Public and private bus accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, leaving victims with exorbitant medical bills and a long road to recovery. Your Mesquite bus accident lawyer with The Texas Law Dog is ready to fight for every dollar you are owed after a serious crash.
Serving the community since 2018, your Mesquite personal injury lawyer will take on negligent drivers, transit companies, and insurers to secure maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Mesquite
Bus accidents in Mesquite can happen for a variety of reasons, often resulting in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Driver negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, and hazardous road conditions all contribute to crashes that could have been prevented.
If you were injured in a bus accident, a Mesquite bus accident attorney from The Texas Law Dog can help you determine who is responsible and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Driver Negligence and Reckless Operation
Bus drivers must follow strict safety protocols, but errors in judgment or reckless behavior can cause serious accidents. Speeding, aggressive lane changes, and failing to yield to pedestrians put passengers and other motorists at risk. Your Mesquite car accident lawyer can investigate whether the driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.
Distractions such as cellphone use, fatigue, or impaired driving also play a role in bus accidents. Bus drivers often work long shifts, and drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. If a driver was not properly trained or ignored traffic laws, they may be held accountable for the injuries they caused.
Poor Bus Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
Buses require regular maintenance to keep them safe on the road, but some companies cut corners to save money. Brake failures, steering malfunctions, and tire blowouts can result in catastrophic accidents. If a bus company neglects routine inspections, it may be liable for the harm caused by its failure to maintain safe vehicles.
Dangerous Road Conditions and Third-Party Liability
Some bus accidents happen because of hazards on the road that make it difficult for drivers to maintain control.
Uneven pavement, potholes, and inadequate signage can increase the risk of crashes. When government agencies fail to maintain safe roadways, they may be held accountable for accidents caused by unsafe conditions.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Liability in a Mesquite Bus Accident Claim
Determining liability in bus accidents requires examining who was responsible for the crash and whether multiple parties share fault. Depending on the circumstances, the bus driver, bus company, maintenance provider, or another motorist may be held accountable for the harm caused.
The following parties may be liable in your Mesquite bus accident claim.
Bus Drivers
A bus driver who was distracted, speeding, or impaired at the time of the crash may be held responsible. If their actions violate traffic laws or company policies, they may face both civil and criminal penalties. A driver’s history of prior traffic violations or complaints may also play a role in determining liability.
Bus Companies
The bus company is responsible for hiring qualified drivers, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining vehicles. If the company allowed untrained drivers on the road or skipped necessary repairs, it could be held accountable for any resulting injuries. Negligent hiring practices or failure to properly vet employees can also contribute to liability.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or steering systems, can contribute to serious accidents. If a bus malfunctions due to a manufacturing defect, the company that produced the vehicle or its components may be liable. Investigating recalls, product testing failures, and prior complaints can help establish manufacturer negligence.
Government Entities
City or state agencies responsible for maintaining roads and traffic signals may be at fault if dangerous road conditions contributed to the crash. Filing a claim against a government entity requires following strict legal procedures. Inadequate road design or failure to repair known hazards can also establish government liability.
Other Negligent Drivers
If another driver’s reckless actions caused the bus accident, they may be responsible for covering the damages. Evidence such as traffic camera footage and eyewitness statements can help establish liability in these cases. Sudden lane changes, tailgating, or failure to yield are common factors in multi-vehicle bus accidents.
Mesquite Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Texas Laws that Impact Bus Accident Cases
If you were injured in a bus accident, multiple Texas laws could affect your claim. These laws determine who may be held responsible, what evidence may be used, and how compensation is awarded. Understanding the following statutes can help you build a strong case and pursue recoverable damages after a bus accident:
- Lane Discipline for Drivers – Texas Transportation Code § 545.060 requires all drivers to remain in a single lane and operate vehicles safely. A bus driver who swerves between lanes or fails to maintain control of the vehicle may be considered negligent in a crash.
- Common Carrier Liability – In Texas, buses are classified as common carriers, meaning they must exercise a higher standard of care for passenger safety. If a bus company fails to properly train drivers or maintain vehicles, it may be held responsible for injuries.
- Statute of Limitations – Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 establishes a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury claim. If you do not file within this period, you may lose the right to seek compensation for medical bills and other losses.
- Comparative Fault in Accidents – Texas uses a modified comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation at a reduced rate, even if you are found partially responsible for the accident per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be unable to recover damages.
Bus accident cases often involve multiple legal factors that can impact who is held accountable and how much compensation you may receive. Liability may extend beyond the bus driver to include the bus company, maintenance providers, or even local government agencies.
If you were injured, knowing your legal rights can help you seek recoverable damages after a bus accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
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Consult a Bus Accident Lawyer in Mesquite for Help Today
Bus companies and insurers often try to minimize payouts, but you do not have to accept less than you deserve.
Let your bus accident attorney in Mesquite from The Texas Law Dog build a strong claim and fight for full compensation. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form