Vehicle accidents involving a commercial bus, charter coach bus, or public transportation city bus are more prevalent than you might expect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2018, there were 234 crashes involving buses that produced fatalities, with 11 of those accidents occurring in Texas.
Getting into an accident with a bus in a busy city like Houston can be a traumatic experience. Buses are built with high-torque engines and chassis components, giving them a much heavier structure than other 2-door or 4-door passenger cars. Because of this, accidents with buses tend to result in fatalities.
Maybe you or a close family member have had an accident in recent weeks with a bus. If you suffered serious personal injuries due to the fault of the bus driver, then it’s time to contact a Houston bus accident lawyer to help you understand your legal rights.
The legal representatives at Ben Crump Law can listen to your description of the accident, and give you a free, no-fee consultation about your situation. We may support you in developing a personal injury accident case against the bus driver or bus company. Call the law professionals at Ben Crump Law today at 800-959-1444.
Bus transportation
Traveling via these METRO buses is considered a generally safe and effective way to move around the city in lieu of using their own car. They still run the risk of experiencing an accident while on a commercial vehicle. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported a total of 39,139 collisions involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
When an accident happens that produces damages to a number of vehicles, as well as personal injuries, it is likely that the bus driver and/or the bus operator will be held liable for these damages with the insurance companies.
There is a great deal of responsibility owed to passengers on these buses. The drivers have a specific duty of care that they must uphold. If a bus driver, the bus company, or even the manufacturer of the bus does not hold up to this level of duty, it violates the obligation of duty to the passengers. When this violation occurs, different parties can be held responsible for negligence.
If you feel that negligence was the cause of your personal injuries in a bus accident, then it’s time for you to take the right step and call a Houston bus accident lawyer to help you understand your legal rights. The legal team at Ben Crump Law can take your initial call, consult with you about the accident at no charge, and provide advice on possible next steps to take to recover damages.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Houston, call 800-921-7227
Causes of Bus Accidents
Passenger safety is in the hands of bus drivers. Passengers expect that the driver is qualified and well trained prior to operating the bus. When a person gets on a bus, they are trusting the bus driver with their lives. Any driving behavior that is unusual or dangerous may have serious consequences and result in accidents.
There are multiple reasons why bus accidents occur. A bus may make a sudden stop on the street for a pedestrian, and other cars could smash into the bus. This may produce serious injuries to the passengers. Or a bus may develop an issue with defective equipment or mechanical failure and crash into other vehicles without warning.
Flooding in Houston is a common problem, and a bus trying to get through a wet patch may swerve and drive off an embankment. Perhaps a scarcity of drivers is leading to poor hiring practices and inadequate training, and that bus driving inexperience is leading to accidents involving a bus.
Any of the following reasons could become the cause in a bus accident investigation that could lead to a personal injury lawsuit:
- Reckless driving by the bus driver or another vehicle that causes an accident
- Driving too fast for poor weather or high traffic conditions
- Impaired driving while using drugs or alcohol
- Inability to steer the bus on poorly maintained roadways
- Unreliable or defective equipment
Any of these reasons can result in a deadly car/bus crash, endangering the lives of those on the bus as well as passengers in the other vehicles.
Houston Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-921-7227
Determining Bus Accident Liability
Determining liability for a commercial or city bus accident can be somewhat difficult to assess, as each case offers different circumstances.
Bus operators, especially public transportation buses owned by METRO, usually have a special kind of insurance for dealing with any accidents involving the bus. If your car has been damaged and you have suffered broken bones or more in the accident, you do not have to settle for what the bus insurance companies want to offer you. Their offer may not fairly compensate you for your losses.
If the bus driver is shown to be liable for the accident in the police report, then working with a personal injury attorney can help you assess your losses accurately and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company of the bus driver, bus company, or even the bus manufacturer.
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Reach Out to Us for Legal Support
When you work with a Houston bus accident lawyer, you will have support at your side as you seek a fair settlement for the losses. Call Ben Crump Law at 800-959-1444 to discuss your case in a no-fee consultation.
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