A bus accident scene can be chaotic, with drivers and passengers receiving medical attention while officers try to investigate the accident. Bystanders may crowd the scene, adding to the confusion. If the accident results in serious injuries or death, the victims may be too overwhelmed to think about recovering damages.
However, any injured party should contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible to determine possible damages in Killeen bus accident cases. Although you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit, working with an experienced bus accident attorney immediately allows their team to gather evidence, collect witness statements, and review medical records to move your case forward as quickly as possible.
Texas is an at-fault state that requires the injured party to prove that others are responsible for the accident and subsequent injuries. The responsible party or parties are liable for accident-related damages. In bus accidents, the at-fault parties may go beyond the bus driver to include the bus company and third parties servicing the bus.
In each instance, the victims must establish that the at-fault party had a duty of care to protect its passengers, pedestrians, or others using the roadways. They must show that the bus driver and company breached this duty, resulting in an accident that injured the victim. Demonstrating fault for a bus crash in Killeen makes a person or entity responsible for paying damages.
Injured parties can seek compensation for economic and noneconomic losses. Punitive damages are available for egregious negligence up to $750,000 if the case goes to trial. A court may assign partial responsibility to all parties involved in a bus accident, including those injured. No compensation will be awarded if the injured person is found more than 50% responsible for the accident.
Economic compensation refers to measurable or quantifiable expenses that victims incur from an accident. These expenses include emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits. They can include immediate and future medical expenses if the injuries result in permanent impairment. Injured parties can be compensated for lost or reduced wages until the victims return to work. If permanently impaired, economic compensation can include future monetary damages.
Non-economic compensation refers to the monetary assessment of the emotional and psychological trauma that accident victims suffer. It may include emotional distress, reduced companionship and enjoyment, scarring and disfigurement, or physical impairment. An attorney can guide an injured person through the legal process to help receive the best possible outcome.
In fatal bus accidents in Killeen, the deceased’s family can seek wrongful death damages for funeral costs and emotional care.
Government entities, whether state, local, or municipal, can be held responsible for accidents involving their buses. However, the law limits the compensation amounts to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for local and municipal accidents. For the state, compensation is capped at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. These caps are the total amount for both economic and non-economic damages.
Receiving compensation for damages in Killeen bus accident cases is challenging, especially when multiple deadlines and responsible parties are involved. Our law firm can ensure notice of claims is filed promptly in public-owned bus accidents. Our lawyers can help collect evidence, take witness statements, and review police reports to establish the best possible strategy for a positive outcome. Reach out now to discuss your case.