Buses have an essential role in local, regional, and interstate transportation. In most situations, buses are a reliable and safe way to get where you need to go.
However, the aftermath can be devastating when a Texas bus crash occurs. Along with injuries, bus accident litigation is complex.
The Burkett Law Firm has experience with Texas bus accidents and other commercial vehicle lawsuits. We encourage victims of bus accidents in Texas to contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss their case. Our team works tirelessly to help accident victims recover the full compensation they are entitled to.
Understanding the Scope of a Bus Accident
A bus accident is any situation where a bus gets involved in an event resulting in damage or injury. This could be due to a collision with another vehicle, an object, or a pedestrian.
Understanding what qualifies as a bus accident is beneficial when determining the legal routes available post-accident.
Different Types of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents in Texas can vary significantly in nature. They might include:
- Collisions: Where the bus hits another vehicle or object on the road.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: Situations where the bus is the only vehicle involved, perhaps due to technical faults or adverse weather conditions.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Incidents where a pedestrian is struck by a bus.
Knowing the type of bus accident you’ve been involved in is information your Texas bus accident lawyer needs.
Your Rights as a Victim
Being involved in a bus accident can be traumatic, and knowing your rights as a victim is vital. Along with keeping yourself safe, knowing what to do will help you protect your rights to compensation.
Immediate Actions
In the aftermath of a bus accident, seek medical attention to address any injuries or health concerns immediately. It is your right and a crucial step in ensuring your well-being. Apart from health concerns, this will also create a medical record, which can be vital evidence if you decide to pursue legal action later.
Reporting the Accident
You need to report the bus accident to the relevant Texas authorities. Texas law requires this if an accident causes a serious injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
Reporting the accident involves informing the local police to ensure an official incident record. Collaborate with the police and provide a factual account of the event. Keep your opinions and speculations to yourself.
Preservation of Evidence
Preserving evidence is your rightful step to substantiate your claims in any potential legal process. This could involve taking pictures of the accident scene, gathering witness testimonies, and retaining a copy of the police report. Contact a Texas bus accident lawyer who can help guide you on what evidence is needed for your case.
Navigating Fault and Liability
Understanding fault and liability is critical to securing justice after a bus accident. Learn about Texas liability laws and how they will impact your bus accident claim here.
Texas Liability Laws
In Texas, liability laws operate under a “modified comparative fault” rule, meaning that a victim’s compensation is influenced by their percentage of fault in the bus accident. However, if one is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from receiving any compensation.
Determining Fault
Determining who is at fault in a bus accident can often be a complex process involving multiple parties. Generally, the fault is assigned based on available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and expert analyses. As mentioned, fault may be assigned to multiple parties. Some parties who could be at fault for a Texas bus accident include the following:
- Bus Driver: In many cases, the bus driver can be held liable, especially if negligence such as distracted driving or speeding is involved.
- Bus Company: The bus company may be liable if they fail to maintain the vehicle properly, resulting in a bus accident.
- Government Entities: Sometimes, government entities can be held responsible, for instance, if a bus accident occurs due to poor road conditions or improper signage, which are under governmental jurisdiction.
- Other Road Users: Other drivers on the road can also be liable if their reckless driving caused the bus accident.
Understanding who is at fault can often be a complex process involving multiple parties. Seeking the guidance of a Texas bus accident lawyer can be a vital step in identifying the liable parties accurately and pursuing a successful claim.
The Role of Negligence
Negligence plays a central role in establishing liability. It refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm or injury. In bus accident cases, this could pertain to the bus driver, the bus company, or even another driver who may have acted recklessly, resulting in the accident. Establishing negligence is crucial in defining liability and seeking rightful compensation.
Compensation and Damages
After a bus accident, victims might be faced with various challenges, including physical injuries and financial strains. Understanding what compensation you may be entitled to can help you know what type of financial relief you may receive.
Potential Compensation
Victims of a bus accident in Texas can seek different types of compensation. These may include medical expenses for treating injuries sustained during the accident, lost wages due to inability to work, and compensation for emotional distress.
Damages
In legal terms, “damages” refers to the monetary compensation you can claim in a lawsuit. Following a bus accident, damages could encompass tangible losses like property damage and intangible losses such as pain and suffering.
Calculating Damages
Determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to involves a detailed analysis of the extent of injuries, the impact on your life, and potential future implications. Generally, the process considers medical bills, earnings loss, and emotional trauma severity.
Legal Protections
Bus accident victims in Texas have specific legal protections. These include the right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. Being aware of these protections is essential to safeguard your interests effectively.
Statutes of Limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations dictates that a victim has two years from the date of the bus accident to file a personal injury claim. This timeline is crucial, as failing to file within this period can forfeit your right to pursue legal recourse.
Therefore, timely action is essential. Consulting with a Texas bus accident lawyer can help ensure you adhere to the law and avoid issues like letting the statute of limitations lapse.
Your Legal Rights and Options After a Texas Bus Accident
Being involved in a Texas bus accident can be a scary situation. If this happens, you must know your rights and what legal avenues are available.
You don’t have to try to navigate the legal process alone. At The Burkett Law Firm, our Corpus Christi injury attorneys are ready to help you determine liability and help you seek justice and compensation. The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.
