If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Houston, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. The legal landscape after such an event is complex, and it’s crucial to have a skilled Houston bus accident lawyer by your side to navigate the intricacies of your case. Here is what you need to know about pursuing compensation, understanding your rights, and the strategic legal actions that our bus accident lawyer can take to support your recovery process.
Our personal injury lawyers in Houston at Baumgartner Law Firm handle bus accidents as a major part of our law practice. We are undefeated in trucking accident cases and have won bus accident injury cases for over 35 years. Call (281) 587-1111 for a FREE consultation.
What Bus Accident Victims Need to Know
- Victims of bus accidents in Houston can seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial suffering, with our specialized attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm offering a high success rate in resolving these cases. Expert legal guidance is essential given the complexity of bus accident claims.
- Liability in Houston bus accidents can extend beyond the driver to manufacturers, private companies, or government entities like Houston’s METRO, which is protected by laws that introduce additional challenges and strict timelines for legal claims.
- Effective legal representation is crucial when negotiating with insurance companies, as they commonly resist full payouts. Well-documented evidence and strategic negotiations by personal injury attorneys are key to securing fair compensation for victims.
- Choose an experienced bus accident lawyer to improve your odds of full compensation for your injury case.
Whether a charter bus or a bus designed for public transportation, tens of thousands of Houstonians step aboard buses daily. And while they are often touted as one of the safest transportation methods, bus accidents can cause serious, even fatal, injuries.
Each year, an average of 63,000 buses nationwide were involved in an accident, injuring 14,000 people and killing 325.
Bus drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license. Also, the training and rules that apply to companies that operate private bus companies like Greyhound are substantial and rarely followed to the letter.
Often, negligence on the part of the company that employed the driver is only established after a lawsuit is filed and discovery taken. You must choose the right law firm for your bus accident.
Expertise Matters With Bus Accidents
Our personal injury lawyers in Houston at Baumgartner Law Firm investigate and prosecute personal injury and wrongful death accidents from buses, big rigs, and other commercial vehicles. As well as auto accidents and motorcycle crashes. We represent Texas families who have lost a loved one in wrongful death lawsuits and persons seriously hurt in a bus crash.
Our experienced bus accident lawyers can help you with bus accident injuries and bus accident claims.
Let our skilled personal injury lawyers discuss your legal rights and options before you talk with insurance adjusters. Do not sign any paperwork before you talk with an experienced attorney.
We have been obtaining maximum compensation after serious injuries and fatal collisions from bus accidents for over three decades- put our proven team to work on your case! All our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we get money for you!
Using Regulations to Prove a Strong Bus Accident Liability Case
The DOT provides special rules that professional bus drivers and bus companies must follow. These include the hours a bus driver can be on the job. Additional rules are covered in the passenger carrier regulations. Houston bus accident lawyers must know the law. Make sure the attorney you choose has the experience you need.
There are many types of bus accident cases. School buses, charter buses, and public buses have different standards. Claims against any bus company require experience.
Federal Regulation of Bus Companies and Drivers
Title 49 Section 13501 of the United States Code provides federal jurisdiction over motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. A passenger carrier is in interstate commerce when it transports passengers:
- Across state lines – from one state to another or a location in the same state when the vehicle passes through another state or
- Between the United States and a U.S. territory or possession; or
- From one place in the United States through a foreign country to another place in the United States or
- From the United States to another country.
In some cases, transporting passengers entirely within one state may be interstate commerce if the passengers begin or conclude their trip outside the state.
Your bus crash attorney should thoroughly understand the regulations that apply to the driver and the company and know how to investigate the accident. It is by showing a violation of the law that many negligence cases are won. Accidents involving a bus should be investigated early.
Common Causes of Bus Crashes in Houston
The hustle and bustle of Houston’s streets, particularly notorious spots like Interstate 45 and areas brimming with pedestrian traffic, contribute significantly to the frequency of bus accidents. And when Mother Nature unleashes her fury with heavy rain and flooding, the likelihood of these accidents only escalates. Yet, the human element, the driver’s error or fatigue, often marks the black box and the logbooks as common culprits in these tragic events.
Understanding these factors is not merely academic. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation and the black box details are critical in piecing together the puzzle of what went wrong and, more importantly, crafting solutions to prevent future mishaps.
Distracted Driving and Driver Error
In an age where smartphones command our attention, distracted driving has surged to the forefront as a primary cause of bus accidents in Houston. The role of this modern-day scourge cannot be overstated. In the quest for liability, smartphone data can be a smoking gun, providing concrete evidence of driver negligence during the crash. This digital footprint can make or break a case, as proving driver negligence often hinges on such tangible proof.
Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Issues
Mechanical failures and maintenance issues are no strangers to the list of causes for bus accidents. Negligent maintenance or outright defective parts can spell disaster for passengers and other road users. The liability in these scenarios can be widespread, potentially enveloping manufacturers for their flawed components or the METRO for maintenance lapses.
