Buses are a convenient means of transportation and are economical as well. Although this method of transportation is a favorite of many, there are still many bus accidents each year.
Because of their large size, buses can gravely harm other road users. The damages incurred in bus accidents can be expensive, with money going to medical expenses and fixing or repairing damaged property. You should reach out to a Houston bus accident lawyer after an accident to get help maneuvering the legal system.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Most bus accidents occur because of negligence. Some examples of negligence causing bus accidents include:
Driver Fatigue
Most bus drivers spend hours on the road without taking breaks. This can exhaust them, especially late in the day or at night. Driver fatigue reduces the driver's judgment and reaction time, making it hard for them to focus. This could make them miss important things, such as not seeing animals run into the road or swerving over yellow lines.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Bus drivers work on schedules, and the more trips they make, the better their pay. However, minor errors, such as traffic problems, could delay them, causing them to fall behind schedule. A driver might choose to speed or disregard traffic signs to make up for lost time. Doing this is dangerous and risks the lives of the driver, his passengers, and any road user.
Distracted Driving
No matter how short a time, taking your eyes off the road is extremely dangerous. The National Highway of Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compares it to blindly driving across a football field. Your eyes should remain on the road, regardless of how long you drive.
Bus Mechanical Failure
Bus manufacturers and bus companies are responsible for bus maintenance. Sometimes these parties overlook regular maintenance, resulting in mechanical failures such as engine failure or bad brakes. Regular and thorough routine checks need to be done to ensure the bus is roadworthy.
Bus Driver Error
Bus companies need to ensure their drivers receive proper training and experience. An inexperienced or poorly trained driver can mess up some things, resulting in life-threatening situations. It is important to train drivers before taking routes to avoid endangering road users.
Determining Liability in Bus Accidents
You need to have proof of liability when filing for compensation. This requires enough evidence showing the party responsible for the accident. There can be multiple responsible parties in a bus accident, such as:
Bus Drivers
Cases of driver's negligence show that the bus driver did not fulfill their duty of care to you. They may have acted in a way that puts you in danger, such as driving under the influence or speeding, endangering your safety. In cases like this, the bus driver is held liable and is responsible for the damages you incur.
Bus Company
The driver's employer needs to ensure that their drivers receive adequate training and that their buses are roadworthy. If a bus company fails to comply with these rules, your Houston bus accident lawyer can hold him liable for the accident due to their negligence.
Bus Manufacturer
Sometimes the bus manufacturer might produce an unsafe vehicle. There can be issues with the car's braking system and tires that should have been caught while making the bus. If the manufacturer produced a car with a defect, you could hold them responsible for an accident relating to the manufacturing problem.
Other Motorists
There can be multiple parties involved in a bus accident. Drivers from these parties might have acted negligently, and you can hold them partially or fully responsible for the accident.
Determining liability is not always clear-cut, and a Houston bus accident lawyer can help you in this regard. They can collect enough evidence to support your case and ensure that the responsible party pays for the damage they cause.
Recoverable Damages From a Bus Accident
You can receive three main types of compensation for your damages. They include:
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable damages. A Houston bus accident lawyer can look at the financial costs related to the accident and add their monetary value. The economic damages you can receive compensation for include:
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- Damage to property
- Loss of ability to earn income
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
Non-Economic Damages
These are not less important than economic damages but are harder to quantify.
They include emotional and mental damages to the victim, such as:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience/loss of independence
- Reduced quality of life
Punitive Damages
These are damages given to the plaintiff to punish the responsible party for their gross negligence. Punitive damages are not common but can apply if the at-fault party made egregious offenses, resulting in the accident.
How a Houston Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
Getting compensation for bus accident victims is a lengthy and tedious process. It can be confusing while you are still trying to recover from your injuries, and that is where a Houston bus accident lawyer comes in.
The lawyer can help you file the necessary claims to hold the at-fault party responsible. Your lawyer can protect your rights and advise you on the best legal course to take. They can also help you seek the compensation you are due. The lawyer negotiates with the at-fault party and the insurance company to ensure you get the total amount and no one takes advantage of your situation.
A Houston bus accident lawyer can also handle the legwork, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and deal with the other party's legal representation. They take the load off your back and handle all the grim stuff for you.
Contact a Dolman Law Group Bus Accident Lawyer
Our attorneys can help you seek justice after your bus accident. We have the necessary experience and the case results to prove our dedication. We can take care of everything for you, even finding you medical treatment. All you have to do is call us today to contact our Houston bus accident lawyer and leave the rest to us.
Houston Office
6330 Gulf Fwy Suite 110
Houston, TX 77023
Phone:
(281) 524-4370