Bus Accident Lawyer

How Austin Bus Accident Lawyer Handles the Legal Process

Bus accidents are unfortunately common. They can cause serious harm to passengers, drivers, and others involved. If you or a loved one is in an accident, seek help from an Austin bus accident lawyer right away.

Bus accidents can occur anytime and for many reasons. Common causes include driver error, mechanical failures, and poor weather. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows there were about 12,000 bus accidents in the U.S. in 2018, resulting in over 300 fatalities.

This figure has remained steady in recent years. Bus accidents continue to be a major concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports around 30,000 bus accidents happen each year in the U.S. These incidents can range from minor fender benders to serious collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or road obstacles.

If You Are Hurt Seriously?

Bus accidents can result in severe injuries that can, in many cases, permanently change the course of the victim’s life. Buses often do not have seat belts or other restraints, which means that you may suffer substantial injury in an accident. The sooner you hire a skilled commercial vehicle accident attorney, the better for your case!

Just before Andrew Traub was to be married, his parents-in-law were involved in a serious bus wreck where one passenger died and his in-laws were seriously injured. They still live with the pain caused by that accident, over twenty-five years later!

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accident injuries vary depending on the circumstances.

Pedestrians struck by a bus may suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal injuries, lacerations, or broken bones.
Slip-and-fall accidents on buses, caused by wet or poorly maintained floors, can lead to broken hands, arms, or hips, as well as severe lacerations.
Passengers in crashes may sustain injuries similar to car accidents, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.

These injuries often have lasting impacts:

TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairments.
Spinal injuries may lead to paralysis.
Fractures are painful and slow to heal.
Burns can result in disfigurement and scarring.
Internal injuries may be life-threatening.

Recovery often requires surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Severe cases can result in permanent disability and loss of employment.

If injured in a bus accident, whether as a passenger or pedestrian, consult an Austin bus accident lawyer. They can explain your rights, assist with a personal injury claim, and help you seek fair compensation.

Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are often caused by driver error, mechanical failure, poor road conditions, or traffic congestion. Driver errors, such as distraction, fatigue, substance use, or reckless driving, are common. Mechanical failures, like tire blowouts, brake issues, or engine malfunctions, also play a significant role. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven surfaces, and sudden stops due to traffic congestion further contribute to accidents.

Who Bears Liability for a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents can occur in a variety of scenarios. Who bears liability for the accident may depend on several factors, including who owns the bus. This may include:

The City
Private bus companies
A school district or school system, in the case of buses used to transport children
Tour Bus Company
Greyhound Bus or similar
The driver of a car

The bus driver may bear primary liability for an accident caused by negligence on the driver’s part. However, the owner of the bus, whether corporate, private, or government, may also bear liability for the bus driver’s actions. For example:

Improper maintenance on the bus caused the accident.

Like other commercial vehicles, buses require regular maintenance to keep them moving smoothly. Unfortunately, in some cases, the company that owns the bus may put off maintenance or even forego it entirely to cut costs and keep the bus running.

In other cases, the mechanic who works on the bus, often an outside contractor, may fail to properly repair the bus, leading to substantial injury.

Employing a driver with a known accident history or a habit of drinking on the job.

Drinking and driving can substantially raise the risk of serious accidents. A bus driver with a habit of reckless driving may end up causing severe injuries. If the company continues to employ a driver who behaves recklessly regularly, including drinking or using illegal substances and driving, the company may share liability for the accident.

Holding dangerous policies that lead to or contribute to the accident.

In some cases, the company that owns the bus may have policies that push the driver to break the law or to behave dangerously: insisting that a driver spend too many hours a day behind the wheel, for example, or pushing the driver to complete a too-tight route even in hazardous conditions. If the company’s policies cause an accident, it may leave the company liable.

Falling asleep at the wheel

In the case of Andrew Traub’s in-laws, two drivers alternated shifts. However, the lead driver was having an affair so he did not get enough sleep and fell asleep at the wheel.

Why Are Bus Accidents More Complex to Handle Than Typical Car or Motorcycle Accidents?

Bus accidents are more complex than typical car or motorcycle accidents. Here are the main reasons why:

Multiple Parties Involved: Bus collisions often include many parties. You may need to negotiate with the bus company, the driver, and possibly another company if the driver is contracted.

Corporate Layers: Buses are often part of larger transportation networks. This adds layers of bureaucracy. It can complicate communication and delay resolutions.

Varying Liability: Figuring out who is responsible is more challenging. Different entities may be involved. If the driver works for another company, establishing liability becomes complicated.

Potential for Greater Damage: Buses can carry more passengers. This means bus accidents can cause more injuries and damage. Claims must be larger and more complicated.

In summary, the involvement of multiple parties and the potential for bigger claims make bus accidents unique. They require thorough investigations and negotiations compared to typical road incidents.

Government Owned Buses May Have Shorter Claim Times

If a government entity owns the bus involved in your accident, you may have a more limited amount of time to collect compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced Austin bus accident lawyer as soon after your accident as possible to learn more about your right to compensation or to start filing your personal injury claim before the statute of limitations runs out.

