Austin Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus Accidents in Austin, Texas

Bus accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, often leaving victims facing life-altering challenges and expenses. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of people suffer injuries in bus crashes annually.

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority serves Austin with transit buses, while school buses and intercity buses also share our roadways. When a negligent bus driver or bus company cuts corners on safety or violates FMCSA regulations, the risk to bus passengers and other motorists skyrockets. Holding bus companies accountable for failures requires swift action and a strong legal strategy.

Types of Bus Accidents I Handle

Not all bus accidents are the same, and neither are the injuries and losses they leave behind. I represent clients hurt in collisions involving:

• City buses
• School buses
• Charter buses
• Tour buses
• Intercity buses
• Transit buses
• Shuttle buses
• Church buses
• Private buses

When these large commercial vehicles get into crashes, the destruction can be tremendous. Injury victims in smaller vehicles can incur devastating injuries when bus crashes happen on Texas roads.

Leading Causes of Bus Accidents in Austin

Based on the personal injury claims I've handled, some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue: Long routes and unrealistic schedules make for exhausted bus drivers who can make critical mistakes behind the wheel.
• Distracted driving: Phone use, GPS adjustments, and eating while driving can take a bus driver's attention off the road with deadly results.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Worn brakes, tire failures, and mechanical issues often trace back to neglect of basic maintenance requirements.
• Aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes are even more dangerous behind the wheel of a large bus.
• Inadequate driver training: Operating a large commercial bus requires skill, and when companies cut corners in training, everyone on the road pays the price.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Bus crashes don't just cause broken bones; they impose lifelong physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Many of the clients I represent after bus accidents are coping with:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe neck and back injuries
• Multiple fractures and internal injuries
• Third-degree burns and disfigurement
• Head injuries and permanent injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Recovering from severe injuries isn't just about healing physically. It's about managing mounting medical bills, missing work, adjusting to new limitations, and reckoning with the physical pain of the crash. I'll tend to the legal and financial battles so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in Austin

If you've suffered injuries in a bus crash, your first step should be to get immediate medical attention, even if you think you're okay. Once you've received immediate medical treatment, begin gathering documentation like photos, witness statements, and the official police report.

Document the accident scene as much as possible, including:

• Location where the accident happened
• Damage to the bus and other vehicles
• Road conditions and weather
• Contact information for other passengers and witnesses

Finally, speak with a qualified Austin bus accident lawyer who can protect your rights and begin constructing your bus accident claim while the evidence is still fresh.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover from a Bus Accident Lawsuit

If another party's negligence caused the crash, you're entitled to pursue full compensation under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code for what you've lost.

Depending on the specifics of your bus accident case, you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehab, and future medical needs.
• Lost wages: Paychecks missed while recovering, plus future lost income.
• Physical pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress due to your injuries.
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle and other affected belongings.
• Wrongful death: In tragic cases where bus accident victims lose their lives.

Every bus accident claim is different. As a seasoned Austin bus accident attorney, my job is to uncover the full scope of your losses and help you obtain the compensation you truly deserve.

Understanding Bus Accident Liability in Texas

Bus accident cases are rarely simple. Unlike the majority of car accidents, bus crashes may involve multiple liable parties, including the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance crews, and even parts manufacturers.

Several factors combine to complicate liability in these cases:

• Multiple parties may share fault: More than one entity could be responsible, depending on how the crash happened.
• Federal regulations apply: Commercial bus drivers must follow strict FMCSA rules, and violations often play a role in accidents.
• Evidence disappears fast: Black box data, maintenance logs, and driver records must be preserved quickly.
• Deadlines matter: In Texas, you have only two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
• Insurance companies fight hard: Big policies mean aggressive defense teams focused on minimizing what they owe.

Under Texas's modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you share some fault, as long as you're not more than 50% responsible. I know how to overcome these challenges and manage the legal process effectively.