You drive your car when a bus operator slams their vehicle into yours. Or, you are traveling on a bus, and the driver causes an accident that leaves you with an injury. In either of these scenarios, get legal help from a Houston bus accident lawyer within days of your accident, as they could help you recover damages from the bus driver or any other liable parties.
To date, Lowe Law has recovered millions in damages for our clients. Let our Houston personal injury lawyer represent you in your bus accident case. Request a free case consultation with us.
Liability if a Bus Driver Crashes into Your Car
The bus driver, their employer, or another party can be held responsible for your crash-related losses. To determine who is liable, consult with a Houston bus accident attorney. They can evaluate the facts of your accident and help you submit an insurance claim if warranted.
Per the Texas Department of Insurance’s auto insurance guide, you are legally required to carry insurance if you drive a car in Houston. You can notify your insurance company if a bus driver causes an accident. Your insurer can connect with a bus driver’s insurance provider to find out who is at fault.
Ideally, the insurance companies will determine that the bus driver is responsible, and this at-fault party’s insurer could cover all of your losses.
Unfortunately, the liable party’s insurance provider could dispute your claim or offer a lowball settlement. A Houston car accident lawyer can negotiate with this insurance company on your behalf or file a lawsuit for you.
Getting Compensation if You Get Hurt in an Accident While Riding a Bus
If you ride the METRO and a bus driver gets into an accident that leads to injuries, an attorney can assist. A bus accident lawyer in Houston can help you gather evidence to show that you deserve compensation. Proof you could use in your bus crash lawsuit includes:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Police report
Since 2016, Lowe Law has been helping clients in personal injury and criminal defense cases. We can help you submit a bus accident lawsuit in alignment with Texas’s statute of limitations. Contact us for more information.
When to File Your Lawsuit
Based on Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16, you may have up to two years from the date of your bus crash to sue for damages. A bus accident attorney in Houston understands the statute of limitations. They can file your lawsuit promptly and build a case designed to help you secure maximum damages.
Just because you submit a lawsuit does not guarantee you will recover damages. Your attorney will consider how the defendant in your case will argue against you. They may search for ways to dispute the defendant’s claims against you.
There are times when a plaintiff has a compelling argument that prompts the defendant to offer a settlement. When you work with a lawyer who is focused on providing justice for clients, you may be in a great position to secure a fair settlement. If you receive one and approve it, you could resolve your lawsuit without having to go to trial.
Proving Negligence
You must prove that a liable party was negligent before you can recover damages as part of a bus accident lawsuit. With help from your lawyer, you can show that the defendant in your lawsuit was negligent. Your attorney may focus on finding ways to explain to a judge or jury that the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your crash:
- Duty of Care: A party had a legal obligation to comply with the rules of the road and other mandates to minimize the risk of an accident
- Breach of Duty of Care: This party chose to ignore their legal obligation and put you and others at risk
- Causation: The party’s actions led to your accident
- Damages: You are dealing with losses based on the party’s actions
Your ability to prove negligence has far-flung effects on your case results. If you have plenty of proof and a strong argument, it may be clear to a judge or jury that you are not liable for your accident.
Alternatively, if the defendant in your case raises reasonable doubt about your lawsuit, a judge or jury may rule against you.
Damages You Can Recover in Your Lawsuit
You may be able to receive economic and non-economic damages in a bus collision lawsuit. Generally, a lawyer will encourage their client to ask for both types of damages. Reasons why a judge or jury could award damages following a bus accident include:
- Car repairs or replacement
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
If you choose a lawyer who has been in the news as your legal representative and advocate, you may be able to secure full damages.
Your attorney can prepare a body of evidence and an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you are not liable for a bus collision. The judge or jury may see that your claim is valid and, as such, be inclined to rule in your favor.
How Comparative Fault Applies to Your Case
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33, proportionate responsibility applies to personal injury lawsuits. If you are found to be partly responsible for a bus accident, you may recover only a fraction of the damages you initially sought. In a situation where you are determined to be primarily at fault, you may be ineligible to receive damages.
For example, a judge or jury finds you to be 20% liable for a bus collision. This means the defendant in your lawsuit is 80% liable. They may be ordered to cover 80% of your damages, and you are responsible for the remainder.
In a scenario where a judge or jury rules you are 51% liable for a bus crash, you are more to blame than the defendant. Therefore, the defendant may not have to pay any damages. You are solely responsible for your accident-related losses and will have to pay for them on your own.
Request Help from a Bus Crash Lawyer in Houston
At Lowe Law, we take your side, build your case, and stand and fight for you. Give us the opportunity to assist you with your bus accident case and recover the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free case consultation from a Houston bus accident attorney today.
