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Bus Accident Lawyer In Houston
At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges faced by victims of bus accidents. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you need experienced legal representation to navigate these complex cases and secure the compensation you deserve. Our Houston bus accident lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support, helping you manage the aftermath of your injuries and giving you the confidence to focus on recovery.
Bus accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles and the potential for multiple passengers to be impacted. Our Houston bus accident attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases, from determining liability to working with accident reconstruction experts. We have successfully helped clients recover substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering, ensuring they have the resources to rebuild their lives after a devastating accident.
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Table of Content
What is Bus Accident Law?
Bus accident law deals with the regulations and legal processes involved when someone is injured in an accident involving a bus. These cases often fall under personal injury law but can be more complex due to the involvement of public transportation entities, private companies, or school districts. Determining liability in bus accidents requires understanding the specific safety regulations and duties that apply to bus drivers and operators, as well as the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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Our attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of bus accident cases. We work to identify liable parties—whether it’s the bus company, driver, or other involved parties—ensuring you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Houston Bus Accident Laws
In Houston, several laws govern bus operations to ensure public safety. These laws can have a significant impact on bus accident cases. Here's a summary of key legal considerations:
School Bus Safety Laws
Houston follows Texas's strict school bus safety laws, which require all drivers to stop when a school bus's red lights are flashing, and its stop sign arm is extended. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the bus driver signals them to proceed.Â
Violating these laws can result in hefty fines and may establish liability in the event of an accident involving a school bus. Additionally, school buses must stop at all rail-grade crossings, regardless of whether children are on board, ensuring heightened safety in these zones​
Commercial Bus Regulations
Buses used for commercial purposes, including public transportation (e.g., METRO buses), must adhere to stringent federal and state safety regulations. These include regular maintenance checks, driver training, and strict adherence to traffic laws.
Failure to comply with these standards can lead to accidents, and any breach of duty by a bus company, such as poor maintenance or negligent hiring, can form the basis of a personal injury claim
Bus Accident Statistics in Houston
Understanding Texas bus crash statistics is key to improving safety measures and raising public awareness. Bus crashes, including those involving charter and school buses, are frequent across the state.
Examining the Numbers
Overall Trends
- Texas has an extensive road network that contributes to a high number of annual bus accidents.
- According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2021, there were 540 bus crashes statewide, resulting in 931 suspected injuries and 21 fatalities.
Analyzing these numbers helps in creating targeted solutions to enhance road safety.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Houston
Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and determining the cause is essential for building a strong case. Common causes include:
Driver Error
Fatigue, distraction, or reckless behavior by the bus driver can lead to devastating accidents.
When a bus driver is inattentive or careless, the risk of collisions with smaller vehicles like motorcycles or passenger cars increases. Similarly, in car accidents as well as motorcycle accidents, negligent driving—whether due to distractions or impaired judgment—often results in devastating consequences for all parties involved.
Poor Maintenance
Buses must be regularly inspected and maintained. Faulty brakes, tires, or mechanical issues can result in severe injuries or wrongful deaths.
Negligent Hiring or Training
If the bus company fails to properly train or vet their drivers, they can be held liable for accidents caused by unqualified or poorly trained drivers.
Third-Party Negligence
Other drivers on the road can cause bus accidents if they drive recklessly or disobey traffic laws.
Our Houston bus crash lawyers meticulously investigate every aspect of your accident to identify who is at fault and hold them accountable.
Common Bus Accident Injuries We Help You With
Bus accidents can result in severe injuries due to the size and impact of the vehicle. Common injuries include:
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and long-term rehabilitation.
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Spinal Cord Injuries
These can result in paralysis or reduced mobility, requiring lifelong care.
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Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractures often require surgery and extended recovery.
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Internal Injuries
Damage to organs or internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
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Emotional Trauma
Anxiety, PTSD, and depression are common after such accidents.
Steps to Take After a Houston Bus Accident
Here are the essential steps to take after a bus accident in Houston:
Call Authorities
Immediately contact emergency services to report the bus accident, ensuring that law enforcement and medical responders arrive quickly to assess the situation and assist those injured
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Prompt treatment helps document injuries and ensures any hidden issues are addressed early on.
Gather Evidence
Collect as much information from the scene as possible, including photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, and contact information from witnesses.
Report to Insurance
Notify your insurance company about the accident, providing accurate details and any evidence you’ve gathered to support your claim.
Consult a Lawyer
Speak with our experienced bus accident attorneys to evaluate your case discuss potential compensation, and understand your legal rights and options for moving forward.
Types of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can involve various types of buses, each with unique safety risks and challenges. Here are the common types of buses involved in accidents:
School Buses
School buses transport children to and from school and extracurricular activities. Due to their precious cargo, school bus accidents are highly regulated. Laws mandate strict safety measures, but accidents can still occur due to driver negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, or other drivers ignoring bus safety rules.
