Bus accidents can be deadly. Regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving, a bus is likely significantly larger, often resulting in more severe injuries and property damage. If you have been involved in a bus accident, a New Braunfels personal injury lawyer is ready to fight on your behalf.
At The Texas Law Dog, we have been representing locals since 2018. We know the courts, the judges, defense attorneys, and clerks, all of whom help us represent you better. If you have been injured, our bus accident lawyer in New Braunfels is here to make sure you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Bus Accidents Can Have Many Causes
Driving a large vehicle, such as a bus, requires diligent training and adequate supervision until that training is complete. If a bus driver is on the road before being fully trained on how to operate the bus they are driving, the entity that employs that driver may be found liable.
Buses also require consistent, well-documented maintenance. Buses often travel long distances or run frequently throughout the city. This amount of time on the road means vehicles must be serviced regularly. If adequate service is not performed, mechanical issues may arise, leading to accidents.
Bus drivers are often exposed to much more distraction while on the road. Whether it’s unruly passengers, frequent stops, or other drivers behaving recklessly, bus drivers must remain aware at all times. Lack of focus can lead to collisions, resulting in major injuries.
Common Injuries Seen After Bus Accidents
Any vehicle collision can cause injury, but bus accidents can be especially dangerous. It is not uncommon to see more severe injuries after a bus incident. If you are a victim of one of these collisions, a bus accident attorney in New Braunfels can work with you to secure compensation. Common injuries may include:
- Abrasions and lacerations
- Whiplash injury
- Head injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
Even if injuries seem minor, it is crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will not only help you recover more quickly, but it can also lead to a better outcome for your case, as it directly links your injuries to the accident.
New Braunfels Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Determining Liability in a Bus Accident
Texas adheres to a modified comparative negligence rule (Sec. 33.002). This means that as long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you may still be eligible to recover damages. Once you and your New Braunfels bus accident lawyer determine that you have a case, you must consider who may be responsible.
The Bus Driver
If a bus driver is found to be acting negligently, they may be liable for the accident. This can include driving distracted, tired, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired. Also, if they knowingly operate the bus without proper maintenance, they may be found liable.
Cities and Municipalities
If the bus is part of the public transportation system, the city, county, or state may be responsible for an accident. This could be due to inadequate driver training, poor maintenance, or issues with roads the city is responsible for.
School Districts or Private Schools
As with public transport, if a school operates a bus, it may be responsible if an accident occurs. They are generally responsible for bus maintenance and driver training, so if standards are not met, then they could be held liable.
Private Bus Companies
Many private entities own and operate buses. These can be tour buses, long-distance travel, shuttle buses, etc. If a private company is responsible for the bus, it may be held liable if its driver causes an accident.
Other Motorists Behaving Recklessly
Oftentimes, other vehicles on the road may drive more aggressively around a bus, particularly if it is a slower-moving vehicle. If the other driver is found to be driving recklessly and that is determined to be the cause of the accident, they could be held liable.
Determining liability is one of the first steps your attorney will take as they build your case. This is a pivotal step and needs to be done promptly, as Texas has a two-year statute of limitations (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003) on personal injury claims, so if your claim is not filed within two years, you could lose your opportunity to recover damages.
You Deserve Justice – And Compensation
After being involved in a bus accident, you may be under financial stress. Your attorney is there to help you secure a fair and just settlement for what you’ve endured. Possible payments you could be entitled to may include:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical treatments
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
All cases are unique and may offer their own set of recoverable damages. It is crucial that you document all expenses related to the accident. This information will help your attorney build your case and ensure that you get the highest settlement possible.
Hiring The Right New Braunfels Bus Accident Attorney Can Mean The Difference Between Lowball Offers and a Fair Settlement
After a bus accident, your New Braunfels bus accident attorney will work with you and show you how to file a claim after a bus accident. They will advocate on your behalf, working with experts, speaking with witnesses, collecting evidence, and ensuring all filings are done correctly.
The legal system can be complex, and navigating it alone could result in you leaving money on the table. Insurance companies know how to shift blame and convince you to take an offer for less than you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney understands these tactics and how to fight against them.
Having an attorney also means that nothing gets missed. Personal injury claims can be filled with endless paperwork with legal jargon that can be challenging to understand. Your lawyer has years of schooling and experience to ensure everything is done correctly.
The Texas Law Dog Is Here to Fight for You
At The Texas Law Dog, we understand the horrific event that you have experienced, and believe that you deserve an advocate in your corner.
Our team will work diligently to ensure you get the justice and compensation that you deserve. Call us today for your free consultation and let us fight for you.
