Mansfield Bus Accident Lawyer
Keeping passengers safe should be any bus driver’s most important task. Whether the driver of a public bus, private coach, or school bus did not follow the rules of the road or put passengers in danger for other reasons, such as driving under the influence, it can result in serious injuries. Other drivers who fail to pay attention can cause bus accidents if they collide with a large vehicle and possibly others. Speak with a Mansfield bus accident lawyer today if you sustained severe injuries as a passenger, pedestrian, or the driver of a car or truck.
An experienced personal injury attorney could investigate your case in-depth to determine if moving forward with the claim is the right course of action. To begin discussing the details of your case, schedule a consultation today.
What are Some Common Bus Accident Injuries?
Since buses weigh thousands of pounds more than other motor vehicles, the injuries they can inflict are often severe. Whether the plaintiff was struck by a bus while crossing the street, driving another vehicle, or sustained injuries as a passenger, they may require medical care for the following injuries:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Limb amputation
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Back injuries
Who Could be Held Liable in a Bus Collision in Mansfield?
A legal professional in Mansfield experienced in litigating bus collisions could help plaintiffs determine accident liability. The driver is liable if the individual failed to follow traffic laws, such as running a red light or changing lanes without using a turn signal. A bus driver is also liable if they operated the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and made decisions resulting in severe injuries or loss of life. However, a driver may not be held liable for an accident if it occurred due to a manufacturing defect, such as faulty brake lines or a locked steering wheel. The manufacturers become liable in such cases.
Other drivers may also share liability, again because of issues such as reckless or impaired driving. For example, passing a school bus with an activated stop sign is illegal and can result in collisions.
Even pedestrians can be found partially liable if they were struck by a bus because they were jaywalking, looking at a personal device or otherwise not paying attention, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Could Shared Negligence Impact a Damage Award?
Determining fault in a Texas bus accident case requires reviewing negligence laws with a Mansfield attorney. Unlike some states that follow contributory negligence laws that do not award damages to plaintiffs found even 1 percent responsible for accidents, Texas uses modified comparative negligence laws. Such laws allow plaintiffs to recover damages so long as they are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. The percentage of liability assigned to the plaintiff impacts the compensation amount, for example, if the individual was found 40 percent responsible for damages amounting to $100,000, they will receive $60,000.
Schedule a Consultation with a Mansfield Bus Accident Attorney
Texas laws dictate that drivers involved in an auto accident must report the incident to the local police department immediately if the crash resulted in severe vehicle damage. The collision should also be immediately reported if it resulted in one or more fatalities. Reporting the accident provides evidence in any resulting insurance claims or liability lawsuits.
After you report the incident, schedule a consultation with a Mansfield bus accident lawyer who could gather evidence from the police report in order to support your claim for damages. Call today to get started.