Accidents involving school buses can cause serious injuries. If you or your child was involved in this type of crash, a Georgetown bus accident lawyer can help you recover damages.
The Texas Law Dog has been fighting for accident victims since 2018. If you were injured in a crash with a school bus, a school bus accident lawyer in Georgetown can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you obtain fair compensation.
The Role of a Georgetown School Bus Accident Lawyer
School bus crashes often involve multiple liable parties with overlapping insurance policies. A Georgetown personal injury lawyer can assist with your case by:
- Investigating the accident: We can review the police report, photographs, witness statements, video footage, and other evidence to determine how the accident happened and who is liable.
- Calculating damages: We can evaluate your losses and calculate your claim’s value.
- Handling insurance negotiations: We can communicate with insurers and push for a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court: If settlement talks fail, we can file a lawsuit and even fight for you in court if necessary.
What Types of Damages are Available?
The damages available to you after a bus crash will depend on how the crash occurred and how it impacted your life. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for emergency care, hospitalization, physician visits, medication, rehabilitation, and other treatment related to the accident.
- Future medical care: You can pursue damages for reasonably anticipated treatment if your injuries require ongoing medical care or rehabilitation.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain you experienced because of the accident.
- Emotional distress: You can pursue damages for psychological suffering associated with the crash.
- Disability or impairment: You can seek additional compensation if your injuries result in lasting limitations that affect your daily functioning.
Georgetown School Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
How Long Do You Have to File a School Bus Accident Claim in Texas?
Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you typically have two years from the date of a school bus accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, if the accident involved a government-owned bus, you must provide formal written notice of your claim within six months (or, in some cases, 90 days).
Waiting too long to file your claim can jeopardize your ability to pursue damages for the accident. A Georgetown school bus accident lawyer can help you file as soon as possible.
Who is Responsible for a School Bus Accident?
Liability for a school bus accident is not always straightforward. Multiple parties can be held responsible, including:
- Another driver: A motorist who crashes into a school bus or strikes a child while they are boarding or leaving the bus may be responsible for any resulting injuries.
- The school bus driver: If negligent driving contributed to the accident, the driver or the driver’s employer may potentially be liable.
- A school district: A school district may face liability for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance of vehicles. In certain situations, they can also be held responsible for an employee’s negligent actions.
- A transportation company: Some school districts contract with private companies, who may be held responsible for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance.
- A vehicle manufacturer: If a defective part contributed to the crash or worsened a victim’s injuries, a manufacturer or another entity in the distribution chain could potentially share liability.
- A maintenance provider: If improper repairs or maintenance caused a mechanical failure, the company or individual responsible for that work may potentially be liable.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents in Georgetown
School bus accidents can happen for many reasons. Common causes of these crashes in Georgetown include:
- Driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, failing to yield, and running red lights can cause collisions.
- School bus driver negligence: Fatigue, distraction, speeding, aggressive driving, or inadequate training may contribute to an accident.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Mechanical failures caused by inadequate inspections or maintenance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Unsafe loading or unloading: A child could fall, be struck by another vehicle, or suffer an injury if appropriate loading and unloading procedures are not followed.
- Dangerous road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, construction zones, malfunctioning traffic signals, and other roadway hazards can contribute to school bus accidents.
- Defective bus equipment: A defective component or safety system can contribute to a collision or make victims’ injuries worse.
Steps to Take After a School Bus Accident in Georgetown
The actions you take after a bus accident can affect both your physical recovery and your legal claim. It’s crucial to:
- Report the accident: Make sure the accident is reported to the appropriate authorities and obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Speak to witnesses: Write down the names and contact information of people who witnessed the collision.
- Get medical attention: Have your child evaluated by a medical professional as soon as reasonably possible, even if the injuries initially appear minor.
- Document injuries: Keep records of your diagnoses, prescriptions, appointments, treatment recommendations, and other medical information related to the crash.
- Preserve evidence: Keep photographs, videos, school communications, medical records, receipts, and other documents related to the accident.
- Avoid discussing fault: Don’t speculate about the accident or discuss who is at fault when speaking to people at the scene or insurance adjusters.
- Contact a lawyer: Speak to a school bus accident attorney in Georgetown to learn more about your legal options.
Contact a School Bus Accident Attorney in Georgetown
The aftermath of a school bus crash can be extremely overwhelming. If you or your child was involved in an accident with a school bus, a Georgetown school bus accident attorney from The Texas Law Dog can investigate the incident, gather evidence for your claim, and help pursue compensation for your losses.
Schedule a free case review to discuss your situation with an attorney.
