Being involved in a bus accident can give you a lot of questions about your injuries, liability and legal options. It is important to understand your rights in the aftermath of this type of crash, as they are different from a standard car accident. For example, rather than holding a driver responsible, you may be able to file a claim against a company. An attorney can assist you with the bus accident claims process while you deal with your injuries. The experienced attorneys at Hill Law Firm are here for you during this difficult time. We are highly experienced and reputable Austin bus accident lawyers who are dedicated to pursuing justice for accident victims. Find out how we can help you during a free case evaluation.
Austin Bus Accident Resources
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Top Causes of Bus Accidents
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident in Texas?
Financial Compensation Available After a Bus Accident
Discuss Your Legal Rights With an Attorney Today
Top Causes of Bus Accidents
In Texas, it is necessary to find out what caused a bus accident before victims can file injury claims. This is because Texas is a fault state, where the person or party responsible for causing a crash is also answerable for the costs. In a fault insurance state, all injured victims seek financial compensation from the at-fault party. In no-fault states, drivers file claims with their car insurance companies, regardless of fault. Common causes of bus accidents include:
- Bus driver errors
- Bus driver distraction
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Violating traffic laws
- Following too closely
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless or aggressive drivingÂ
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor bus driver training
- Inadequate bus maintenance or inspections
You may need an Austin personal injury attorney to thoroughly investigate your bus accident case to determine causation. At Hill Law Firm, we can revisit the scene of your bus accident to gather any available evidence. We can also file letters of preservation and take other steps to protect key evidence in your case. Our lawyers will identify the defendant(s) and search for all insurance policies available for financial recovery.
What Are Some Common Bus Accident Injuries?
A bus accident can lead to serious injuries for those involved, including passengers on the bus, bicyclists or pedestrians outside of the bus, and the driver or occupants of another vehicle. If a bus driver makes an error and loses control of the vehicle, victims could suffer many serious injuries, such as:Â
- WhiplashÂ
- Bone fractures
- Soft-tissue and muscle injuries
- Scrapes, cuts and deeper lacerations
- Back and spine injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Internal injuries
Most buses do not have seat belts, which can put you at a greater risk of injury in an accident. The attorneys at Hill Law Firm can handle any type of injury claim, including catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We can assist you in healing and rebuilding your life as much as possible by working tirelessly on your case.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident in Texas?
Liability – legal and financial responsibility – for a bus accident in Austin can be difficult to determine without assistance from an attorney. In a typical car accident case involving two drivers, one of the drivers is most likely the party that is responsible for paying for property repairs and medical bills. In a bus accident, however, there are more than just two drivers involved. Since the bus driver is being paid to operate the bus, his or her employer may also be liable.
The legal doctrine of vicarious liability states that an employer can be held responsible for acts of negligence committed by on-duty employees. In a bus accident case in Texas, the entity that owns the bus or hired the driver could be held responsible. You may be able to bring a claim against a commercial enterprise such as Greyhound or Peter Pan, for example, after a private bus accident. You may also be able to bring a lawsuit against the government for a crash involving a public school bus or city bus, such as the Austin CapMetro.Â
Another possibility is a third party, such as the manufacturer of a defective bus part. If a tire on the bus blew out and caused your crash, for example, the tire manufacturer may be liable. If another driver crashed into the bus that you were riding on, his or her car insurance may provide coverage. A bus and car accident attorney in Austin can help you determine what party or parties to hold responsible for a crash.
Financial Compensation Available After a Bus Accident in Austin
A successful bus accident injury claim in Austin can allow your grievance to be heard. You can hold a negligent person or party accountable and potentially influence changes on a larger scale, such as encouraging the defendant to take better care of its buses or improve bus driver training programs. You can also secure justice in the form of financial compensation for your past and future losses. You may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Property damage
- Hospital bills
- Ongoing necessary medical care
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Legal fees and out-of-pocket costs
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages, in some cases
If your loved one passed away in a fatal bus accident in Austin, your family may be entitled to wrongful death damages. This can include funeral and burial costs, lost income and inheritance, loss of consortium, and grief or mourning. It is important to consult with an attorney about the potential value of your bus accident injury claim before rushing into a fast insurance settlement. An insurance company may try to take advantage of you, but a lawyer will give you an accurate and honest representation of how much your case is worth. Â
Discuss Your Legal Rights With an Attorney Today Â
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a bus accident in Austin, speak to an attorney at Hill Law Firm about what happens next. Hiring an attorney can ensure the preservation of your rights. Your lawyer can guide you through legal options and help you choose the right one for your specific case, needs and goals. Your lawyer can also answer your legal questions and make sure you and your family have everything you need.Â
Discuss your recent bus accident with one of our attorneys for more information at no cost or obligation. Request a free case consultation by calling (210) 960-3939 or contacting us online 24/7. We look forward to hearing from you.