We have all heard the phrase “getting hit by a bus.” Accidents with buses usually do not have a good outcome for those who collide with the bus, whether pedestrians, car drivers, or others.
Bus passengers are particularly vulnerable in accidents, as many buses do not have seat belts. When a bus driver brakes abruptly, there is little protection for passengers. Even school buses are not immune to tragic accidents. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 1,300 people died in school bus-related crashes from 2007 to 2016.
If you suffered severe injuries and other damages in an accident with a bus that happened through no fault of your own, you could file a lawsuit and recover compensation with the help of an Austin bus accident lawyer. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (800) 921-7227 to speak with a team member about how we could help you recover compensation.
Bus Accident Injuries
Injuries from bus accidents can be minor, such as mild whiplash, sprains, or bruising.
However, accident victims can end up permanently injured or disabled in a serious crash. Severe injuries in bus accidents can include the following list.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Any catastrophic accident can potentially injure the spinal cord. Spinal cord damage can lead to temporary or permanent injuries and cause paralysis, nerve injuries, loss of muscle function, and other health problems.
Severed Limbs
Accidents with a large vehicle such as a bus can cause tragic results for car occupants or bus passengers. In some cases, victims might have limbs severed or amputated at the hospital due to irreversible damage.
Head Injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, vehicle-related collisions are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While some TBIs heal fully, a victim could also suffer from the long-term consequences of a serious head injury, including severe physical and cognitive problems.
Internal Organ Injuries
A high-impact bus accident can cause internal organ damage and bleeding. Internal injuries can lead to complete organ failure. These types of injuries typically require immediate medical treatment and are usually life-threatening.
Broken Bones
You could suffer simple or complicated bone fractures from a bus accident. A complicated bone fracture or a shattered bone may require multiple surgeries and, in some cases, take many months to heal fully.
Disfigurement
Flying glass and objects in a bus crash can potentially cause lacerations and cuts all over a victim’s body, including the face. Victims who suffer from extensive wounds to the face may have to undergo costly plastic surgeries and suffer from permanent scarring, which can cause physical and emotional challenges.
If you suffered any severe or permanent injuries in a bus accident, you might feel that your entire life is in tatters and will never be the same again. You may also suffer financial hardship due to sky-high medical bills and extended time off work.
Do not despair; help is available. You can potentially recover compensation from a negligent driver or another liable party. You might want to contact an Austin bus accident lawyer to determine whether you have legal recourse. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Austin, call (800) 921-7227
Liability in Austin Bus Accidents
If you suffered damages in a bus collision that was not your fault, you would need to establish the liable party if you want to pursue compensation. Reasons for bus accidents can vary widely, and in some cases, establishing a responsible or negligent party can become challenging.
Bus Driver
Sometimes, a bus driver is entirely to blame for an accident. Driver-related causes for bus crashes can include:
- Driver intoxication (alcohol or drugs)
- Distracted driving
- Driving while tired
- Violating traffic laws
Bus Company
While we typically focus on the driver in accidents, the company that employs the driver might also have liability under the legal concept of vicarious liability. You could also hold a bus company responsible for your accident and damages when:
- It hires unqualified drivers.
- It does not service or repair vehicles adequately.
- It fails to check drivers’ records.
- It pressures drivers to work excessive hours.
Third Parties
In some bus accidents, a third party could have liability for your damages—for example, you could sue a bus manufacturer if the accident happened due to a manufacturing defect. If a third-party company responsible for the servicing and repairing of buses made a mistake, they could also face liability. In some cases, a reckless driver causes an accident by ignoring that the bus has the right of way, forcing the bus driver to swerve and collide with your vehicle.
Bus accidents can quickly become complicated and might require a thorough analysis to determine liability. An Austin bus accident lawyer knows the laws and regulations involving buses and has access to expert witnesses who can help you prove your case. They can also investigate a bus company and any third parties that may be wholly or partially liable for your damages.
Austin Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 921-7227
Bus Accident Compensation
If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, injuries, and property damage, you could hold them responsible. While every bus accident case is unique, and it is impossible to generalize about any amounts you could receive, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future medical costs
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Repair or replacement of your car and other damaged property
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could also recover noneconomic damages, including:
- Emotional suffering
- Physical pain and anguish
- Reduction in life quality
- Loss of a limb
- Permanent disability
An Austin bus accident attorney can advise you on compensation in your specific claim. They can also calculate your damages, accounting for future bills you might incur, and pursue a fair settlement for you. While it can feel daunting to think about filing a lawsuit, it is sometimes the only way you can get your due.
Keep in mind that you must file your suit within two years of the accident date under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003. If you miss this deadline, you might miss out on your chance at justice and compensation.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Today
Do not let a negligent party get away with causing your injuries or your loved one’s death. An Austin bus accident lawyer can help you hold those responsible to account for their actions and your damages. If you work with the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, you will not have to worry about upfront attorney’s fees. We only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (800) 921-7227 and speak with one of our team members about how we could help you fight for justice and compensation.
Call or text (800) 921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
