Skilled Legal Representation in Texas

Texas operates under an at-fault system for bus accidents, meaning that the individual responsible for the accident must compensate those injured for their losses. If you have sustained injuries in a bus accident caused by another party, you have the right to seek accountability for your damages. Our skilled team of bus accident attorneys possesses the expertise and resources necessary to handle even the most intricate cases.

What Are the Most Common Types of Bus Accidents?

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions happen when a bus crashes into the vehicle in front of it or is struck from behind by another vehicle. These accidents often occur due to sudden stops, distracted driving, or following too closely.

Side-Impact Accidents

Also known as T-bone collisions, side-impact accidents occur when another vehicle hits the side of a bus. These accidents typically happen at intersections and can be particularly dangerous due to the large surface area of the bus exposed to impact.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents involve a bus tipping over onto its side or roof. These accidents are often caused by sharp turns taken at high speeds, uneven road surfaces, or sudden evasive maneuvers. Due to the size and weight of buses, rollovers can result in severe injuries for passengers.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when a bus and another vehicle traveling in opposite directions collide. These accidents can be catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. They typically happen due to driver error, such as drifting into oncoming traffic or losing control of the vehicle.

Pedestrian Accidents

Buses frequently operate in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic. Accidents involving pedestrians can occur due to factors like driver inattention, failure to yield, or pedestrians crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks. These incidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact along their sides. For buses, this can occur when changing lanes or merging, often due to blind spots or misjudgment of distance. While sideswipes might seem minor, they can lead to significant damage and injuries.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents involve only the bus, without colliding with other vehicles. These can be caused by factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failures, or hazardous road conditions. Despite involving just one vehicle, these accidents can still significantly harm passengers.

Background media

What Are the Main Causes of Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents, while less frequent than other types of vehicle collisions, can be particularly devastating due to the large number of passengers involved. Understanding the leading causes of these accidents is crucial for improving safety and preventing future incidents. Here are some of the primary causes of bus accidents:

Driver Fatigue

Bus drivers often work long hours, and the monotony of driving for extended periods can lead to fatigue. A tired driver is less alert and slower to react to road conditions, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Regulations on driving hours are in place, but fatigue remains a significant risk factor.

Distracted Driving

Distractions can take many forms, from using a mobile phone to adjusting the radio or conversing with passengers. Any activity that takes the driver's attention away from the road can lead to a loss of control and a potential accident.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit is a common cause of bus accidents. Higher speeds reduce the driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increase the severity of collisions. Due to their size and weight, buses require longer distances to stop, making speeding particularly dangerous.

Poor Weather Conditions

Rain, fog, snow, and ice can create hazardous driving conditions. Reduced visibility and slippery roads can lead to loss of control, skidding, and collisions. Drivers must adjust their driving to account for adverse weather, but not all do, leading to accidents.

Mechanical Failures

Buses require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering issues can cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to prevent accidents caused by equipment failure.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving behaviors, including aggressive driving, running red lights, and making unsafe lane changes, can lead to accidents. Bus drivers and other motorists on the road must adhere to traffic laws to ensure the safety of all road users.

Inadequate Training

Bus drivers need comprehensive training to handle the unique challenges of operating a large vehicle. Inadequate training can leave drivers ill-prepared to manage difficult driving situations, leading to mistakes that cause accidents.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Reaction times are slower, judgment is impaired, and the likelihood of an accident increases dramatically when a driver is intoxicated.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Error

Bus accidents can also be caused by pedestrians and cyclists who fail to follow traffic rules. Crossing streets outside of crosswalks, sudden movements, and cycling in bus lanes can create dangerous situations that lead to collisions.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly marked roads can contribute to bus accidents. These hazards can cause drivers to lose control of the bus or make sudden maneuvers to avoid damage, leading to accidents.

A bus that has crashed into brush

What Types of Injuries Can Bus Accidents Cause?

Head Injuries

  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Skull fractures

Neck and Spine Injuries

  • Whiplash
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal cord injuries

Facial Injuries

  • Broken bones (nose, cheekbones)
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Dental injuries

Chest Injuries

  • Broken ribs
  • Internal organ damage
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

Abdominal Injuries

  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage (liver, spleen)
  • Pelvic fractures

Upper Limb Injuries

  • Broken arms or wrists
  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Nerve damage

Lower Limb Injuries

  • Broken legs or ankles
  • Knee injuries (ligament tears)
  • Hip fractures

Soft Tissue Injuries

  • Sprains and strains
  • Bruising
  • Torn ligaments or tendons

Psychological Injuries

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Emotional distress

Fatal Injuries

  • Catastrophic injuries leading to death

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Bus Accidents?

Victims of bus accidents in Texas may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries. Compensation aims to cover the accident's financial, physical, and emotional impacts. Here are the main types of compensation available:

Medical Expenses

Victims can seek compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Surgeries
  • Doctor appointments
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches)

Lost Wages

If the accident results in time away from work, victims can claim compensation for lost income, including:

  • Wages lost during recovery
  • Reduced earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability
  • Future lost wages for ongoing inability to work

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including:

  • Physical discomfort and chronic pain
  • Emotional trauma and mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Anxiety and depression

Property Damage

  • Victims can claim compensation for any personal property damaged in the accident, such as:
  • Damage to vehicles (if applicable)
  • Personal belongings (e.g., electronics, clothing, luggage)

Disability and Disfigurement

In cases of severe injuries leading to permanent disability or disfigurement, victims may receive compensation for:

  • Permanent physical limitations
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of mobility or function

Loss of Consortium

Family members of the injured party can seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the victim's injuries. This type of compensation is particularly relevant in cases of severe injury or wrongful death.

Wrongful Death

If a bus accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Emotional suffering of surviving family members

Punitive Damages

In cases where the bus accident was caused by particularly reckless or negligent behavior, victims may be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Reach out to McCraw Law Group following a bus accident. Our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to assist you promptly in your recovery. We utilize a proven approach that delivers quicker and more effective results. Compared to larger firms, we ensure that our clients receive personalized attention and always feel noticed. Our dedicated trial attorneys provide compassionate guidance while prioritizing swift outcomes.

Case Types

Get The Help You Need Contact McCraw Law Group

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

Get a Free Virtual Consultation
Contact us media
Contact us media
Logo media

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (972) 945-1173.