Bus accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicle, the lack of seatbelts, and the potential for rollovers and collisions. Negligence is a significant factor in many bus collisions that can result in grave and even deadly outcomes for the numerous individuals involved.
A Houston bus accident lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas can thoroughly investigate the collision, gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and even black box data from the bus. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes in your case and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
What Are the Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Bus collisions can stem from various causes. Liable parties can include the bus driver, the bus company, other drivers involved, or even the bus manufacturer. Common negligence-based causes of bus collisions include:
- Ignoring traffic rules: Running red lights, failing to yield, or driving through stop signs
- Driving under the influence: Operating the bus under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inadequate training or experience: Drivers lacking the necessary skills to operate a bus safely
- Defective parts: A manufacturer may be liable if a faulty component, such as the brakes or steering, caused a bus wreck
- Fatigue: Working long hours or with inadequate rest, leading to delayed reactions, poor judgment, and potential loss of control
- Distracted driving: Drivers failing to maintain focus on the road due to phone use, interacting with passengers, or other distractions
- Speeding or reckless driving: Exceeding speed limits or maneuvering aggressively, leading to increased accident risk and severity, especially for large vehicles
- Negligent maintenance: Failing to conduct regular and proper maintenance on the bus fleet, including checking brakes, tires, and other critical components, leading to mechanical issues
Bus accidents can also be caused by the negligence or reckless behavior of other drivers on the road, such as when a driver fails to yield, runs red lights, or cuts off a bus. Common injuries sustained by bus passengers and occupants of other vehicles involved in these collisions can include:
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
More serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage, can also occur. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a recent collision involving a school bus, public transit bus, charter bus, or shuttle bus, you should speak with a Houston attorney as soon as possible to determine what compensation may be available.
Collecting Damages for Bus Accident Victims
In this state, bus operators have a heightened duty of care to ensure the safety of their passengers, particularly those who operate commercial buses considered common carriers. This means they must exercise the highest degree of care in all aspects of their operations, including maintaining the bus, their driver fitness, and their safe driving practices. The law considers common carriers to have a higher responsibility due to their professional status and the trust placed in them by the public to safely transport passengers.
In a negligence lawsuit, a jury would be instructed to consider whether the common carrier acted with the extreme caution expected of a professional in similar circumstances. As the conduct of the common carrier is judged with stricter criteria, this can potentially lead to a finding of negligence even in situations where a private driver might not be found negligent.
Injured individuals can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages in a bus accident claim. An experienced Houston bus collision attorney can help victims understand their rights and pursue appropriate claims.
Speak With an Experienced Bus Wreck Attorney in Houston
Bus wrecks can involve complex legal issues, especially when they include public transportation or government entities. An experienced Houston bus accident lawyer can help navigate these complexities and effectively handle your claim at every stage.
Whether in negotiations with the insurance company or presenting a compelling case in court, our attorneys will tirelessly advocate for the most favorable case results. Contact Williams Hart & Boundas today to request your free, no-obligation case evaluation.