Bus Accident Lawyers in Houston

Fighting to Get You Fair Compensation

People typically use buses as a convenient way to travel when they don’t have or prefer to not use a car. Others may only board private and charter buses when they’re on vacation. Regardless of why someone is on one of these vehicles, the possibility always exists that drivers could engage in negligent or reckless actions that cause injuries to those around them. Like all motorists, bus drivers have a duty of care to the people on board and individuals outside of the vehicle. Unfortunately, bus accidents are very different than typical auto collisions because a single driver error often leads to serious injuries among multiple parties.

If you have been involved in a bus crash, you probably have a lot of questions. Unfortunately, you also probably have a difficult road ahead. Bus accident cases are very complex and frequently involve serious questions of liability. For instance, it’s very possible that an accident occurred, and no one on the scene—including the driver—is responsible for the incident. This is why it’s so important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Connect with a bus accident lawyer in Houston today by contacting us at the Law Office of Denise Adkison-Brown for a free consultation.

Let us help you understand your rights and how to move forward.

What to Do After Bus Accidents

While all parties have the right to consider legal action as soon as a wreck takes place, it is best to attend to any injuries first. It is also important to collect insurance information from the driver, assess visible losses, and connect with law enforcement. All of these steps are necessary to ensure a bus accident is properly documented. If you’re unable to take any of these steps, ask someone on the scene to do so for you. While obtaining this information right away isn’t mandatory in bus accident cases, it will improve your ability to garner fair compensation.

It is in the injured party’s best interest to take lots of photos and video footage of a crash while at the scene. The more data a Houston bus accident lawyer has—even during an initial case consultation—the simpler conversations about fault and potential compensation will be later on. An accomplished bus wreck attorney can help gather evidence and assess damages in the aftermath of a collision. As stated earlier, however, getting help for injuries is of the utmost importance. All other concerns can be handled after the fact.

Even if you feel fine following a bus accident, you should still visit a doctor to be sure. Holding bus companies and drivers accountable requires a full accounting of your injuries. Unfortunately, some serious injuries may not become apparent until much later. What may seem like a minor headache or neck pain could actually be a traumatic brain injury or whiplash—both of which can have severe repercussions. It’s best to be on the safe side following a bus accident, and this will also help ensure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Compensation in Bus Wreck Claims

The compensation to which injured parties may be entitled varies based on the losses they endured. Two people could receive very different settlements or court awards even if they were in the very same bus accident, used the very same Houston bus accident lawyer, and even suffered similar injuries in the incident. That’s what makes these cases—whether they involve public transportation or private and charter buses—so complex. To begin to understand such cases, though, one should first recognize the types of compensation available.

Recoverable damages in a common carrier collision could include:

• Medical expenses

• Property damage

• Loss of income

• Pain and suffering

These are common losses following bus accidents, but they’re really only the tip of the iceberg. For instance, serious injuries may result in more than just current expensive medical bills. In fact, some injuries may require years of treatment. Even worse, it’s possible that unpredictable medical expenses may arise in the future related to some injuries. Similarly, this could affect your ability to work in the future.

Can Different Victims Have Different Outcomes?

The result of bus accident cases can also vary based on the victim. Imagine that two passengers both suffer a shattered femur during the collision. The injuries could be exactly the same, but imagine that one of the victims is a freelance writer and the other is an Olympic sprinter. The bus accident claim of the latter would likely be worth more because their ability to earn money is suddenly removed. The writer can likely continue typing after a broken femur, but running competitively? That victim would probably see much higher levels of monetary loss.

Filing Without a Houston Bus Accident Lawyer

Victims of bus accidents don’t have to have legal representation to seek compensation. The fact that an accident occurred is enough to justify a settlement offer or lawsuit. An attorney can help you deal with the insurance company—which will no doubt try to lowball you—but you can also negotiate with them on your own. Prior to doing so, however, schedule a free consultation at the Law Office of Denise Adkison-Brown. It costs you nothing and can help you avoid making common mistakes.

If you choose to go forward with a case on your own, you’ll need to calculate your desired compensation prior to submitting a claim with local courts. You should strive to identify all potentially liable parties and possible expenses (current and future) prior to doing this. Keep in mind that bus companies and insurance carriers have skilled attorneys on their side, so the deck may be stacked against you from the start. This can become even more difficult if you end up facing the complexities of a trial.

You’re well within your rights to move forward without legal representation, but with free consultations available, it’s wise to at least speak with a law firm. After all, you’re still allowed to move forward on your own after a case review.

Bus Crash Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a time limit on any injury claim. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.033 states that all parties who wish to seek compensation must file bus accident-related suits within two years of the crash taking place. If someone does not file within this timeframe, they are no longer able to receive compensation.

Of course, two years might seem like a lot of time in which to file a bus accident claim. Unfortunately, this type of thinking often causes problems. For instance, it’s possible that something could come up later that interferes with your ability to quickly file a claim. Waiting could also give bus companies additional time to build a case against you.

Most importantly, though, is the potential for lost evidence. Any bus accident lawyer in Houston will tell you that collecting evidence quickly is essential for a successful personal injury claim. As time passes, it can become more difficult to collect and maintain evidence. Witnesses move, memories fade, and other evidence can simply become misplaced.

The longer you wait to speak with bus accident attorneys and get your case started, the more difficult it will be to ensure you get fair compensation.

Who is Liable in a Common Carrier Collision?

Bus accidents are complex and can have multiple parties at fault. In fact, liable entities could include those who don’t even operate buses. For instance, what if a bus driver lost control of the vehicle because they hit a pothole the city knew about but refused to repair? It’s unlikely that this is the bus driver’s fault, and it shows just how complex liability can be in these cases. In the majority of collisions, however, you’ll find that the most common potentially liable parties are the following:

Bus Drivers

All bus drivers who take to the road, in accordance with Texas Transportation Code §545.351, must be cautious and offer other drivers due care. This means these drivers must abide by the speed limit, avoid reckless behavior, and retain reasonable control over their vehicles. Failure to do so can make them liable for someone else’s losses.

Busing Owners and Manufacturers

It is not always the driver who may be held liable in a bus collision civil suit. The company or city that owns the bus may also be at fault. Even the manufacturer of the bus could face potential liability if it can be proven that a mechanical failure resulted in the claimant’s losses.

With that in mind, it’s important to speak with an attorney experienced in bus accidents to properly identify which party or parties are responsible for your losses. Only by holding all at-fault entities accountable will you be able to secure fair and just compensation.

Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in Houston Today

You have the right to pursue compensation for your losses after any bus crash. During this process, a personal injury attorney could be the accomplished ally you need. They can walk you through your legal options after the crash and help you better understand your rights. Together, you can establish your claim in court and identify who should be held accountable for your losses.

At the Law Office of Denise Adkison-Brown, you’ll have an experienced Houston bus accident lawyer on your side. Whether it was driver error, mechanical failing, or some other negligent issue that led to your injuries, you deserve legal representation that can help you get justice. Contact us today by calling for a free consultation. You shouldn’t have to deal with the difficulties you’re currently facing, but with our help, you’ll at least be on equal footing against the large companies or government entities that let you down.