West Lake Hills Bus Accident Lawyer
Public buses provide a cheap and environmentally friendly way to commute and travel. Unfortunately, when a bus is involved in a crash, there is a greater likelihood of severe injuries than that for other vehicles due to the increased weight and size. Passengers on the bus are also more likely to be injured due to the lack of seatbelts in most buses.
When you have been injured by a bus or while riding a bus, it may be unclear what to do next. A West Lake Hills bus accident lawyer can help you protect your rights, analyze your situation to determine if someone else is liable for your injuries, and, if so, hold that person responsible. Call one of our seasoned personal injury attorneys today to discuss the best method for pursuing damages from the responsible party.
Who is Responsible for Bus Accidents?
Bus crash cases are complex because it can be difficult to determine fault. Parties that might have the ultimate responsibility for the accident include:
- The bus driver
- The manufacturer of the bus
- The owner or operator of the bus line
- Another driver on the road at the time of the wreck
The bus line owner could be held responsible for the accident if their company failed to properly train or qualify the bus driver. However, the case becomes even more complex if a government entity, such as the city or county, operates the bus line.
Government entities are subject to special rules that make it harder for individuals to sue—a concept called sovereign immunity. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 101.021 explicitly provides that an individual may sue the government for injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. However, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 101.023 limits the amount that an individual can recover from the government to, in most cases, $250,000.
Speaking with an attorney can help someone injured in a bus accident in West Lake Hills understand who could be held responsible for the crash. A lawyer can also help determine if a government entity is responsible and how the rules of sovereign immunity will impact the ability to receive financial compensation for their injuries.
What to Do After a Bus Crash
The aftermath of any car accident can be chaotic, even more so when a bus is involved in the wreck. Nevertheless, there are a few actions that anyone at the scene of the crash should be sure to take, including:
- If safe to do so, check whether anyone else in the crash needs immediate medical attention
- Alert the proper authorities
- Request a copy of the police report, if available
- If possible, move the vehicles and all people involved in the crash out of the flow of traffic
- Document as much about the wreck as possible by taking pictures and speaking to other witnesses
- Avoid making official statements about the wreck to any insurance personnel or posting about the wreck on social media
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if no serious symptoms are present at the moment
After doing these things, reach out to a lawyer in West Lake Hills who has experience representing people injured in bus crashes. Even if a lawsuit is not necessary, a lawyer can help explain what options are available and provide an estimate of potential damages so the injured person can be more informed in their dealings with the insurance company.
Make an Appointment with a Bus Wreck Lawyer in West Lake Hills
Recovering from a significant injury takes time and rest. Unfortunately, significant injuries also usually come with extensive medical bills and lots of administrative and logistical responsibilities. A West Lake Hills bus accident lawyer can help manage your case and fight for your right to receive financial compensation from the people responsible for your injuries, allowing you to focus on recovery. Reach out to one of our dedicated attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
