the entire state, Houston, as the largest city, likely accounts for a significant portion of these incidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, contact our Houston bus accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Houston

Bus accidents in Houston can be caused by negligence, which can take many forms. To prove negligence in a bus accident, you need to show 4 things:

• Duty
• Breach
• Causation
• Damages

The bus driver and the bus company have a duty of care to passengers and other drivers. If that duty of care is breached – for example, a driver who is distracted or a company that doesn’t maintain its buses – and that breach causes an accident resulting in damages (physical injuries or property damage) then negligence can be proven.

Investigation and evidence gathering includes police reports, eyewitness statements, bus company records and expert testimony. That’s where our Houston bus accident lawyers come in. They’ll walk you through the process and make sure everything is covered.

Bus Driver Negligence

• Failure to follow traffic laws
• Driving while distracted (e.g., using a cell phone)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or reckless driving

Bus Company Negligence

• Failure to maintain vehicles
• Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
• Failure to train drivers properly
• Overloading or improper loading of the bus

Bus Manufacturer Defects

• Faulty brakes or steering
• Defective tires or other parts
• Poorly designed or installed seatbelts or safety equipment
• Failure to inspect vehicles properly

Bad Weather

• Driving in heavy rain or snow without precautions
• Failure to adjust speed for weather
• Ignoring weather warnings

Road Hazards

• Potholes or uneven roads
• Poorly marked construction zones
• No proper signs or traffic signals
• Debris or obstacles on the road

Negligence by Other Drivers

• Reckless or aggressive driving by other vehicles
• Other drivers not yielding to the bus
• Distracted or impaired drivers on the road
• Illegal maneuvers by other drivers

Passenger Negligence

• Distracting the bus driver
• Interfering with the bus
• Failure to follow safety instructions
• Opening emergency exits for no reason

Call our Houston bus accident lawyers for a FREE CASE EVALUATION if you were injured in a bus accident by another driver.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?

If you find yourself in a bus accident, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a guide from our knowledgeable Houston bus accident lawyers:

1. Ensure Safety: If possible, move yourself and others to a safe area away from traffic.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t see any injuries right away, it’s wise to see a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
3. Report the Accident: Make sure to file a report with local authorities. A police report can be crucial evidence.
4. Document the Scene: If you can, take photos or videos of the accident scene, the bus, and any injuries you have.
5. Collect Witness Information: Get contact information from witnesses or other passengers, as their statements could bolster your case.
6. Preserve Evidence: Keep all records related to medical treatments, expenses, and any personal items that were damaged.
7. Consult Our Legal Experts: Reach out to us for a FREE consultation. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the process.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Bus Wreck?

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, you might be eligible for different forms of compensation based on how serious your injuries are and the details surrounding the incident. Here’s a summary from our Houston bus accident attorneys:

Economic Damages

These financial losses, often referred to as “special damages,” can encompass:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and any future treatments needed.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income that is lost while you are recovering.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries hinder your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any damage to personal property, such as a vehicle, that occurred during the accident.
• Wrongful Death: Surviving family members may be eligible for compensation covering funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses if a loved one has passed away.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages, often referred to as “general damages,” address non-financial losses such as:

• Pain and Suffering: This includes both physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: You may receive compensation if your injuries hinder you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed.
• Emotional Distress: This encompasses feelings of anxiety, depression, and other emotional effects that arise from the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses can seek damages for the loss of companionship, affection, or marital relations.

How Non-Economic Damages Are Calculated

• Per Diem Method: A daily rate is assigned to your pain and suffering, which is then multiplied by the number of days you have experienced the injury.
• Multiplier Method: Economic damages are summed up and then multiplied by a factor (typically between 1.5 and 5) based on the injury’s severity.

Given that non-economic damages are subjective, collaborating with a knowledgeable legal team is crucial to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are intended to penalize the party at fault for reckless or malicious conduct and to discourage similar behavior in the future. These damages are more likely to be awarded when:

• The defendant demonstrated extreme negligence or acted with intent to harm.
• The defendant was aware of the risks but chose to ignore them.
• The defendant has sufficient financial resources to warrant substantial punitive damages (such as corporations or affluent individuals).

Determining the Value of a Bus Accident Claim

There are several factors that can influence the value of your bus accident injury claim, such as:

• Severity of Injuries: More serious injuries lead to higher medical expenses and greater effects on your daily life.
• Earning Capacity: If your ability to earn a living has been permanently impacted, this will raise the value of your claim.
• Pain and Suffering: While these intangible losses are subjective, they can greatly enhance the amount of compensation you receive.
• Degree of Fault: In Houston, the comparative fault system applies, which means your compensation could be reduced if you share some responsibility for the accident.

Filing a Bus Accident Claim: Deadlines You Need to Know

• Texas Statute of Limitations: You typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
• Claims Involving Government Entities: If the bus is owned by a government entity, shorter time limits may apply.

Contact our Houston bus accident lawyers promptly to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines and protect your rights.

Seek Legal Help for Your Bus Crash Injury Claim Today

Let Our Houston Bus Accident Lawyers Help!

At Thompson Law, we have successfully managed numerous bus accident cases. Our team operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Here’s how we can assist you:

• Evaluate your case during a FREE CASE REVIEW.
• Gather evidence and determine the full value of your claim.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.
• File a lawsuit if needed and represent you in court.

Don’t hesitate! Call Thompson Law today for your FREE CONSULTATION and let us begin working on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bus Accidents in Houston

What are the Minimum Liability Insurance Limits for Buses?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum liability insurance limits for buses based on how many passengers they can carry. For buses that can hold 16 or more passengers, including the driver, the required limit is $5,000,000. For those that carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, the limit is $1,500,000. These rules apply to both private and commercial bus operators. It’s important to note that these are federal standards, and individual states might have additional insurance requirements that go beyond the federal minimum.

Is the Statute of Limitations Shorter for Government-Owned Buses in Houston?

Yes, the statute of limitations is shorter for government-owned buses in Houston. You need to notify the governmental unit within six months of the incident date. If you don’t follow this process correctly, you may lose your right to file a claim.

What If the Bus Driver Was Not at Fault for the Accident?

If the bus driver was not at fault, you may still be able to seek compensation from other negligent parties, such as:

• The driver of another vehicle
• A bus maintenance company for mechanical failures
• The government or a private entity responsible for dangerous road conditions

A skilled attorney will investigate all possible sources of liability to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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