Public Transit Buses
Public transit buses serve city and regional routes, transporting thousands of commuters daily. Public transit bus accidents can occur in high-traffic areas, leading to severe injuries for passengers and pedestrians. These accidents often involve claims against the bus driver, the public transit authority, or other negligent drivers.
Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses typically operate in airports, hotels, or between locations in cities. These buses often make frequent stops, increasing the risk of collisions in busy urban areas. Shuttle bus accidents can lead to multiple claims, especially if operated by private companies or airports.
Coach Buses
Coach buses, also known as charter buses, are commonly used for long-distance travel. These buses can carry dozens of passengers, and accidents often result in multiple injuries. Accidents involving coach buses typically involve extensive investigations into the bus company’s maintenance practices and driver fatigue.
Intercity Buses
These buses operate between cities, such as the Greyhound buses that cover long distances. Intercity bus accidents are often more dangerous due to the high speeds at which these buses travel. Faulty equipment, distracted driving, or weather conditions can contribute to accidents.
Electric and Hybrid Buses
With growing concerns for the environment, electric and hybrid buses are becoming more common in public transit systems. However, their operation can present unique risks, such as unfamiliarity with technology or battery failures. Accidents involving these buses may require specialized legal expertise to determine liability, especially if it involves newer technologies.
Mini Buses
Mini buses are smaller than traditional buses and are often used for shorter, localized transport, such as for tours or community shuttles. Despite their smaller size, mini buses are still involved in accidents that can cause severe injuries. Lack of safety features like seatbelts can increase the risk of harm.
Trolley Buses
Trolley buses operate on electric power lines and are commonly found in urban areas. Due to their fixed routes and connection to overhead wires, trolley buses face unique risks, such as mechanical failure or collisions with other vehicles sharing the road.
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Our Approach to Building a Strong Bus Accident Case in Houston
Proving liability in a bus accident case can be complex because multiple parties may be responsible for the crash. Our Houston bus accident attorneys work diligently to identify the negligent party and build a strong case. Here’s how we do it:
Establish Duty of Care
Bus operators, whether they’re from a private company or a government entity, owe their passengers and other drivers a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely. The first step is to establish that this duty existed.
Prove Breach of Duty
We demonstrate that the bus driver, the company that maintains the bus, or another party breached this duty by acting negligently. This could involve speeding, distracted driving, poor maintenance, or a failure to follow traffic laws.
Causation and Damages
Our Houston bus accident lawyers collect evidence such as accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony to prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. We also demonstrate the full extent of your damages, from medical costs to pain and suffering.
Compensation Our Houston Bus Accident Lawyer Help You Get
Victims of bus accidents often face substantial medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, and a significant disruption to their lives. The compensation we help bus accident victims cover include:
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Medical Expenses
This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment required for injuries sustained in the bus accident.
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Lost Wages
If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
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Pain and Suffering
Bus accidents often cause severe physical pain and emotional distress, which can be compensated through legal claims through our bus accident lawyer Houston.
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Property Damage
If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged along with injuries in the accident, you can recover the costs of repair or replacement.
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Diminished Earning Capacity
For victims whose injuries prevent them from returning to their previous job or earning the same wages, compensation may include lost future income.
What Makes Bus Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
While car accidents can be devastating, bus accidents present unique challenges that require specialized legal representation. Here are some key differences:
Category
Bus Accidents
Car Accidents
Severity of Injuries
Due to the size and weight of buses, injuries are typically more severe for passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles involved.
Injuries can vary widely, but cars generally cause less severe injuries compared to buses.
Number of Victims
Often involves multiple victims (passengers, pedestrians, etc.), which can complicate legal claims as each victim may file their own personal injury case.
Typically involves fewer people, such as the driver and passengers in one or two vehicles.
Public vs. Private Liability
Public buses (operated by government entities) may be protected by sovereign immunity laws, adding legal challenges to claims. Private buses are subject to regular liability laws.
Car accidents involve private individuals or companies, and liability is typically based on the driver’s fault and insurance coverage.
Regulations and Maintenance
Buses are subject to stringent federal and state regulations, including regular inspections and maintenance. Lack of compliance can result in liability for the bus company.
While cars have fewer regulations, drivers are still responsible for maintaining their vehicles to ensure road safety.
Insurance Coverage
Public buses often have complex insurance arrangements, while private bus companies typically carry high-limit insurance policies.
Most car accidents involve private insurance policies, often with lower coverage limits compared to buses.
At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, our bus accident lawyers in Houston are experienced in handling the complexities of both public and private bus accidents. We understand the differences and know how to navigate the specific challenges they present.
