Dallas Bus Accident Lawyer

Dallas Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents are a common occurrence in large cities such as Dallas. A bus accident may involve a school bus, a city bus, a Greyhound bus, or a charter bus. Because buses frequently lack seat belts to secure passengers in the event of a collision, bus occupants can suffer serious injuries and incur significant financial expenses and losses. Buses are much larger than passenger cars and can cause serious injuries to the occupants of smaller vehicles.

Were you hurt in a bus accident in the Dallas metro area? The experienced personal injury lawyers at Kraft & Associates, P.C. are here to help you seek full compensation from those responsible for your injuries. Since 1971, our attorneys have represented Dallas accident victims with compassion, professionalism, and resolve.

Our experienced bus accident lawyers understand these cases’ complexities and are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. Contact Kraft & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation with one of our Dallas bus accident lawyers at (214) 999-9999.

Reasons Why You Need to Hire a Dallas Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents are complex, often involving multiple injured people. Many buses are operated by municipal transit agencies and school systems such as the Dallas Independent School District and Fort Worth Independent School District. That can complicate the injury claims process. Legal actions involving government agencies often have tighter deadlines for giving notice of a pending claim.

That’s why you need an experienced Dallas injury attorney who understands the laws and regulations pertaining to public buses and commercial carriers. At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we can help you by:

  • Investigating the accident – A bus accident lawyer can investigate the crash to gather evidence, such as surveillance camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and driver employment records. This evidence can help determine why the accident occurred and who is responsible.
  • Determining liability – Bus accidents can involve multiple liable parties, such as the bus driver, the bus company, a city government, and other motorists involved in the accident. A lawyer can determine who is liable and hold them accountable for your injuries.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies – A at-fault party’s insurance provider may pressure people injured in a bus accident to accept a small amount to settle a claim. An experienced bus accident lawyer will have an informed perspective about a reasonable settlement and negotiate for fair compensation for your accident-related losses.
  • Maximizing compensation – Hiring an experienced bus accident lawyer improves your chances of recovering maximum compensation. A lawyer can help you quantify the full extent of your losses and expenses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
  • Filing a lawsuit if necessary – If negotiations with the insurance company fail, a bus accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. Skilled lawyers know how to leverage the threat of lengthy litigation to motivate the insurer to make its best settlement offer.

Our attorneys at Kraft & Associates, P.C. can help you understand your legal options and move quickly to file your bus accident claim.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations for all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) involved in interstate operations to reduce the prevalence of accidents. Both private and charter buses are subject to FMCSA regulations if they engage in interstate commerce and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Has a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more
  • Can transport nine or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
  • Can transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, regardless of whether it’s for compensation

The State of Texas regulates buses that operate strictly within its borders. Sadly, too many bus drivers violate the regulations and cause injuries to passengers.

Common causes of bus accidents in Dallas include the following:

  • Driver error – Bus drivers must be attentive and comply with all traffic laws and bus regulations. An inattentive or distracted driver can put passengers and occupants of nearby vehicles at risk. This is especially true of school bus drivers, who must comply with additional standards to protect their young passengers. Examples of bus driver errors include speeding, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating traffic lights or signs.
  • Driver fatigue – Bus drivers subject to FMCSA regulations must comply with hours-of-service regulations to avoid driving while fatigued. For example, the driver of a passenger-carrying bus cannot drive for more than ten hours following eight consecutive hours off duty. Long-distance bus drivers, in particular, might put their passengers at risk if they stay behind the wheel too long without rest.
  • Driver distraction – Bus drivers who get distracted by something inside or outside the bus can cause accidents. Drivers of school buses experience frequent distractions from school-aged children. They can put their passengers at risk when taking their eyes off the road to address commotion on the bus.
  • Inadequate training or supervision – Bus companies are responsible for training and supervising their drivers. A lack of training or supervision can result in unsafe or inexperienced bus drivers making mistakes, leading to accidents.
  • Defective equipment or maintenance – Faulty equipment or inadequate maintenance can contribute to bus accidents. Depending on the circumstances, the bus company or manufacturer may be responsible. For instance, if a charter bus company postpones critical maintenance to maximize trip revenue, injured passengers can hold the company responsible when an accident occurs. On the other hand, if the bus malfunctions because of a defective component, the company that manufactured the defective part may be held liable.
  • Poor weather or road conditions – Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can make it difficult for bus drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. If an accident occurs in inclement weather, the driver could still be held responsible for failing to adjust their speed to the weather and road conditions. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement, also can increase the risk of an accident.

Common Injuries from Bus Accidents

Bus accidents cause a wide range of injuries to passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. The severity of injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries from bus accidents include:

  • Broken bones – The force of a bus collision can fracture bones in the arms, legs, ribs, skull, and pelvis. Victims with broken bones experience significant pain and may require surgery and physical therapy to heal properly.
  • Internal bleeding – Blunt force trauma from bus accidents can cause internal injuries and bleeding, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  • Head trauma – Bus accidents can result in head injuries when passengers get thrown about inside a crashing bus. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), leading to long-term physical and cognitive problems for the victims.
  • Spinal cord damage – Bus accidents can cause spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Victims with spinal cord injuries may require extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care.
  • Burns – Bus accidents can result in fires or explosions, leading to severe burns to passengers and drivers. Burn victims suffer intense pain and may require multiple surgeries and prolonged treatment to heal.
  • Emotional trauma – Bus accidents can cause emotional trauma to the victims and their families. The psychological effect of a traumatic event can lead to long-lasting anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Types of Compensation Available for Bus Accident Victims

If you were injured in a bus accident caused by a bus driver or someone else, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the harm you suffered. The amount of compensation that may be sought depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of related financial losses, and the insurance available to provide compensation.

With the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, you seek compensation for the following:

Because bus accidents can cause serious injuries to many people, FMCSA regulations require for-hire passenger carriers engaged in interstate transportation to carry at least $1.5 million in liability insurance for vehicles with a seating capacity of 15 passengers or less. For vehicles with a seating capacity of 16 or more passengers, carriers must maintain at least $5 million in liability insurance.

We Are Here to Help, Get the Help You Need Immediately

If you have suffered an injury in a Dallas bus accident, you need a strong, experienced attorney to pursue the full compensation you deserve. The personal injury lawyers at Kraft & Associates, P.C. are here to help you through this difficult time. Bus accident cases can be complex. You might be dealing with long-term physical, emotional, and financial issues. Let our trusted attorneys demand the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call Kraft & Associates, P.C. today at (214) 999-9999 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with one of our bus accident lawyers.