In a bus accident, you should also consider who caused the accident. It may not be the bus driver but rather another driver on the road who committed an error that led to the bus accident and your injuries. The police report can help establish which driver caused the bus accident.

The Compensation You Can Claim After a Bus Accident

After a bus accident, you may have the right to claim compensation for your injuries. An experienced Austin bus accident lawyer can help you investigate the conditions that led to your accident and how they may influence your right to compensation. Compensation may depend on the following:

Who Caused Your Injuries?

The liable party in a bus accident may carry liability insurance that will provide much-needed compensation to the injured party in an accident. However, those insurance policies may limit the amount of compensation victims of serious accidents can receive. In addition, there may be many injured parties, limiting the time and amount that might be claimed.

The Extent of Your Injuries

Most of the time, insurance companies calculate the compensation you receive based on the medical expenses you incur because of your injuries. If you suffer severe injuries in the accident, your medical bills may add up quickly.

Bills for emergency medical transport and treatment, ongoing surgeries and procedures to treat your injuries, durable medical equipment, and even the cost of in-home care or long-term hospitalization add up, especially in the aftermath of severe injuries.

The Wages You Lost Due to Your Injuries

Often, severe bus accident injuries can prevent you from returning to work immediately after your accident. Your injuries may cause pain and limitations that prevent you from taking care of your usual job responsibilities. Sometimes, an employer may work with you to help you get back to work sooner: offering accommodations or supporting you despite your injuries.

In other cases, your employer may prefer you remain out of work until you recover fully. The longer you stay out of work, the more wages you may lose. An experienced Austin bus accident lawyer can give you more information about how to include those lost wages as part of your personal injury claim.

Your Pain and Suffering

In addition to tangible financial losses related to your accident, you may suffer substantial physical pain or emotional anguish. Talk to an Austin bus accident lawyer about including those elements as part of your personal injury claim. Your medical bills will often form the foundation of your personal injury claim for the insurance company. The human harm and losses will be the most important factor for a jury.

What is an Official Settlement Offer, and Why Should a Lawyer Review It?

An official settlement offer is a formal proposal to resolve a dispute, often involving injuries caused by negligence. It outlines terms for settling the matter without going to court. These offers are typically written and sent via certified mail to maintain a clear record of discussions and agreements.

Why Lawyer Review is Important

Comprehensive Damage Assessment: A lawyer ensures the offer covers all damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Legal Clarity: Settlement terms can be complex. A lawyer helps interpret them.
Future Implications: Lawyers assess if the offer meets both current and future needs.

While settlement offers aim for quick resolution, a lawyer’s review ensures your rights are protected and the terms are fair.

Why hire an Austin bus accident lawyer to handle your case?

Attorneys who win cases against professional truck drivers and motor carriers have an infinite knowledge of the rules and requirements that the bus company and its drivers must follow to ensure the safety of the passengers and the driver that is why you should hire an Austin bus accident lawyer.

Types of Commercial Vehicle Crashes We Handle

Adjusters Don’t Want You to Hire a Bus Crash Lawyer!

Insurance adjusters often contact bus accident victims early, claiming they are “accepting responsibility” and suggesting there’s no need for a lawyer. They may imply that hiring an attorney will only reduce your compensation. This tactic is deliberate—if they discourage you from hiring a lawyer, it’s likely because it benefits them, not you.

Many fall for this trick, settling for far less than they deserve. Others realize too late that they need an experienced Austin bus accident lawyer. Delaying legal help can weaken your case and hurt your chances of a fair outcome.

Why Choose an Attorney Who Wins Cases, Not Just Settles Them

Choosing a lawyer focused on winning cases instead of quick settlements can significantly improve your legal outcome.

Key Advantages:

Maximized Compensation: These attorneys aim to secure the best possible outcome by building strong cases.
Experience and Strategy: Their courtroom expertise and strategic skills provide a competitive advantage.
Client-Centric Approach: They prioritize clients’ needs over quick compromises.
Strong Reputation: Their success in trials earns respect, often leading to fairer negotiations.

Selecting such an attorney ensures a dedicated legal partner committed to achieving the best results for you.

Get A Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me

Retaining an Austin bus accident lawyer is an important first step toward seeking justice for the victim of negligence on the part of the bus company or the bus driver.

We handle bus accidents and commercial vehicle accidents and have been doing so for over 20 years. Our exceptional track record, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.

Contact The Traub Law Office Now

Call an Austin Bus Accident Lawyer in Austin for a Free Consultation at (512) 246-9191.

What Drives Us to Achieve Results for Our Clients

At our personal injury law firm, we are deeply committed to justice and helping those impacted by negligence, including auto collisions, workplace incidents, and medical malpractice.

Key Motivations:

Empathy for Victims: Understanding the toll of injuries inspires us to fight for fair compensation.
Commitment to Fairness: We believe in upholding clients’ rights and ensuring equitable outcomes.
Relentless Advocacy: Every case is unique, and we tirelessly pursue the best results for our clients.

We take pride in not only achieving results but also supporting clients through their challenges, striving for excellence in every case.