Houston Bus Accident Attorney
Buses are a common sight in most cities and towns. Houston is no exception; our streets are full of buses carrying commuters, travelers, and students daily. Buses offer a cheaper, long-distance alternative for thousands of travelers every year. The downside to this occurs during the involvement of bus accidents.
These are large, slightly unwieldy vehicles, and there are thousands of them on the streets. It’s no wonder they’re involved in so many traffic accidents. Buses are considered common carriers, and the laws in the state of Texas hold bus drivers and their employers to a higher standard. It is important to consult an experienced Houston bus accident attorney to discuss whether this standard was violated.
What Are Some Common Bus Accident Injuries?
Traffic accidents often run the gamut between very mild and severe. Bus accidents are no different. Injuries that stem from a bus accident fall across a spectrum of severity, from whiplash to serious head trauma, broken bones, and possibly death.
But there are also other types of injuries associated with bus accidents.
First, buses are more likely to tip over or rollover than standard passenger vehicles. Many buses don’t have seat belts or airbags for their passengers. Though buses are somewhat less likely to crash than other vehicles, the chances of severe injury are higher when a bus accident does occur.
Common Bus Accident Injuries Include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations and cuts
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
Unique Issues in a Bus Accident Claim
Negotiations for the vast majority of personal injury cases are very straightforward. You and your Houston bus accident attorney will be negotiating with an insurance company. Either the insurance company will settle, or your case will go to court.
Bus accidents may be a little more complicated. In some bus accidents, another reckless driver causes the wreck. If you are a passenger who sustains an injury in a bus accident in a situation like this, you can file a third-party insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
If the bus driver is at fault, the situation gets sticky. Many buses are owned and operated by government entities. Filing a personal injury claim with a government entity is, as you can imagine, a lot trickier than filing it against a private citizen.
Filing a Notice of Claim With the Government
When you file a claim with a government entity, there are a few things the filing must include:
- Statement of the claimant’s intent to ask for compensation for the injuries they sustained.
- Description of the time, place, and circumstances giving rise to the claim. Basically, they need the details of the bus accident.
- Nature of the claimant’s losses. Describe your injuries and property damage.
- Claimant’s name and address.
It is important that you file this claim with the government entity in question as soon as possible. If the government rejects part or all of the claim, you have the option of filing a lawsuit in court.
This same process also applies to any driver of more common vehicles who sustain injuries in bus accidents caused by government-employed bus drivers.S
What Parties Can Be At Fault In A Bus Accident in Texas?
It may take some investigation on the part of your bus accident attorney to discover who exactly is at fault in your bus accident. A number of factors can cause a bus accident, including but not limited to:
- Bus drivers working while fatigued
- Inadequate training or improperly screened for employment
- Driving under the influence
- Overloaded or improperly loaded buses, and
- Improper bus maintenance
What Damages Can I Recover in a Bus Accident Claim in Houston?
In a personal injury case, you can recover damages for your lost wages, medical bills, as well as less tangible “pain and suffering” damages.
Recoverable damages in a bus accident claim include:
- Past lost wages
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Past and future mental anguish, pain and suffering, and medical expenses
- Personal or household expenses as a result of your injuries
How Do I Calculate Damages for Bus Accident Injuries in Houston?
The amount of damages you recover will be a combination of medical bills and other expenses, as well as wages you may have earned while you are recovering. However, as you can see, there are also potential damages that are more difficult to calculate.
It’s impossible, really, to put a price tag on pain and suffering. For this reason, if you are seeking compensation in a personal injury claim, it is essential that you have a Houston bus accident attorney experienced in personal injury. An experienced attorney like Trey Barton can use his personal experience and knowledge to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Call 832-916-2526 or fill out the form online for a free consultation.
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Trey Barton understands the hardships injured people and their loved ones face as they try to heal from their accident. Every case is prepared as if it is going to trial. This gives you the best opportunity to obtain a fair recovery for your case, and ensures I am positioned to take the case to trial if the insurance company does not give you the money you deserve.
