Arlington Bus Accident Lawyers

Types of Cases Our Bus Accident Lawyers in Arlington Can Handle

There are many kinds of buses, we have public school buses to private tour buses owned by big companies. Even though these buses have different purposes, one thing is common: the risk of being involved in a crash. Our Arlington bus accident lawyers know how to handle accidents involving many types of buses, including but not limited to:

• Public transit bus accidents:  Collisions involving Arlington’s city buses, which often calls for claims against government agencies, making cases more complex.
• School bus accidents:  Crashes that involve kids going to and from school.
• Private charter bus accidents:  Accidents including tour buses and other privately owned buses.
• Shuttle bus accidents:  Smaller buses used for hotel and airport transfers or office shuttles.

Regardless of the type of bus you or your loved one was in, our Arlington bus accident lawyers are here to help. Whether you were inside the bus or a motorist on the road, you can always give us a call so we can help you take legal action.

Common Risk Factors for Major Bus Accidents

Why do bus accidents happen in the first place? There are a lot of factors behind it. More often than not, it’s due to negligent drivers and bus companies, but it’s always a case-to-case basis. Here are some of the common causes of bus accidents that happen on Arlington’s roads.

• Irresponsible drivers who go beyond the speed limit or disobey traffic laws.
• Distracted drivers who are on their phones or looking somewhere else besides the road.
• Blind spots and obstructions on the road.
• Drivers who are exhausted from driving long hours.
• Inexperienced drivers who lack proper training or don’t own a valid license.
• When the bus is poorly maintained.
• Poor road conditions because of low maintenance by the City of Arlington or bad weather
• Traffic jams during peak hours, making rear-end collisions more likely

These are just some of the risk factors and causes of bus accidents in Arlington, but there’s so much more. With Thompson Law, you can guarantee our team of Arlington bus accident lawyers are ready to step in and handle your case for you. Let us assess your bus accident case and recommend what to do next when you book a FREE CASE REVIEW from us.

What to Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in Arlington

We understand how overwhelming it can be to be part of a bus accident in Arlington. But, it’s important that you know what to do after the accident so you can stay safe and build a solid case for yourself later on.

Here’s exactly what our Arlington bus accident lawyers highly suggest you do, step by step:

1. Check yourself for any injuries, and call for help as soon as you feel any pain.
2. If there aren’t any, get out of the road and to a safer area.
3. Call the police so that they can file a report about the accident and arrive at the scene.
4. Gather evidence, take photos and videos of the accident and witness statements.
5. Exchange information with the other drivers or pedestrians involved. Never admit fault or say “sorry”, as this may be used against you later.
6. Finally, call an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Arlington.

Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION so we can guide you through your next moves and make sure you have a strong claim later on.

Devastating Bus Accidents Statistics in Arlington

While the data for bus accidents specifically in Arlington, TX are quite limited, here’s what we have gathered after researching about it. According to this crash report from the Texas Department of Transportation, Arlington has seen a high amount of crashes in 2020. There were 5,912 collisions recorded that year, some including bus-related crashes.

The number of bus accidents continue to increase each year, which means knowing how to protect yourself and your rights is more important than ever.

Damages Our Bus Accident Attorneys in Arlington Can Secure for You

Filing a lawsuit against the negligent parties responsible for the bus accident that harmed you can give you entitlement to receiving compensatory damages. This is a payment that the defendant must pay you to cover for expenses you’ve shouldered, as well as non-economic damages caused by distress. Here are some of those damages you may be owed:

• Medical bills from things like ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescriptions
• Paychecks you missed because your injuries prevented you from working
• Reduced earning capacity for severe injuries with permanent disabilities
• Pain and suffering from the mental anguish, anxiety, and depression of being involved in an accident
• Property damage if your vehicle was damaged in the accident
• Strain on your relationships if the injury has impacted your relationship with your spouse or family
• Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one after a bus accident

Arlington’s Local Bus Laws

In Arlington, buses and other large commercial vehicles have to follow specific parking rules, especially in residential areas. These laws help keep neighborhoods safe and streets clear.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s allowed and what’s not:

• Commercial vehicles in neighborhoods:  If a bus or other commercial vehicle is over 22 feet long, 8 feet tall, or 8 feet wide, it can’t park or even stop on public streets, alleys, parks, or private driveways near homes. This is meant to keep big vehicles out of residential areas where they can block views or create safety issues.
• Time limits on parking:  No vehicle can be parked on a street or alley for more than 72 hours. Some spots might have signs with even shorter time limits, and those need to be followed too.
• Where parking is never allowed:  You can’t park in places with no-parking signs, painted curbs, fire lanes, or in alleys and public spaces where it’s clearly restricted.
• Median strips:  Parking in the middle section of roads, called median strips, is not allowed at all. These areas are off-limits for stopping or standing a vehicle.

