Drunk Driving Bus Accidents in Austin

Although drunk driving bus accidents in Austin should never occur, they can happen, and you could get hurt. Injuries caused by a drunk driver can change your life, but fortunately, you may also be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses.

Drunk driving cases can be complex, and your chances of getting the compensation you deserve are much higher if you work with a lawyer. An experienced bus crash attorney can provide the legal representation you need when filing a civil lawsuit.

Liability in a Drunk Driving Bus Accident

Liability in Austin drunk driving bus accidents could fall on an intoxicated bus driver or the bus company.

A drunk bus driver is clearly negligent. Drivers of any type of vehicle should not be intoxicated, as that is a breach of their duty of care for the passengers of the vehicle and anyone else on the road.

An injured person could also hold the employer of the bus driver liable for the accident. The bus company may have failed to train the driver properly, did not provide adequate supervision, or did not enforce policies against drinking and driving.

Damages in a Bus Accident Involving a Drunk Driver

Filing an injury lawsuit means the injured person wants to recover their losses from the accident. Losses, or damages, can be both economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Recovering from an injury costs a lot of money. There are emergency vehicle services, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and more costly medical services.

Besides the medical expenses, there may be weeks or months of time off work because of the injury. Lost wages can often be recovered through a personal injury lawsuit. If the drunk driving bus crash in Austin resulted in devastating injuries that leave a person unable to work, there could be compensation for unearned future wages.

Non-Economic Damages

Some damages do not come with a price tag. For example, the pain and suffering caused by a debilitating injury can be a major part of life. The accident could lead to anxiety, depression, or other forms of mental distress. The injured person could lose the companionship of a partner or friend, or they could lose enjoyment in life. A skilled lawyer can determine how much compensation covers these types of non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

A judge may award punitive damages in a drunk driving case as a way to further punish the intoxicated driver.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

In Texas, an injured person has two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the Austin drunk driving bus accident occurred in a public transportation bus or another bus that is owned by the government, the injured person needs to file an intent to sue. This intent must be filed according to the local deadline, which a personal injury lawyer will know about. It is always a good idea to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident happens.

Talk to an Austin Attorney about a Drunk Driving Bus Accident

Do not delay in contacting the experienced, compassionate lawyers at Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. We understand the seriousness of drunk driving bus accidents in Austin, and we work diligently to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Get started today by contacting us and scheduling a free legal consultation.