Regular inspections cannot be overstated, as they are crucial in identifying and rectifying any vehicular issues that could otherwise spell catastrophe. A thorough review of maintenance records often reveals whether a vehicle defect or improper maintenance played a significant role in an accident.
Types of Injuries From Bus Accidents
The spectrum of bus accident injuries resulting from bus accidents is as broad as harrowing. Victims may undergo anything from:
- head and facial trauma
- broken bones
- impalement
- burn injuries
Some of these injuries may result in life-altering consequences. The potential for traumatic brain injuries is particularly distressing, as they can lead to a range of long-term impairments, from cognitive deficits to paralysis or even brain death. Spinal cord injuries are similarly devastating, with the potential to severely impact a victim’s mobility and sensation, underscoring the critical need for swift and comprehensive medical care.
Even seemingly straightforward injuries like broken bones can have complex ramifications, occasionally requiring surgical interventions and potentially leading to permanent disability. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Facial injuries
- Whiplash
These injuries can range from superficial wounds to severe trauma that could cause lasting disfigurement. Whiplash, in particular, is a common yet debilitating injury, causing neck pain, stiffness, and other symptoms that can disrupt daily life.
From Whiplash to Serious Bodily Injury
Beyond the initial impact, the injuries sustained in bus accidents often carry profound implications for the victims’ lives. Some common injuries include:
- Whiplash, which can result in prolonged physical pain and discomfort, challenges the victim’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
- Broken bones can require extensive medical intervention and may take a long time to heal.
- Internal injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
The severity of injuries can escalate rapidly, and victims need to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Victims may face a long and arduous road to recovery, marked by surgeries, rehabilitation, and the possibility of ongoing medical care. In the worst-case scenarios, severe injuries can culminate in wrongful death claims as families grapple with the loss of a loved one. In these trying times, the expertise of an experienced bus accident attorney becomes indispensable, ensuring that victims and their families receive the full spectrum of justice and compensation they deserve.
Compensation In Bus Accident Claims
Often a bus accident causes many people to get hurt. Many injury claims can be filed from a collision. Millions of dollars can be at stake in any one wreck.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, our experienced law firm will investigate the event snf work to maximize the comensation you receive.
Here are some of the damages you may be able to get in your case:
- Pain & Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Income
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Speaking with an experienced car wreck lawyer about your bus accident is a good first step.
Choosing the Right Houston Bus Accident Lawyer
When it comes to selecting a Houston bus accident lawyer, the stakes could not be higher. It is imperative to choose a firm with:
- A robust track record of confronting and triumphing over various bus operators, including commercial and municipal buses.
- Expertise in the commercial vehicle accidents like bus accident claims
- The acumen to go toe-to-toe with insurance and defense teams, advocating tirelessly on your behalf.
Our seasoned bus accident attorney will be instrumental in getting the evidence, securing expert testimony, and engaging in negotiations to secure settlements that reflect the gravity of your losses.
Who you chose matters. Let Baumgartner Law Firm work to influence insurance companies to propose higher compensation, making the choice of our skilled advocate all the more critical.
Proving Liability After a Bus Accident
It is vital to start proving your case as soon as possible. After a bus accident hiring the best bus accident attorney is a good first step. Experienced lawyers with commercial vehicle accident experience can hire experts to gather and present relevant evidence for your bus accident claim.
Bus accidents are frequently hotly contested by insurance companies. Blame shifting is a common tactic to reduce their exposure to your damages. There are many causes of bus accidents. Getting bus accident attorneys to evaluate your case is helpful.
Like with truck accidents, special regulations are key to a bus accident lawsuit when the company breaks the rules. No company should ever take unnecessary risks with passengers. Rules violations are often not discovered until a personal injury lawyer files a lawsuit and discovery begins in your case.
Buses have event data recorders or “black boxes” which contain important information about the bus driver’s actions right before the crash. Getting the computer data from the event recorder will provide evidence about how the collision occurred and should be obtained in severe injury and fatal accident cases.
Bus Company Liability For an Accident
Bus companies are responsible for the neglience of their drivers negligence in causing an accident. And the company can also be liable for negligence in their actions including:
- Not maintaining the bus if the condition of the bus played a role in causing a crash.
- Hiring inexperienced or unqualifed drivers.
- Not enforcing regulations such as the number of hours worked or the health of their driver.
- Not providing required training to the bus driver.
Owners of the bus can be corportaions, a school district, or the city of Houston or other governemental entity. Claims against governmental entities can require quick actions and may limit the amount of compensation availiable for an injury claim. Get started on your case right away by talking with a bus attorney.
Protecting Victims’ Interests Against Insurance Companies
The road to compensation is often fraught with resistance from insurance companies, known for their reluctance to award full and fair settlements. Negotiating with such entities requires a strategic approach; sticking to factual statements about the accident and injuries is vital, as any speculative comments can and will be used against you. Our personal injury attorneys are adept at these negotiations, advocating on your behalf to secure agreements commensurate with the damages suffered.
