Houston Bus Accident Lawyers
Bus accidents are not uncommon in Texas, and they can result in significant injuries. In a recent year, the state recorded 2,551 bus-related accidents, with 280 involving suspected injuries and 16 resulting in death.
Bus accident injury lawsuits can involve multiple liable parties, complex insurance policies, and in-depth investigations. Pursuing your claim effectively requires the help of an experienced bus injury attorney.
For decades, the Houston bus accident lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland, & Briggs have advocated for the injured in our community. We can be your fiercest allies in seeking justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation.
Call us today at 713-751-0025 for a FREE consultation!
Types of Bus Accidents and Vehicles Involved
In Houston, bus accidents occur in various ways and can involve public transit, school buses, private charters, and shuttle services. Each type of accident and vehicle comes with unique legal considerations and liability concerns.
Some of the most common types of bus accidents include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Turning accidents
- Onboarding accidents
- Offboarding accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Houston bus accidents might involve:
- METRO Buses – Public transit accidents involve government entities, which means they’re subject to specific legal procedures and time limits.
- School Buses – School bus accidents can involve the school district, local government, and sometimes a private transportation company.
- Private Charter Buses – Tour buses and out-of-town charters are typically operated by private companies, making the legal process for an injury claim different from those arising from school bus and public transit accidents.
- Hotel and Airport Shuttles – These accidents often involve large businesses with commercial insurance policies, which can make claims uniquely complex and challenging.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Houston
Several factors can cause or contribute to bus accidents. While weather and road conditions may play a role, driver negligence, whether by the bus driver or the driver of another vehicle, is the most common cause of collisions. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Driving while tired
- Failure to signal
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Houston Bus Crash?
Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation from multiple parties in a bus accident claim, including:
- Bus driver – If they were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence
- Bus company – For failing to train drivers or maintain vehicles
- Manufacturers – If defective bus parts contributed to the accident
- Government entities – If unsafe road conditions played a role
Texas bus accident insurance policies can cover up to $5 million per crash, but securing fair compensation can be complex. Our Houston product liability lawyers can help maximize your claim.
Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?
Liability in a bus accident may fall upon several parties, including the bus driver, a public or private bus company, the bus manufacturer, and even local government agencies like the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County. An experienced Houston bus accident lawyer can investigate the accident and establish liability.
When the accident involves a government entity, sovereign immunity may affect the amount of compensation you can recover, as well as the deadline for filing a claim. These claims require quick action and strong legal support from an experienced bus accident law firm.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Buses are large, heavy, and contain numerous unrestrained passengers. These factors combine to cause a variety of injuries in crashes, such as:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Fractures and broken bones
- Lacerations or burns
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Psychological trauma (anxiety, PTSD)
Depending on their severity, bus accident injuries can be physically, mentally, and financially significant. Your bus crash lawyer will fight for your right to compensation for your resulting losses.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Bus accident compensation may cover some or all of your medical expenses, financial losses, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Compensation typically includes:
- Medical Expenses – You may be entitled to compensation for any hospital stays, doctor appointments, prescription medications, medical devices, surgeries, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical costs incurred by your injuries.
- Lost Wages – When your injuries keep you from working, compensation may cover lost hourly wages or salary, commissions, tips, missed raises or promotions, sick days, and vacation time.
- Property Damage – You may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering – The liable party may be financially responsible for any physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional trauma the accident caused.
Don’t leave money on the table after a bus accident in Houston. Experienced bus accident law firms know how to calculate maximum compensation and fight for it in settlement negotiations and the courtroom.
Why Choose Our Houston Bus Accident Attorneys?
Your choice of a bus crash lawyer can affect the outcome of your injury claim. The team at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland, & Briggs offers:
- Several decades of combined experience
- An extensive track record of substantial recoveries totaling over $1 billion
- Compassionate, client-first representation
- A no-win, no-fee policy
We have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to justice required to hold the liable parties responsible and seek the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident in Houston
Protect your rights after a bus accident by doing the following:
- Contact a Houston bus crash lawyer immediately
- Report the accident to the Houston Police Department
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene
- Collect contact info from witnesses
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal representation
- Save all medical records, receipts, communications, and other evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we receive about bus accident claims:
Can I sue the city if I was injured on a public bus?
Yes, but personal injury claims involving public entities like METRO have strict procedures and a more limited timeframe under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Contact a Houston bus accident lawyer right away to get started on your claim.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a bus accident injury lawsuit. However, claims involving government entities have a filing window of six months or less.
What if I was a pedestrian hit by a bus?
Pedestrians have the same rights as passengers when it comes to bus accident injury claims. A personal injury attorney can help explain your rights and options if you were hit by a bus as a pedestrian.
Free Legal Consultation with a Bus Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries in a bus accident someone else caused, the experienced bus injury attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland, & Briggs are ready to fight for your right to fair compensation. We’ll review your case for free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Houston bus accident lawyer.