San Antonio Bus Accident Lawyer

When San Antonio residents travel by city transit busses or let a child ride a school bus, you put your trust in the bus driver and bus company with your and/or your family’s safety and security. Although bus accidents are unexpected, they happen.

What To Do Following A Bus Accident

• Seek Medical Attention
  It is important that you and any loved ones involved in the accident seek prompt medical attention. Because buses are typically commercial carriers, bus company personnel will usually call for medical assistance for any passengers who may need it. Insist on receiving a full medical evaluation of any injuries you believe to have suffered which may include head, back, and spinal injuries.
• Call the Police
  Immediately call law enforcement to the scene and request a report detailing the events that caused the crash. Your accident attorney will use the report in preparing your claim.
• Contact a San Antonio Bus Accident Attorney
  There are certain regulations specific to carriers such as bus companies and transit lines. An experienced bus accident attorney will be able to which if any of these regulations apply to your case. Texas law may also impose strict limits on the time you have to bring a claim for recovery. You should entrust your case to a lawyer who has experience with similar cases to be sure that your case is handled with competence and that your rights are protected.

Injured in a Bus Accident?
Contact us today for a free consultation at (726) 227-4766. Let our experienced lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve! 

Who May Be Responsible Bus Accident Injuries?

Due the many ways a bus accident can occur, the responsible party(ies) and damages will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. It is important for your attorney to identify parties, such as the bus owner, the company that operates the bus, and the company responsible for maintaining the bus. Finding a lawyer that will work to pinpoint all potential parties is crucial. Parties that may be responsible for bus accident injuries include the following:

• The Bus Company
• The Bus Maintenance Company
• State or Local Government Entities
• School Districts or School Boards
• Cruise Lines or Tour Operators
• Bus Driver
• Another Vehicle’s Driver and Possibly Their Employer
• Bus and Bus Part Manufacturer

Types of Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents can lead to serious injuries due to the large size and weight of the vehicle. Below are some common injuries that passengers or other individuals involved in a bus crash may experience:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden jolt from a crash can cause the head to snap forward or backward, leading to whiplash or neck strain. These injuries can cause long-lasting pain and limited mobility.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major concern in bus accidents. Passengers may hit their head on hard surfaces inside the bus, or an external impact may cause a concussion, skull fracture, or more severe brain injury.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact from a bus accident can result in severe back pain or spinal cord injuries, which could lead to paralysis or chronic pain. These injuries often require long-term care and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: Fractures, especially in passengers who are standing or seated without proper restraints, are common. Broken arms, legs, and ribs are often seen in accidents with buses.
• Internal Injuries: The force of the crash can cause blunt force trauma to the body, resulting in internal injuries such as organ damage, which may not be immediately visible but could be life-threatening.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Understanding the causes of a bus accident is essential in determining liability. Common causes include:

• Driver Error: Sometimes, the bus driver may be responsible for an accident due to distractions, fatigue, or impaired driving. Misjudgment and failure to follow traffic laws can cause serious collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Hazards like potholes, wet roads, and poorly marked construction zones can contribute to bus accidents. Poor road conditions may cause a driver to lose control of the bus, leading to a crash.
• Mechanical Failure: If buses are not maintained properly, or parts fail unexpectedly, accidents can happen. This may include brake failure or tire blowouts.
• Bus Company Negligence: Bus companies have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are safe and their drivers are properly trained. Failing to meet safety standards can lead to accidents.
• Other Drivers' Negligence: Sometimes, other drivers on the road, such as those speeding, running red lights, or making unsafe lane changes, cause accidents that involve buses. Their actions can put bus passengers at risk.

Why You Need an Experienced Bus Accident Lawyer

Navigating the legal process after a bus accident can be complex. Here’s why you should seek help from an experienced bus accident lawyer:

• Understanding Complex Regulations: Bus accidents are subject to special laws that apply to commercial carriers. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand these regulations and how they apply to your case.
• Investigating the Accident: A lawyer will investigate the cause of the crash, collecting evidence from various sources like traffic camera footage, witness testimonies, and maintenance records to build a strong case.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Bus companies often have extensive legal teams to protect their interests. An attorney will help you negotiate with the bus company’s insurance to ensure you get fair compensation.

Compensation for Bus Accident Victims

Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. Some forms of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for medical bills, both past and future, related to injuries sustained in the crash.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible to receive compensation for wages you lost during your recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Bus accidents often cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Victims can receive compensation for the physical and psychological toll of their injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury prevents you from enjoying activities or hobbies that you once loved, you may receive compensation for the loss of quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where there’s extreme negligence or reckless conduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I know if I have a valid bus accident claim?
  If you have been injured in a bus accident, and it was caused by someone else’s negligence, you likely have a valid claim. This could include accidents caused by driver error, poor maintenance, or road conditions. Speaking with an attorney can help you determine whether your claim has legal merit.
• What if the bus accident was caused by another vehicle?
  If another vehicle caused the accident by failing to follow traffic laws or driving recklessly, that driver and their insurance company may be liable for your injuries. In some cases, both the bus company and the other vehicle’s driver may share liability.
• Can I file a claim if I wasn’t on the bus but was involved in the accident?
  Yes, if you were injured in a bus accident as a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver on the road, you may still be entitled to compensation. This would depend on the details of the accident and the involved parties’ actions.
• How long will it take to settle my bus accident case?
  The length of time to resolve a bus accident case depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. While many cases settle within a few months, others may take longer if there are disputes or if the case goes to trial.
• What if the bus driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
  If the bus driver was impaired at the time of the accident, it could lead to heightened penalties for the responsible party. You may be able to pursue additional damages for the increased negligence, including punitive damages.
• Can I file a claim if I was injured on a public transit bus?
  Yes, public transit buses are operated by government entities or private contractors. If you are injured on a public transit bus, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible party, but it may involve additional legal steps due to government immunity laws.
• What evidence do I need to gather after a bus accident?
  After a bus accident, try to gather as much evidence as possible:
  • Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
  • Contact information of any witnesses
  • The police report and any medical records
  • Information about the bus company and driver

Get the Legal Help You Need Now!
Call (726) 227-4766 for a no-cost consultation. We’re here to guide you through every step of your bus accident claim.