Here are some tips for negotiating with insurance companies:
- Stick to factual statements about the accident and injuries.
- Avoid making speculative comments that can be used against you.
- Seek the assistance of a top personal injury attorney near me to advocate on your behalf.
- Be patient and resist the temptation to accept the first offer, which often falls short of the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Documentation is key; obtaining all pertinent information in writing can avoid confusion and be a valuable resource for legal scrutiny. Should negotiations reach an impasse, your attorney can escalate the matter to trial, fighting for the compensation you need to put your life back on track.
Early consultation with a bus accident attorney can ensure that insurance expectations and deadlines are met, securing your position in settlement negotiations. Knowing the value of your claim is crucial to avoid falling prey to lowball offers from insurance companies.
When Baumgartner Law Firm Accepts Your Bus Accident Case, We Will Take These Steps:
Investigate your case – we will obtain the evidence to document and determine the cause of the accident and the responsible parties. Evidence can include witness interviews, photographs, getting the crash report, and other items.
Our investigation will focus on finding the cause of the crash, emphasizing violations of federal and state regulations that apply to bus drivers and bus companies.
Work to prove damages- we will get your medical records and find your medical expenses– our legal team will review your medical records and consult with your doctors to determine the extent of your injuries and how your injuries impact your day-to-day life.
Fight for maximum compensation for you – we will deal with the insurance company to fight for maximum compensation for your injuries. Our law firm has obtained maximum compensation for thousands of Texas families on personal injury cases. We have won fair compensation for accident victims for over 35 years.
Bus accident lawsuits require a top-notch personal injury law firm, especially for serious injuries or wrongful death cases. Even bus accident cases with clear liability may need to be filed as a lawsuit to get fair compensation from the bus company. Given that multiple injury cases are filed in many bus collisions, getting legal help quickly matters.
Don’t just trust any TV lawyer with your personal injury claim. Get the best bus accident law firm near me.
Contact Our Bus Accident Attorney With Over 35 Years of Experience
Call the Houston bus accident lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm today at (281) 587-1111. We take all cases on a contingent fee basis, which means we do not get paid unless you get paid!
There is NEVER A CHARGE FOR AN INITIAL CONSULTATION!
Frequently Asked Questions
What rights do I have as a bus accident victim in Houston?
As a bus accident victim in Houston, you have the right to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm, demand compensation from responsible parties, and file a personal injury lawsuit for damages.
Can I pursue compensation if multiple parties are at fault for the bus accident?
Yes, you can pursue compensation for the bus accident from any one of the responsible parties under the ‘joint and several liability’ principle. Adjustments will be made based on each party’s degree of negligence.
What should I do immediately following a bus crash?
After a bus crash, seek medical assistance, follow medical advice, document evidence, file a police report, and consult with an attorney to protect your legal rights. It’s crucial to take these steps promptly to ensure proper care and legal protection.
How do I choose the right bus accident attorney in Houston?
Choose a bus accident attorney in Houston with a proven track record in such cases, expertise in navigating claims, and the willingness to offer personalized attention. You can assess compatibility through a free consultation.
How can I protect my interests when dealing with insurance companies after a bus accident?
To protect your interests when dealing with insurance companies after a bus accident, be patient during negotiations, stick to the facts, and consult with a personal injury attorney who can negotiate on your behalf. Avoid accepting the first settlement offer, as it may not fully compensate for your injuries and losses.
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Related FAQs
Do you make house calls or hospital visits?
What kind of cases do you accept?
We are very selective in the cases that we agree to handle to provide the best possible service to our clients. By limiting the number of cases that we accept, we can provide the time attention, and resources required to maximize compensation for our clients.
Accordingly, our practice is limited to cases involving substantial injury or a family who has lost a loved one. We have gained a reputation for handling 18-wheeler truck accidents, car and drunk driving crashes, daycare injury cases, and other serious injury and wrongful death matters. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page.
Do I have to pay money out of my pocket to hire you?
Do you handle all types of personal injury cases?
No, we are very selective in the cases that we agree to accept. We intentionally limit the number of cases that we handle and the practice areas for the cases we take to provide the best possible personal service for our clients. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page or you can contact us for individual consultation about your case. (281) 587-1111.
What is the best way to contact you?
We prefer to be contacted by telephone and also respond to our online consultation requests. You can call us 24/7 at (281) 587-1111. We offer Zoom consultations as well.
How successful have you been with your cases?
We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, wrongful death cases, and daycare negligence and invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.
For the last 35 years, we have concentrated on maximizing our client’s compensation in serious injury and wrongful death cases. If you are looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Houston – Call us! (281) 587-1111.
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"I can never express how grateful me and my family are to Greg Baumgartner and his team of truck accident lawyers in Houston. He took care of our injury case and got us a great settlement. Thank you for a job well done!"
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"I was hit in the rear by an 18 wheeler and was lucky enough to have found Greg – I was overjoyed with the results and highly recommend him."
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