Houston Bus Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Bus Accident in Houston, TX?

If you were injured in a bus accident while traveling in Houston or the surrounding area, you should not have to worry about the financial cost of your injuries. At Robins Cloud LLP, we believe that you should be able to focus on getting better and not on how you will pay for your medical expenses. Our Houston bus accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal system and seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact us online or call (855) 569-0041 today to schedule a free consultation!

What is a Bus?

a "bus" typically refers to a large motor vehicle designed to carry multiple passengers along a predetermined route or for specific purposes. Buses are a common mode of public transportation in urban and rural areas alike. They vary widely in size, purpose, and design to accommodate different needs and preferences. Here are some common types of buses:

• School Bus: Specifically designed to transport students to and from school safely. School buses typically have a distinct yellow color and are equipped with safety features such as flashing lights, stop signs, and high seatbacks.
• Charter Bus: Charter buses are rented by groups or organizations for private transportation needs, such as corporate events, sports teams, field trips, or group tours. They often feature amenities like comfortable seating, air conditioning, and sometimes onboard restrooms.
• Tour Bus: Tour buses are used to transport tourists or travelers to various destinations, attractions, or sightseeing spots. These buses are equipped with large windows to provide passengers with scenic views along the way and may include features like onboard tour guides or audio systems providing information about the places visited.
• Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses are commonly used for short-distance transportation, such as airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, or transportation within large campuses or complexes like universities, amusement parks, or corporate offices. They typically run on a fixed route with multiple stops and frequent pickups.
• Transit Bus: Transit buses are the backbone of public transportation systems in many cities. They operate on fixed routes and schedules, serving urban and suburban areas with regular stops along the way. Transit buses come in various sizes, including standard-sized buses for city routes and articulated buses with an accordion-like section for increased capacity.
• Coach Bus: Coach buses are designed for long-distance travel and often feature amenities similar to those found in charter buses, such as reclining seats, overhead storage, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems. They are commonly used for intercity transportation, overnight trips, or cross-country journeys.
• Mini Bus: Mini buses are smaller than standard buses and are often used for transportation within smaller communities, as airport shuttles, or for specialized purposes such as paratransit services for people with disabilities. They typically accommodate fewer passengers than full-size buses but offer more maneuverability in narrow streets or crowded areas.

What is Considered a Bus Accident?

A bus accident occurs when a passenger is injured due to the negligence of another party while on a bus. These accidents can occur while the bus is in motion or while it is parked. Common causes of bus accidents include collisions with other vehicles, bicycles, or even pedestrians. In many cases, bus accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to take the necessary precautions to keep buses and other vehicles separate.

Who is Liable for a Bus Accident?

Determining liability in a bus accident can be complex and depends on various factors such as the specific circumstances of the accident, applicable laws, and regulations. Generally, the following parties may be held liable for a bus accident:

• Bus Driver: If the accident was caused by the bus driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating traffic laws, the driver may be held liable.
• Bus Company/Operator: The company or entity that owns or operates the bus may be held liable if the accident occurred due to negligence in hiring, training, supervising, or maintaining the bus fleet. Additionally, if the accident resulted from inadequate maintenance, faulty equipment, or other operational failures, the bus company may be held responsible.
• Government Entity: In cases involving public transit buses or school buses operated by government entities, such as municipal transit authorities or school districts, the government may be held liable under the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity, which typically limits the circumstances under which the government can be sued. However, exceptions may apply, especially if the accident resulted from negligence or misconduct.
• Bus Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the bus or its components, such as brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms, the manufacturer or distributor of the bus or the defective part may be held liable under product liability laws.
• Other Negligent Parties: Liability may extend to other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident, such as another driver involved in the collision, a maintenance contractor responsible for servicing the bus, or a third party that caused road hazards or obstructions.

Figuring out who is liable involves thorough investigation, gathering of evidence, analysis of witness statements, examination of the bus's maintenance records, and sometimes reconstruction of the accident scene. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for the accident, and the proportion of fault assigned to each party may vary based on the specific circumstances.

What Damages are Recoverable in a Bus Accident Case?

The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries. In most cases, you will be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. You may also be eligible for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

You may be able to recover compensation for the following damages in a bus accident case:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be eligible to receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or negligent behavior. These damages are often awarded in cases involving drunk drivers or reckless drivers who cause bus accidents.

In order to recover punitive damages, you will need to prove:

• The at-fault party acted with malice
• The at-fault party's actions were particularly egregious

Our legal team can help you determine how much compensation you are eligible to receive. We will work to get you the maximum amount of compensation you are owed.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?

After a bus accident, you should always seek medical attention. You should also contact the police and file a report. If you were injured in the bus, you should contact your insurance company and let them know.

If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your injuries. At Robins Cloud LLP, we can help you seek the maximum amount of compensation you are owed. Let us help you make the best possible recovery from injury and move forward.

Contact us online or call (855) 569-0041 to get started.