Bus Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 227 buses were involved in fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2016. Although bus accidents occur less frequently than car accidents, they have the potential to cause serious injuries to individuals involved in a crash.
Whether you were hit by a bus or injured as a passenger on a bus, our experienced Houston bus accident lawyer can help. At the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III and Associates, PLLC, you are not just another number. We will treat you as an individual and give your case the care and attention it deserves.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by human error. Common causes of bus accidents include:
- Driver negligence: Examples of negligent bus driving behavior include distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to yield the right-of-way.
- Bus company negligence: Bus companies are responsible for hiring or failing to adequately train and supervise negligent drivers, and for failing to inspect and maintain mechanical equipment to ensure it is working properly.
- Defective bus parts: Bus accidents may be caused by defective and malfunctioning parts. In such cases, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part may be liable for injuries.
Types of Buses
The two main categories of buses you see on the road are:
- Privately or commercially-owned buses
- Government-owned buses
Privately-owned buses are owned by companies that transport paying customers for profit. Examples include tour buses, charter buses, and shuttles. Although there may be a fare, government-owned buses, such as school buses and city buses, are running on a non-profit basis as part of a larger service to the public.
This difference is noteworthy when it comes to recovering compensation for injuries sustained in a bus accident caused by the negligence of the bus driver or bus company. As they are effectively owned by the general public, government-owned buses have a high degree of protection from lawsuits, even if the driver or bus company is at fault for your injuries.
Insurance Coverage for Bus Accidents
All buses are required by federal law to carry a certain amount of insurance coverage, depending on the number of passengers carried by the bus. The more passengers it carries, the higher the insurance requirements will be.
Can You Sue the Government for Bus Accident Injures?
Under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Title 5, Chapter 101), you can sue the government for bus accident injuries. However, there are limitations on when you can sue, what you can sue for, and how much you can recover in damages.
Why Choose Us?
If you have been injured in a bus accident, it is important to have an experienced attorney by your side. At the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III and Associates, PLLC in Houston, we pay attention, take extra care, and treat every client as an individual. You can have confidence that we are dedicated to protecting your rights and actively pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law for your injuries. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation with arguably the best bus accident attorney Houston has to offer.
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