Injured in a bus accident? You may have a claim
Fleming | Nolen | Jez, L.L.P. is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals who have been injured in bus accidents. These types of accidents are very serious because of the size of the bus and the dangers that can occur. We know that a bus accident can harm both the individuals inside the bus, as well as any drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists who may be struck by a bus. It is important to understand the types of buses that may be involved, what can potentially cause a bus accident, and who may be responsible. Our bus accident attorneys help you understand.
Types of Buses
If you have been involved in a bus accident, understanding what type of bus it is can help you determine liability. There are a number of different buses throughout Texas, so make sure you pay close attention to what kind of bus is involved in your accident.
- Public transportation – The various cities throughout the state of Texas use buses to provide individuals with a reliable form of transportation. A number of these buses, however, don’t have the proper safety on board, like working seatbelts. They are also present in areas with a lot of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, increasing the risk for a potential accident.
- Charter buses – For individuals who like to travel beyond the intra-city routes and go to further destinations, a charter bus may be the solution. However, a number of factors can go wrong causing the bus to crash or cause an accident. When this happens, everyone involved is susceptible to injury.
- Shuttle buses – If you are going to the airport or another destination where shuttle buses are provided, you may elect to go with this option for transportation. Unfortunately, these shuttle buses hold a number of people and often include passengers talking to the driver, which could be a distraction and lead to an accident.
Common Bus Accident Causes & Liability
Unfortunately, no matter what type of bus is involved, there are a number of potential causes for bus accidents. Once the cause of the bus accident is determined, it can help with determining who is at fault. Before that, though, you should understand the various causes of bus accidents and why certain actions or dangerous.
It is the duty of the driver to make sure everyone on the bus is safe from harm. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and they may drive recklessly. This is considered negligence and may be cause for legal action. Driver error may include distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, failure to obey traffic laws, failure to adhere to traffic signs, and more.
A bus has several parts that are essential in making it work correctly. If a part is defective and an accident occurs as a result, the part’s manufacturer may be held accountable for the damages sustained. For instance, if the breaks fail to stop a bus and individuals are injured, it may be because the manufacturer produced a defective part.
Bus Company Error
Prior to hiring and assigning bus drivers, the company must make sure that the driver is trained and properly licensed. Failure to do so is considered negligence on behalf of the owner of the bus, or in certain situations, the city, depending on the type of bus involved in the accident.
Call (713) 621-7944 to Learn More
Bus accidents can have dangerous consequences. Individuals may suffer traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, broken bones, amputations, or worse. In some cases, a bus accident can result in a wrongful death. No matter the case, if you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident, we encourage you to reach out to our Texas bus accident lawyers at Fleming | Nolen | Jez, L.L.P. You can learn more about your rights and options in a free consultation.
Do You Have a Potential Case or Question?
At Fleming, Nolen & Jez, our personal injury and mass tort lawyers have dedicated their careers to fighting for the rights of injured victims throughout the United States. If you were seriously injured through the negligence or wrongdoing of a company or another person, you may be able to file a lawsuit to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with one of our specialists to review your case information.