Bus Accident Lawyers in Texas.
Being involved in a bus accident in DFW or anywhere in Texas can be overwhelming. Understanding your legal rights is crucial whether you’re a victim or a concerned family member. Bus accidents, often more complex than typical vehicular collisions, can lead to serious injuries and require adept legal handling. This is where Texas bus accident attorneys come in. They offer specialized knowledge and experience in dealing with the unique challenges these cases present.

In this post, we will explore the key aspects of bus accident law in Texas, guide you through choosing the right attorney, and explain how legal representation can help secure the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, remember that timely legal consultation can be a critical step in your journey to recovery and justice.
Bus Accidents in Texas
Bus accidents in Texas, while less frequent than car accidents, carry significant risks due to the size and passenger capacity of buses. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for victims and their families. Factors such as driver error, poor vehicle maintenance, adverse weather conditions, and challenging road layouts often contribute to bus accidents. Furthermore, buses have larger blind spots than cars, making it harder for bus drivers to notice smaller vehicles or pedestrians, thus increasing the risk of accidents.
Person Hospitalized After Being Trapped Under DART Bus in Dallas Accident
In a distressing incident in Dallas, Texas, one individual was hospitalized after becoming trapped under the front wheel of a DART bus on Monday night. The accident occurred after 8 p.m. on Coit Road, just south of the LBJ Freeway, involving a DART bus. Dallas Fire-Rescue teams swiftly responded to the scene, successfully freeing the injured person, who fortunately did not sustain critical injuries. The victim was transported to the hospital with a broken leg and lacerations. DART Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. source
Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving School Bus Claims Life of 9-Year-Old Girl in Texas
A devastating multi-vehicle collision involving a Princeton ISD school bus resulted in the tragic death of a 9-year-old girl on the afternoon of February 1, 2024. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the accident, occurring around 3:45 p.m. on the Long Bridge between Lucas and Branch, involved four vehicles: the school bus, a Jeep Wrangler, a Chevy Express 3500 commercial truck, and a Nissan Versa. The young victim was traveling with her 41-year-old mother in the Nissan when the crash took place. While the girl’s mother suffered non-incapacitating injuries and was hospitalized in McKinney, a 20-year-old driver of the Jeep also sustained minor injuries. Remarkably, the nine children and the driver on the school bus, as well as the driver of the Chevy Express, escaped the incident unharmed. The DPS is leading an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the fatal crash. source
What is it about buses that make their blind spots different than car blind spots?
Buses have a higher seating position and longer body length, creating larger blind spots around the vehicle. This makes it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, especially those close to the bus. Other road users must understand these limitations, and bus drivers must exercise extra caution.

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, consider discussing your case with a qualified attorney who can help navigate these complexities. They can provide insights into how these factors may impact your case and what steps you should take next.
Types of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents in Texas can be classified into several types, each with its own set of circumstances and potential legal implications:
Bus Pedestrian Accidents: These accidents involve a bus striking a pedestrian. Given the size and weight of buses, these accidents can be particularly dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The regular interaction of buses with pedestrians in urban areas increases the risk of such accidents.
School Bus Accidents
School buses are heavily used for transporting students, making them a common type of bus involved in accidents. In these cases, children between the ages of five and 13 are most commonly involved. However, it is notable that the majority of fatalities in school bus collisions are not the bus passengers, but rather other road users involved in the accident.
Bus Products Liability Accidents
These accidents are due to design or manufacturing defects in the bus or its components. Common issues include brake defects, electrical problems, or roof failures. These defects can either cause an accident or exacerbate its consequences.
Public Transit Bus Accidents
Public transit buses, such as the DART bus system, are a crucial part of urban transportation systems. Accidents involving these buses can occur due to various reasons, including operator negligence or mechanical failures.

Freight Bus Accidents
These are primarily involved in the transportation of cargo and occasionally passengers. Overloading or improper loading of these buses can make them difficult to control and stop, leading to accidents.
Private, Tour, or Charter Bus Accidents
Accidents involving charter, tour, or private buses can occur due to a lack of proper maintenance or employing drivers who are not adequately trained or licensed. These buses are frequently used for special operations and may be subject to different regulatory standards compared to public transit buses.
Greyhound Bus Accidents
Greyhound, being a major bus service provider, sees a significant number of passengers annually. Accidents involving Greyhound buses can be due to various factors, including driver error, mechanical failures, or hazardous road conditions.

Collisions
This type of accident involves a bus colliding with another vehicle or object on the road. These collisions can be particularly severe due to the size and weight of buses.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
These occur when the bus is the only vehicle involved in the accident, often caused by technical faults, adverse weather conditions, or driver error.
Each type of bus accident requires a specific approach in terms of legal handling and investigation. Understanding the type of accident is crucial for a lawyer to provide the most effective legal assistance.
