Bus accidents in Texas can lead to severe injuries and complex legal battles, setting them apart from typical personal injury claims. Unlike regular car accidents, bus accidents often involve multiple parties. Navigating the legal landscape of a bus accident requires a deep understanding of specific laws, regulations, and liability issues. Knowing how these factors differentiate bus accident cases can significantly impact the outcome of your claim and your ability to recover fair compensation.
With decades of experience in handling complex personal injury cases, Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved in bus accident claims. As Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, we’ve successfully represented clients in high-stakes cases, offering the skill and insight needed to navigate the complexities of Texas law. Our team is prepared to guide you through every step of your bus accident case, so feel free to contact us if you need legal support.
Multiple Parties Are Involved in Bus Accidents
Generally speaking, more parties are involved in bus accidents than other car accidents. More parties generally make a claim more complicated to handle, as it can be challenging to determine who is responsible. Any of the following parties may be involved in your bus accident:
- Bus company
- Bus driver
- Maintenance employees
- Manufacturers of vehicles, parts, or other involved equipment
- Employee or employer of the premises
- Owner or renter of the property
- Passengers who may impact the driver’s ability to concentrate
- Pedestrians
If you need help identifying who is responsible, feel free to contact an attorney from Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP. We can help by collecting and analyzing evidence on your behalf, making it easier to hold liable parties accountable.
Government Immunity in Public Bus Accidents
If you have been in an accident involving a public bus, some protections may offer some level of immunity for government officials and entities. This means these government personnel will have very limited or no liability in your claim. Federal laws create this sovereign immunity for government entities in most cases, while the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) outlines a few exceptions to this immunity.
Under the TTCA, government immunity is waived in specific circumstances so that victims can sue for damages. However, this immunity is only waived in particular instances of negligence, such as for injuries caused by vehicles, motor-driven tools and equipment, defective realty, or other tangible property.
How to Prove Liability in Your Bus Accident Claim
To obtain compensation for your losses in any incident resulting in bodily injury, you must demonstrate another party’s liability. Proving this liability will require you to highlight a few essential elements, described in the following:
- Another party owes you a duty of care, meaning they have some responsibility to maintain safety in a given situation. Duty of care for motor vehicle drivers includes following traffic signs, maintaining your vehicle to road standards, and avoiding driving while you’re tired, distracted, or under the influence of any substances.
- Someone broke duty of care, meaning they acted negligently and increased the risk of severe bodily harm. Negligence may include texting while driving, speeding, or other actions that could increase the possibility of death or injury.
- Negligences resulted in your injuries. You can prove causation with medical documentation, including those timestamped shortly after the incident. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better your case will be perceived by legal personnel.
- You face losses that would qualify for compensation in a personal injury claim. Qualifying losses may include medical bills, lost wages, repair costs, and other related damages you face following the incident.
If you need assistance proving liability during your bus accident claim, we can make the process easier. For example, we know that buses collect different information that could reflect the circumstances of the crash.
We at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP can obtain and analyze all relevant information on your behalf, building a solid case in your favor. Please contact us to learn more or retain our support in your claim.
Why Choose Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP for Your Bus Accident Case?
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we know that bus accident cases present unique challenges. As Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, we have a wealth of experience navigating these claims and securing fair compensation for our clients. Whether the case involves government entities or private companies, our team has the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complicated cases.
We are ready to provide the dedicated legal representation you need during this difficult time. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, contact us today at (512) 454-3751 or fill out our contact form as soon as possible.
