Cypress Bus Accident Attorney
Buses provide a great service, offering transportation that is often affordable, accessible, effective, and environmentally friendly. But while riding the bus can be a great option for commuters, school children, and others, buses–just like other motor vehicles–sometimes get into crashes. If a bus crash occurs and passengers within the bus suffer injuries, knowing who’s liable for harm can be complicated. At The West Law Office, our Cypress bus accident attorneys can help. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, please reach out to our law firm directly for guidance and support as you navigate the claims process.
How Bus Accidents Happen
Following a bus accident, one of the first things that needs to happen is an investigation in order to determine what caused the accident–once how the crash happened has been determined, liability can be placed on the shoulders of the responsible party. Causes of bus accidents include:
- Bus driver error. A bus driver’s error may be the cause of a crash. Examples of bus driver errors that can lead to accidents including making a turn too quickly, speeding, following another vehicle too closely, and breaching safety laws. Unsafe loading and unloading behavior, such as failing to come to a complete stop when a passenger is unloading, can lead to an accident.
- Third-party driver error. A bus accident might be caused by the actions of a third-party driver, such as the driver of a car that swerves in front of the bus, or that passes a stopped bus on the left illegally.
- Vehicle defect. Some bus accidents are caused by vehicle defects, such as improperly working brakes or tire tread issues. A vehicle defect may be a part manufacturing defect or design defect, or result from improper maintenance.
- Road conditions. Finally, road conditions can also cause or contribute to bus accidents. Rain or sleet may make conditions dangerous for driving. Potholes and other road defects may lead to crashes, too.
Determining Liability for the Crash
How the crash is caused and who owns the bus will have a significant effect on who’s liable for damages. For example, if the bus is owned by a private company and the bus driver is responsible for the crash, the company may be held liable for damages based on the theory of vicarious liability or respondeat superior, both of which hold an employer liable for an employee’s damages.
If the bus is owned by a government entity, such as a municipality, this is also true–the entity will likely be held liable for the employee’s negligence. Note that if you are bringing a claim against the government in Texas, you must file a notice of claim within six months of the accident.
If the accident was caused by the actions of a third party, such as another driver or a vehicle part manufacturer, you can bring a claim for damages directly against this party or their insurer.
Our Cypress Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help
To learn more about what to do if you’ve been in a bus accident and how to recover compensation for the harm you’ve suffered, call our Cypress bus accident lawyers at The West Law Office today. We offer free consultations and can start working on your case immediately.
