Bus Accident Attorney in Houston, Texas

Experiencing a bus accident is a traumatic event. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, the aftermath can be overwhelming.  

With four decades of experience fighting personal injury claims, the Law Offices of Francisco G. Medina is here to help you through this difficult time and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Understanding Texas Bus Accident Laws

A bus accident occurs when a bus is involved in a collision or other incident that results in damage, injury, or fatalities. These accidents can happen for various reasons, including driver negligence, mechanical failures, adverse weather conditions, or other external factors.  

Given the size and weight of buses, accidents can lead to severe consequences, affecting not only the passengers on board but also other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of other vehicles. 

In Texas, bus accidents are governed by specific laws and regulations designed to protect victims and ensure they receive fair compensation. Here are some key points to keep in mind: 

Liability in Bus Accidents

Determining liability in a bus accident is a complex matter. It may involve multiple parties, such as the bus driver, the bus company, and other drivers. Texas law requires that all bus drivers hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and comply with strict safety regulations. If a bus driver or company fails to meet these standards, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents. 

Texas Statute of Limitations

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including bus accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have limited time to pursue legal action. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to seek compensation. 

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows the comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible to receive any compensation.  

Duty of Care for Bus Companies

Bus companies in Texas have a heightened duty of care towards their passengers. This means they must take extra precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of those on board.  

This includes regular maintenance of the bus, ensuring drivers are adequately trained and rested, and complying with all state and federal safety regulations. Failure to uphold this duty of care can result in the bus company being held liable for any injuries sustained in an accident. 

Medical Expenses and Economic Damages

Victims of bus accidents in Texas are entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses and other economic damages. This can include costs for emergency treatment, ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment. Also, economic damages can cover lost wages if the victim is unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident. 

Non-Economic Damages

Beyond medical and economic damages, victims may also pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are intended to compensate for the intangible impact the accident has had on the victim's life.  

Calculating non-economic damages can be complex, but Attorney Francisco G. Medina will work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your suffering. 

Insurance Requirements for Bus Companies

Texas law mandates that bus companies carry sufficient insurance to cover potential accidents and injuries. This often includes liability insurance to cover injuries to passengers and third parties as well as property damage insurance.  

Understanding the insurance requirements and policies in place is important for making a strong claim after a bus accident. 

Government Entities and Bus Accidents

Additional legal considerations apply in cases where the bus involved in the accident is operated by a government entity, such as a city or county bus. Claims against government entities often involve a different process, including specific notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines.  

Types of Compensation

Victims of bus accidents in Texas may be entitled to various types of compensation, including: 

• Medical expenses 

• Lost wages 

• Pain and suffering 

• Property damage 

• Emotional distress 

• Funeral expenses 

• Punitive damages 

• Rehabilitation costs 

• Loss of consortium 

• Loss of earning capacity 

Our team will help you identify the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. 

The Law Offices of Francisco G. Medina represent clients in bus accident cases with great care and understanding. With four decades of experience, we are here to guide and support you through the process, ensuring you're informed every step of the way. Our bilingual auto accidents team is dedicated to assisting both English and Spanish speakers.