Top Dallas Bus Accident Causes
Common causes of bus accidents in Texas include a variety of factors that can contribute to these often devastating incidents:
- Driver Fatigue or Distraction: Bus drivers may be tired or distracted, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: If the bus driver is under the influence, their impaired judgment and reaction times can lead to accidents.
- Negligence of Other Drivers: Accidents can also be caused by other drivers who are tired, distracted, intoxicated, or driving dangerously.
- Poor Maintenance: The bus or its equipment may be in poor repair or may not have received necessary maintenance, leading to mechanical failures.
- Equipment Defects or Malfunctions: Defects in bus equipment can cause or contribute to accidents.
- Improper Loading or Overloading: If a bus is not loaded properly or is carrying too much weight, it can affect the vehicle’s stability and maneuverability, increasing the risk of an accident​
Each of these factors can independently or in combination lead to serious bus accidents, underscoring the importance of stringent safety protocols and responsible driving practices.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities After a Bus Accident
In the event of a bus accident in Texas, understanding the legal landscape is vital for anyone involved. Determining liability and pursuing justice can be intricate, involving various legal concepts and parties.
Determining Liability
The question of liability is at the core of any bus accident case in Texas. Identifying the responsible party or parties is crucial, and this often involves a complex assessment involving multiple potential culprits. These may include the bus driver, other drivers, the bus company, maintenance contractors, or even vehicle manufacturers. The multifaceted nature of these cases underscores the need for a thorough investigation and an understanding of Texas law.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This legal concept implies that compensation is adjusted based on each party’s degree of responsibility. For instance, if a bus driver is deemed 70% responsible for an accident and another driver 30%, the compensation awarded will be apportioned accordingly.
Responsible Parties
Legal responsibility for injuries in a Texas bus accident can vary based on several factors, including who caused the accident and the type of bus involved. Potentially liable parties might include:
- The Bus Driver: If the bus driver failed to exercise reasonable care or violated traffic laws, they could be liable for resulting injuries.
- Private Bus Company: A bus company may be directly or vicariously liable, especially if negligence in hiring, training, or maintenance is evident.
- The Government: For buses operated by government entities, claims may be filed under vicarious liability laws.
- Third-Party Drivers: Drivers who behave recklessly or negligently and contribute to an accident can also be held liable.
- Bus Manufacturer: If a defect in the bus or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be responsible.
Role of Bus Accident Attorneys
Specialized attorneys in Texas bus accidents play a crucial role in navigating the intricate legal process. They gather essential evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage. These lawyers also negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent victims in court to ensure fair compensation.
A bus accident lawyer can significantly assist in the claims process by:
- Navigating the accident claims process, including filing claims and managing deadlines.
- Gathering crucial evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimony.
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies.
- Securing expert testimony from medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts.
- Fighting for a fair settlement or taking the case to court if necessary.
Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities following a bus accident in Texas is paramount. It involves navigating complex legal principles, identifying liable parties, and often, the assistance of a skilled attorney to ensure justice and fair compensation.
Choosing the Right Dallas Lawyer
When selecting a bus accident attorney in Texas, consider the following criteria:
Experience and Specialization: Look for an attorney with specific experience in handling bus accident cases. This specialization ensures that they are familiar with the unique aspects of bus accident law and have a track record of handling similar cases.
Reputation and Reviews: Research the attorney’s reputation in the legal community. Look for reviews or testimonials from former clients to gauge their satisfaction with the attorney’s services.
Communication and Accessibility: Choose an attorney who is communicative and accessible. It’s important to feel comfortable with how they handle your case and how they communicate updates and information.
Resources and Network: An effective bus accident attorney should have access to resources such as expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals. This network can be crucial in building a strong case.
Fee Structure: Understand the attorney’s fee structure. Many bus accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
Initial Consultation: Take advantage of free initial consultations offered by many law firms. This meeting can explain the attorney’s approach and how they plan to handle your case.
Compensation and Claims Process
Navigating the compensation and claims process after a bus accident in Texas involves several critical steps.
Victims of bus accidents in Texas are entitled to various types of compensation, such as:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, doctor visits, physical therapy, and other treatments related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for wages lost due to the inability to work, including potential future earnings in long-term disability cases.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain endured due to the accident.
- Mental Anguish: This covers emotional distress and psychological issues resulting from the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded as a punishment and a deterrent for future misconduct.
Claims Process
The claims process generally begins with either negotiating a settlement or preparing to take your case to court:
- Negotiating a Settlement: You may attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the liable party or their insurance company. This involves presenting evidence and documentation to establish liability and the extent of your damages.
- Taking Your Case to Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you can escalate the matter to court. This is typically considered when the insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement.
Time Limits for Legal Action
Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury cases, including bus accidents. However, this timeframe can be shorter if a government entity is involved, emphasizing the importance of timely action.
Recent Texas Bus Accidents
Bus accidents in Texas have resulted in a wide range of settlements, depending on the circumstances. These settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to six figures, demonstrating the variability in compensation based on the specific details of each case.
