Cinco Ranch Bus Accident Attorney
Other than airplanes, municipal and intercity buses transport more people than any other kind of vehicle. Most buses have no seat belts or air bags. As a result, when they crash, dozens of people often sustain serious injuries. Non-collision injuries, such as falls and passenger assaults, hurt other passengers. The public or private entity which owned the bus has a duty to prevent both kinds of injuries.
For various reasons, these claims are among the most complex cases in Texas. The experienced Cinco Ranch bus accident attorneys at the West Law Firm are up to the challenge. We have the legal knowledge to handle a multi-layer claim for compensation. At the same time, we break things down for our clients in English, as opposed to Legalese. Since you are better informed, you can make better choices for you and your family.
Duty of Care
Commercial operators in Texas, including bus drivers, have a duty of utmost care. They are practically insurers of safe conduct from Point A to Point B.
Bus drivers must go above and beyond when it comes to avoiding accidents. The law often reflects this difference. For example, on many freeways, the speed limit is lower for commercial vehicles than noncommercial vehicles.
Fatigued driving is one of the most common breaches of this driver’s duty of care. Many bus drivers spend long hours behind the wheel. Driving after eighteen consecutive awake hours is like driving with a .05 BAC level. That’s above the legal limit for commercial drivers in Texas. Furthermore, many bus drivers are behind the wheel early in the morning, around midday, and late at night. Most people are naturally drowsy at these times, no matter how much rest they had the night before.
As mentioned, the duty of care extends to passengers’ personal safety. Bus operators have a duty to break up fights before they become violent, keep the aisles clean, keep the restrooms dry, and pick up and drop off passengers at safe locations.
Legal Issues
Procedurally, bus accidents are different from many other car crash claims, usually depending on bus ownership.
Municipal buses, school buses, and other government-owned buses are subject to Texas’ sovereign immunity law. Generally, elected officials and government employees cannot be sued. But the Texas Tort Claims Act allows such actions, if the official or employee was negligent. Typically, negligence, or a lack of care, causes vehicle collisions and other personal injuries.
Before these victims file legal claims, they must file a notice of claim. This notice gives the government a chance to settle the claim quietly before it goes to court.
Out-of-state holding companies often own tour or intercity buses. Because of this fact, and because the injury victims usually hail from different counties, legal venue and choice of law could be an issue. At the West Law Office, our legal team thoroughly analyzes these questions, so victims always obtain maximum compensation.
Contact a Tough-Minded Fort Bend County Lawyer
Personal injury victims deserve fair compensation for their serious injuries. For a free consultation with an experienced Cinco Ranch personal injury attorney, contact The West Law Office. Attorneys can connect victims with doctors, even if they have no insurance or money.
