Buses, whether used for commuting, going to school, attending social activities or other purposes, offer a convenient and cost-effective way to travel. And when you rely on buses for transportation, you should feel safe on your journey. Unfortunately, bus accidents occur more frequently than you think and because of the size and weight of the buses, and the number of passengers, the consequences of a crash can be disastrous. However, an Allen bus accident lawyer could help.
When you or your loved one is injured in a bus accident, you should not be the one to pay for your losses. A dedicated personal injury attorney could help you hold the responsible party accountable for the damages so you can focus on the road to recovery. En Español.
A variety of factors can contribute to a bus crash with another vehicle, motorcyclist or pedestrian. However, some of the most common causes include inadequate driver training, driver distraction, driving while impaired, improper maintenance, driver fatigue, traffic violations such as speeding, and weather.
A seasoned Allen bus accident attorney could help a plaintiff identify the appropriate party, which could include the driver, bus company or another vehicle owner, municipality, or manufacturer, to determine if negligence was involved. However, it is important to note that, if the responsible party was a school bus or school, they are immune from lawsuits and cannot be held liable.
When a bus crash occurs, passengers on the bus as well as non-riders in other vehicles or on the ground can suffer severe injuries ranging from cuts and lacerations to broken bones and spinal cord injuries. If a defendant’s negligence caused the accident, a plaintiff could bring a claim to hold them liable. To prove negligence, a plaintiff must show four things:
If a plaintiff was also partially at fault for the accident that resulted in their injuries, they can still recover damages under Texas’ comparative fault law as long as they are not 51 percent or more responsible. Under the law, the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover will be reduced by the percentage of their own negligence. A skilled bus collision lawyer in Allen could help prove an injured person did not contribute to any of their own injuries and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Plaintiffs who file a claim for a bus accident can seek relief in the form of compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are designed to make someone whole or put them in the same position they were before the accident occurred. Available damages include both economic and noneconomic:
A bus accident claim can be complex. A knowledgeable Allen bus accident lawyer with significant experience in these types of cases can help identify the responsible party, assess your damages, and see the claim through to the end. Call today to discuss your situation.
McCraw Law Group