Bus Accident Lawyer in Attorney Helping Injured Victims Stand Up for Their Rights

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 67,000 bus accidents are reported across the country every year. Unfortunately, many of them result in severe injuries and fatalities. Although buses are generally viewed as one of the safest ways to get around, they are, in fact, one of the least regulated modes of transportation. If you were hurt in a bus accident in Texas, you might be entitled to compensation for your damages. Learn how bus accident claims work in Texas and what you can do to assert your rights as a victim.

What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Bus Accident in Texas?

If you were hurt in a bus accident, your priority is getting medical help immediately. Many bus accident victims make the mistake of taking too long to seek medical care or just choose not to go to the doctor because they do not feel injured, only to begin experiencing delayed symptoms days or weeks after the accident.

If it is safe, gather evidence from the scene of the accident, such as videos, pictures, and information about the bus, the bus company, the driver, and the route the bus was traveling to or from when the accident occurred. You will also want to write down contact information for any witnesses. Be sure not to leave the accident scene without letting the bus driver, law enforcement, or the EMTs know that you were a passenger on that bus and were injured. Finally, reach out to a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Can I Recover Compensation for a Bus Accident?

Every bus accident is unique, and the party that will be held financially liable for your injuries depends on whether the bus you were riding was owned by a government entity or a private business. For example, a city transit bus is usually owned and operated by the local transportation authority (such as STAR Transit in Mesquite), while a charter bus or a tour bus is privately owned by a business.

If you were hurt on a privately owned bus, you would likely need to submit an insurance claim through the bus company’s insurance carrier. If you were injured in a government-owned bus, you might still seek compensation, but there may be tighter deadlines and additional hurdles to file a claim. In both scenarios, working with a bus accident lawyer is key to maximizing your chances of receiving damages compensation.

Are Buses Considered Common Carriers in Texas?

Common carriers fulfill public transportation needs and include a variety of vehicles such as city buses, school buses, private charter buses, and even certain types of trucks. Common carriers are held to higher standards by Texas laws, as they are expected to fulfill their duty of care to passengers and other roadway users and warn passengers of the potential risks of using that particular type of transportation.

Buses are considered common carriers in Texas, and this is important because, in some cases, an injured passenger may have a claim against the bus driver as well as the bus company. A skilled bus accident lawyer can help you understand the common carrier laws that are applicable to your case and help you hold the bus company liable for your accident.

What Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Do to Help Me?

Bus accidents can be significantly more complex than car accidents, as you are potentially looking at multiple insurance claims or, sometimes, additional steps and paperwork (if seeking damages payment from a government entity). Trying to figure out your next steps while dealing with stacks of paperwork and red tape while healing from your injuries is overwhelming for most people.

By hiring a bus accident lawyer, such as Attorney Gregg Oberg and the Oberg Law Office, you will maximize your chances of securing a positive outcome for your case without having to worry about handling paperwork or insurance calls. Let the Oberg Law Office in Mesquite, Texas handle it all for you. Call 972-682-9700  to learn more.