Who Can Be Found Liable for a Bus Accident?

At first glance, it can be easy to blame the bus driver for the bus accident, but sometimes that’s not the case at all. Liability can also be found in other parties part of the crash, which includes the following:

• Bus companies that hire untrained drivers and encourage long work schedules that lead to fatigue and exhaustion
• Reckless third-party drivers that crash into buses
• Government entities, such as the City of Arlington 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

Difference in Filing a Claim Against Public vs. Private Bus Companies

Getting involved in a bus accident in Arlington is, without a doubt, terrifying. However, the next steps you take can depend on who owns the bus. There’s a big difference between going after a public bus service and a private one, like a tour bus.

When it comes to public buses, you’re dealing with a government-run system. In Arlington, public transportation is managed through regional agencies, and filing a claim against them means you have to follow specific rules and tighter deadlines. For example, you usually only have six months to file a notice of claim. Missing that window could mean losing your right for compensation.

On the other hand, if the bus is privately owned (like a shuttle, charter, or tour bus) the process is more comparable to regular personal injury case. You generally have up to two years to file a claim, and the rules aren’t as strict as when you’re dealing with a government entity.

Both situations can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to heal. But knowing who owns the bus can help you figure out your next move and avoid missing important deadlines. If you need more help in this aspect, don’t hesitate to book a FREE CONSULTATION with us.

Hospitals to Seek Medical Attention After a Bus Accident

The first thing you should do after getting involved in a bus accident is to get medical help immediately. Have yourself checked for any injuries and get them treated, even if you don’t feel any pain.

While paramedics at the scene can do a quick exam, you should go to a hospital if you need more serious care. Arlington may not have as many major hospitals as some bigger cities, but you still have solid options for fast and reliable medical treatment. Here are a few places in or near Arlington you can head to:

• Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital:  A trusted hospital in the area with a 24/7 emergency room and a wide range of medical services.
• Medical City Arlington:  Offers emergency care, surgery, and other specialized treatments.
• Methodist Mansfield Medical Center:  Just a short drive from Arlington, this hospital has a full-service ER and is known for its heart and stroke care.
• Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Arlington:  A good choice if you suffered injuries involving your back, neck, or joints.

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

Just like other personal injury cases in Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a bus accident is two years after the date of the crash. However, if you plan to sue a government entity like the city of Arlington, then you have to act much faster and file it within six months of the bus crash, as this follows the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Our Arlington Bus Accident Lawyers Will Fight for Your Rights

Buses are made to make lives easier for Arlington’s residents, it shouldn’t be seen as something dangerous. No one is anticipating getting hurt or injured because of a crash involving a bus, but it’s still something that happens because of one’s negligent actions.

If you’ve been part of a bus accident and want to hold the driver or another negligent party liable, call our team of Arlington bus accident lawyers. We will educate you on your rights and legal options, so that you are well-informed on pursuing justice and fair compensation. We’re just one call away and ready to fight with you and secure the payout you deserve. Book a FREE CONSULTATION with us so we can discuss your next moves to fulfilling justice.

FAQs About Bus Accidents in Arlington

Who can file a claim after a bus accident in Arlington?

If you were hurt in a bus accident, you can file a claim. This applies whether you were riding the bus, walking nearby, biking, or driving another vehicle. If someone you love passed away because of the crash, their close family members can file a wrongful death claim.

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

Yes, you can. But keep in mind that public buses in Arlington are run by a government agency. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you only have six months from the date of the accident to file your claim. That’s a much shorter window than most injury cases, which usually allow up to two years.

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

The amount depends on how badly you were hurt and how the accident affected your life. This can include things like hospital bills, time missed from work, emotional stress, and more. If your case involves a government agency, there is a cap on how much you can receive. Right now, the most you can get is $250,000 per person or $500,000 total for each incident.

How much do bus accident attorneys charge in Arlington?

Most of the time, attorneys work on a contingency fee. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer gets a percentage of whatever settlement or court award you receive. It’s usually 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 were injured because of it, you have every right to file a claim and seek compensation.

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