Who’s Liable in a Houston Bus Accident?
Liability in a Houston bus accident can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties. Determining who is at fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident. Here are the potential parties that could be held liable by our lawyers:
The Bus Driver
If the bus driver was negligent in their operation of the vehicle, they can be held liable. This could include:
- Driving while distracted (e.g., texting or talking on the phone).
- Reckless driving, such as speeding or aggressive behavior on the road.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Bus Company or Public Transit Authority
The company responsible for operating the bus may also bear liability. They are responsible for:
- Hiring qualified drivers and providing adequate training.
- Ensuring the buses are regularly maintained and inspected for safety issues.
- Complying with all local, state, and federal safety regulations.
If the bus involved is part of a public transportation system like Houston METRO, government entities may be liable for any negligence in the operation or maintenance of the buses. However, suing government entities may involve additional legal challenges.
Other Drivers
If another vehicle caused the accident by acting recklessly or violating traffic laws, that driver may be held responsible for the crash. This would require showing that the other driver’s negligence caused the bus accident and the resulting injuries.
Bus Manufacturers
If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or defective part, the bus manufacturer or the manufacturer of the defective part could be held liable under product liability laws. For instance, if a brake failure or engine malfunction led to the crash, the manufacturer may be at fault.
Maintenance Providers
If the bus maintenance was outsourced to a third-party service provider, and it is found that poor maintenance or faulty repairs contributed to the accident, that company could be held liable.
Pedestrians or Cyclists
In rare cases, pedestrians or cyclists who act negligently and cause the bus to swerve or crash could bear responsibility for the accident.
Government Entities (Public Transportation Accidents)
When a public transit bus (e.g., Houston METRO) is involved, the government entity operating the transit system could be liable if it is proven that poor maintenance, inadequate safety protocols, or poor driver training contributed to the accident. Suing a government entity can be more complex due to legal limitations, such as those outlined in the Texas Tort Claims Act, which limits when and how government entities can be sued.
Proving liability in a bus accident requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, our team has extensive experience dealing with the complexities of bus accident cases. We meticulously gather evidence, such as accident reports, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimony, to determine the liable party and hold them accountable for your injuries.
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How to Prove Fault in a Houston Bus Accident
Proving fault in a Houston bus accident involves collecting strong evidence to demonstrate negligence. Key factors include:
Driver Negligence
Prove the bus driver acted carelessly by gathering witness statements, reviewing traffic camera footage, and investigating the driver's history.
Company Negligence
Bus companies may be liable if they fail to properly maintain their vehicles or train drivers.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, another driver or faulty equipment may contribute to the accident. Expert analysis and accident reconstruction are often needed to establish liability.
Why You Need Our Houston Bus Accident Attorneys
Bus accident cases often involve unique challenges that make them more complex than typical vehicle accidents. With multiple passengers, serious injuries, and the potential for several liable parties—such as bus operators, maintenance companies, or government entities—a skilled Houston bus accident lawyer is essential to effectively navigating these complexities. At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, we are prepared to handle every aspect of your case, including:
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Comprehensive Accident Investigations
Bus accident cases require in-depth investigations to pinpoint liability. We gather crucial evidence, including maintenance records, surveillance footage, driver logs, and eyewitness statements. By collaborating with accident reconstruction experts, we build a detailed picture of how the accident occurred and who should be held accountable.
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Skilled Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies representing bus operators and other liable parties may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries or shift blame. We aggressively negotiate on your behalf, pushing for full compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
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Preparedness for Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be achieved, our Houston bus accident attorney are fully prepared to take your case to court. We present compelling evidence, including expert testimony and accident reconstructions, to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
By choosing Mokaram Injury Lawyers, you benefit from a team dedicated to thorough investigation, strategic negotiation, and relentless representation to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
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Top Rated Lawyers In Houston
Mokaram Injury lawyers will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation.
Meet Our Experienced and Top-Rated Bus Accident Lawyers
Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges. Our Houston bus accident attorneys have a proven track record of securing compensation for victims and their families. We are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Founder, Attorney At Law
Payman Momeni
Senior Attorney
Sasha Seyvani
Attorney At Law
Walter Champion
Author, Adjunct Professor
Ron Welsh
Of Counsel
Christopher Bertini
Of Counsel
Paul Higdon
Of Counsel
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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Most bus accident lawyers in Houston work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only charge a percentage (typically 20% to 40%) of the settlement or judgment if they win your case.
In Houston, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a bus accident claim. This is the standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas.
If you’re injured on a bus in Houston, you should seek immediate medical attention, document the incident, and contact a Houston bus accident lawyer to evaluate your case. They can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries.
