If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in Houston, you may be dealing with a lot of pain and uncertainty right now. Accidents involving buses can result in serious injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress, and you have the right to compensation under Texas law. That’s where Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers come in.
Our team of experienced Houston bus accident lawyers understands your challenges and is here to help navigate the legal process. We will fight for your rights and work towards getting you the compensation you deserve. Don’t suffer in silence - contact an attorney near you today to discuss your case and explore your options for seeking justice.
Why Choose Our Houston Bus Accident Lawyers?
At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, our experienced Houston bus accident attorneys are dedicated to representing clients who have suffered an injury due to the negligence of others. We understand how serious bus crash injuries can be. Our attorneys also know how difficult it can be to determine who to hold liable for a commercial vehicle accident.
With a proven track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, our skilled legal team delivers skilled service, as praised by former clients of ours who were involved in commercial vehicle accidents.
Compensation In Houston Bus Accident Claims
Bus accidents can bring significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. When it comes to seeking compensation for your injuries, it’s essential to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. In Houston, bus accident claims typically fall under personal injury law, and victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation.
When you file a bus accident claim in Houston, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: This includes reimbursement for hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other healthcare costs arising from your injuries.
- Lost Income: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you would have earned during that time.
- Pain and Suffering: Bus accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and even long-term trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide financial recovery for these non-economic damages.
- Property Damage: If your personal belongings, such as a phone or laptop, were damaged or destroyed in the accident, you may be reimbursed for the repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident resulted in the loss of companionship or intimacy with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, it’s vital to consult with a Houston bus accident attorney at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers. They have the skill and experience to assess your case, calculate the damages, negotiate with insurance companies, or represent you in court if necessary.
Where Do Bus Accidents Happen In Houston?
Bus accidents can occur in various locations throughout Houston. While it’s difficult to predict when and where an accident will happen, certain areas are more prone to bus accidents due to higher traffic volumes and congested roads. Some common locations include:
- Downtown Houston: The central business district of Houston is a bustling area with heavy traffic, including buses.
- Major Highways: Due to their central location in the city, Interstates such as I-45, I-10, and I-69 can experience a high volume of buses.
- Bus Stops and Transit Centers: Areas where buses frequently stop to pick up and drop off passengers can be prone to accidents, especially in crowded and busy areas.
- School Zones: School buses are common in these areas, and accidents can happen due to increased activity and distracted driving.
After a bus accident, contact a Houston bus accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore your options for compensation.
What Causes Houston Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents in Houston can result from various factors, including:
- Distracted Driving: Bus drivers, like all motorists, can become distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, or other passengers, which can lead to accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to driver fatigue, impairing a bus driver’s ability to react quickly and navigate the roads safely.
- Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents.
- Poor Maintenance: Neglecting to maintain buses, including regular inspections and repairs properly, can increase the risk of accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, can make driving more challenging and increase the chances of accidents.
- Negligent Driving: Speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way are all examples of negligent driving behavior that can cause bus accidents.
Determining the cause of a bus accident is vital for your personal injury claim. A skilled Houston bus accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and find liable parties to help build a strong case in pursuit of your rightful compensation.
Common Houston Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-altering trauma. Some common injuries sustained in Houston bus accidents include:
- Whiplash: Sudden jerking motions during an accident can cause whiplash, which can result in neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a bus accident can lead to fractures and broken bones, affecting the arms, legs, ribs, or spine.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Bus accidents can cause severe damage to the back and spinal cord, often resulting in paralysis or mobility impairments.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if the head strikes a hard surface during the accident. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Internal Organ Injuries: The force of a bus collision can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, damage to organs, or abdominal trauma.
- Emotional Distress: Bus accidents can be traumatic experiences, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Seeking immediate medical attention after a bus accident is vital, as it ensures your well-being and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Additionally, consulting with a Houston bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
Fighting The Insurance Company After A Houston Bus Accident
Being involved in a bus accident can be a traumatic experience, and it is vital to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. One of the most important aspects of recovering damages after a bus accident is dealing with the insurance company. Insurance companies are known for their tactics to minimize payouts and protect their profits.
That’s why having an experienced Houston bus accident lawyer at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers by your side can make all the difference in fighting against the insurance company.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
Bus accidents can involve various insurance policies, including those held by the bus company, other motorists involved, and even your own insurance. Understanding the different layers of coverage and determining who is responsible for your injuries can be complex.
They may even try to blame you, though under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, you may still recover compensation if your percentage of responsibility is no greater than 50 percent. Insurers will try to make you seem more liable than you are to reduce or eliminate any settlement or judgment you might otherwise obtain.
A seasoned bus accident attorney can evaluate your case, review insurance policies, and choose the best course of action to pursue maximum compensation.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
After a bus accident, the insurance company may contact you to discuss your claim. It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, and they may use tactics to reduce the amount they pay out. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or convince you to settle for less than you deserve. One tactic they may use is to call you a few hours after the crash, pressuring you to accept a settlement before consulting an attorney. Don’t fall for it!
An experienced Houston bus accident lawyer can level the playing field when dealing with the insurance company. Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance adjusters, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. They will rely on strong medical evidence to show the severity of your injuries and pain and suffering.
Building a Strong Case
Successfully pursuing a bus accident claim requires building a strong case that demonstrates the negligence and liability of the responsible parties. This includes collecting evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records. An experienced Houston bus accident lawyer has the resources and contacts to gather and preserve critical evidence to support your claim.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
In many cases, bus accident claims can be resolved through negotiation with the insurance company. However, reaching a fair settlement requires careful negotiation and a thorough understanding of the case’s value. An experienced Houston bus accident attorney will assess the full extent of your damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other factors, to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Taking Your Case to Trial
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies your claim, your attorney should be prepared to take your case to trial. Litigating a bus accident claim can be complex, and having a skilled trial attorney on your side who is experienced in presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing your case in court is essential. Your attorney will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What To Do After A Houston Bus Accident
Getting involved in a bus accident can leave you feeling shaken and confused. However, taking immediate action to protect yourself and your rights is essential. Here are the steps you should take if you have suffered an injury in a bus accident in Houston:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should always be your top priority. Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Report the accident: Contact the authorities and report the accident as soon as possible. This will create an official record and help establish liability.
- Gather evidence: If you can do so safely, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved, and collect contact information from witnesses.
- Document your injuries: Keep detailed records of your injuries, including photographs, medical reports, and any expenses related to your medical treatment.
- Consult a bus accident lawyer: It is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible after a bus accident. A skilled bus accident lawyer will assess your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process.
- File an insurance claim: Your lawyer will help file an insurance claim with the responsible parties to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Negotiate a settlement or pursue a lawsuit: Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies involved. They will advocate for you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Contact A Houston Bus Crash Lawyer
Bus accidents can cause serious injuries that can be impactful on your life and on your family. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in Houston, don’t handle the legal process alone. Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers are here to support you in seeking justice and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to filing a bus accident claim. Texas’s two-year statute of limitations restricts the time you have to pursue legal action. You have even less time if your accident involves a city vehicle, like a Houston METRO bus, where the Texas Tort Claims Act may give you as little as six months to take action.
Do not delay. If you miss the filing deadline, you lose your right to recover compensation.
Our experienced team of Houston bus accident lawyers will fight tirelessly on your behalf, advocating for your rights and ensuring all deadlines are met. We do not charge a legal fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
Call us today at (713) 489-0922.