Damages in Dallas Bus Accident Cases
Even at low speeds, traffic collisions and other accidents involving commercial or private buses can cause serious injuries to passengers that may result in various short-term and long-term losses. Identifying, valuing, and demanding compensation for those losses is the core purpose of any lawsuit or settlement demand.
However, it can be trickier than you might expect to figure out what damages you are entitled to, let alone what a fair financial value is for the long-term impact of your injuries. With that in mind, here is a brief overview of possible damages in Dallas bus accident cases and how state law governs recovery in certain types of cases, all of which a knowledgeable bus accident lawyer could explain in detail during a consultation.
What Economic Damages Can a Victim Recover for a Bus Crash?
The more straightforward type of damages to put a specific price tag on during bus accident claims in Dallas are “economic” damages, which include losses that the plaintiff filing suit can prove the value of using bills, receipts, and purchase records. Most of the time, medical bills represent the bulk of these losses, including past expenses for services already rendered before the claim is filed and costs of expected future care like physical therapy.
It can also be important to account for income the plaintiff may miss out on while they are out of work recovering from their injuries, as well as any diminished earning capacity caused by a long-term injury. Additionally, when a bus accident crash results in damage to the victim’s personal property, they can factor repair or replacement costs for that property into their claim.
Recoverable Damages for Non-Economic Losses
“Non-economic” damages are those that do not have quantitative financial values and, instead, must be valued based on the plaintiff’s unique experiences. These losses are sometimes referred to as “pain and suffering” damages. In Dallas, it is also possible to recover for other subjective forms of harm following a public transportation wreck, like lost enjoyment of life, emotional anguish, and psychological trauma.
“Caps” on Recovery After Public Bus Crashes
While there are no limits on how much money someone injured in a commercial bus crash can seek in an ensuing civil claim in Dallas, there are limits placed on recovery after public transport collisions. Specifically, the Texas Tort Claims Act limits the liability of “unit[s] of local government” to $100,000 per injured plaintiff, $300,000 per accident for personal injuries, and $100,000 per collision for property damage. The limits for claims against “municipalities” are $250,000 per plaintiff, $500,000 per accident for injuries, and $100,000 per collision for property damage.
A Knowledgeable Attorney in Dallas Could Answer Questions About Damages in Bus Accident Cases
Every lawsuit and settlement demand built around bus accidents is different. For example, there is no “average” value that a claim of this nature should have. That said, it can still be very helpful to know what kinds of damages you could potentially recover through civil litigation before filing your clam.
Guidance from a seasoned bus accident lawyer can be vital to maximizing available damages in Dallas bus accident cases and helping you obtain the justice you deserve. Call today to learn more and schedule a consultation with a capable legal team member.