Fatal Bus Crash Involving University Students
A tragic accident resulted in the loss of six students and a coach from the University of Southwest’s golf team. This head-on collision, caused by a pickup truck driver who had methamphetamine in his system, underscores the severe impact such accidents can have on multiple lives.
Multiple Injuries in a Church Bus Crash
A bus accident in northeast Harris County injured 16 people, including 13 children, when the bus overturned. This incident highlights the potential for mass injuries in bus accidents, particularly when large groups are involved.
Injuries in a Charter Bus and FedEx Truck Collision
A collision on I-20 between a charter bus and a FedEx truck led to two people being hospitalized. It is believed that the FedEx truck driver suffered a medical condition, causing the accident. This case points to the unforeseen factors that can contribute to bus accidents.
Cheerleaders Injured in School Bus Rollover
A school bus carrying cheerleaders rolled over, injuring 15 people. The accident occurred on a highway with standing water, illustrating the dangers buses can face in adverse weather conditions.
Charter Bus Accident Injuring 20
A charter bus carrying baseball players rolled over outside Houston, injuring at least 20 people. The large number of injured individuals in this incident shows the high-risk factor in charter bus accidents.
Fatal Shuttle Bus Crash
A shuttle bus collided with an SUV and burst into flames near College Station, resulting in one death and two serious injuries.
FAQs About Bus Accidents in Texas
In this section, we’ll address some frequently asked questions related to bus accidents in Texas:
What are the capacity regulations for school and transit buses?
Texas has specific regulations for school bus capacities, which are periodically updated to ensure safety and compliance with state standards. The Texas Department of Public Safety provides detailed specifications for school buses, including capacity regulations, to ensure the safe transport of students. These specifications are essential for maintaining safe occupancy levels on school buses.
Can I hold the bus company responsible for my injuries after an accident in Texas?
Determining liability in a bus accident can be complex. While the bus company and the driver are often scrutinized for their role in safely transporting passengers, they may not always be solely responsible. Negligence on the part of the bus driver or company, such as lack of safety precautions, can lead to their liability. However, other parties, such as another driver or the bus manufacturer, might also share responsibility. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the details of your case and identify all potentially responsible parties.
Can you claim whiplash from a bus crash?
Yes, if you suffered whiplash as a passenger in a bus accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. Victims who experience this injury through no fault of their own are entitled to seek compensation.
What is the Texas Transportation Code 550.021 accident involving personal injury or death?
Texas Transportation Code 550.021 requires the driver involved in an auto accident that results in injuries or death to stop at the accident scene, determine if anyone requires aid, and notify the local police department or sheriff’s office. This law underlines the legal obligations following an accident involving serious injuries or fatalities.
Can you claim for anxiety after a car accident?
Yes, in Texas, victims who suffer significant psychological trauma, including anxiety, after a car accident can pursue compensation for their emotional distress. This is recognized as a type of non-economic damage in personal injury claims.
What happens when a bus rolls over?
In a bus rollover accident, passengers can suffer serious injuries or fatalities. This can happen due to factors like speeding, hitting an object, or mechanical problems like a tire blowout. Injuries may result from intrusion of the bus structure, projection of passengers against bus components or each other, ejection from the bus, and fires.
Where is the best place to sit on a bus for an accident?
The safest place to sit on a bus is generally towards the middle, near the emergency exit. This location is considered safest in case of a collision and provides easy access to exit the bus in an emergency. The side facing the windows is also recommended for additional safety.
Contact a Dallas Bus Accident Attorney Today
Navigating the aftermath of a bus accident in Dallas involves understanding a complex array of legal, medical, and procedural issues. This guide has aimed to elucidate the key aspects of dealing with bus accidents, from the types and causes of accidents to the legal rights and responsibilities of those involved, and the critical role of experienced bus accident attorneys.
Bus accidents can have life-altering consequences. It is imperative for those affected to seek timely legal consultation to protect their rights. While this guide offers a comprehensive overview, every bus accident case is unique, and personalized legal advice is always recommended. Remember, in the face of such challenging circumstances, having the right legal ally can make all the difference in navigating the path to recovery and justice. Give Aaron Genthe a call at 214-957-0898 for a free consultation.
Page Contents
- Bus Accident Lawyers in Texas.
- Bus Accidents in Texas
- Types of Bus Accidents
- Top Dallas Bus Accident Causes
- Legal Rights and Responsibilities After a Bus Accident
- Role of Bus Accident Attorneys
- Compensation and Claims Process
- Recent Texas Bus Accidents
- FAQs About Bus Accidents in Texas
- Can I hold the bus company responsible for my injuries after an accident in Texas?
- Can you claim whiplash from a bus crash?
- What is the Texas Transportation Code 550.021 accident involving personal injury or death?
- Can you claim for anxiety after a car accident?
- What happens when a bus rolls over?
- Where is the best place to sit on a bus for an accident?
- Contact a Dallas Bus Accident Attorney Today