Houston Bus Accident Lawyer

Each year, more and more Americans are turning to public transit, be it for a faster commute or for the environment’s sake. And each time we (or our children) get onto a bus, we do so in good faith: we assume that the driver, company, or municipality has taken all necessary steps to provide a safe and reliable ride.

Sadly, that is not always the case.

School buses, charter buses, rapid transit buses, intercity buses, and other public transportation systems — even operating under tight regulations — aren’t immune to accidents and their aftermath; both passengers and innocent bystanders can easily get caught in the crosshairs of a disastrous collision.

If you have been hurt or someone you know has succumbed following a bus accident, you may have legal recourse. Seek expert legal counsel as soon as possible. Bus accident claims are often more complex than standard vehicle accidents. You will need a law firm that is adept at handling cases against commercial bus operators, municipal bus lines, common carriers, and their respective insurance/defense teams.

The legal professionals at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers are only one phone call away. We are prepared to answer your questions and walk you through your options for restitution.

Call (713) 932-0777 to schedule your 100% free consultation with a Houston bus accident lawyer today.

Bus Accident Statistics in Houston, TX

school busAn estimated 600 million people travel by bus each year in the United States, accounting for about half of all mass transit riders nationwide. Though inexpensive and convenient, unfortunately, this form of transportation is not without its downfalls.

Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) showed that bus accidents have led to 6,770 deaths and nearly 567,000 injuries in the 22-year period between 1998 and 2019. Of those affected, just fewer than 10 percent were actual passengers, with the rest being pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles.

If there is a silver lining to all this, it is that Texas law can provide some measure of justice for bus accident victims. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. The bus accident lawyers at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers are committed to advocating on your behalf and getting your life back on track after a crash. Call (713) 932-0777 to speak with a qualified bus accident lawyer about your case.

What Are the Common Causes of Bus Accidents?

From driver error to weather effects, here are a few common causes of bus accidents:

  • Driver fatigue: A leading cause of bus crashes, overworked or fatigued drivers often display slowed reaction times behind the wheel, coupled with poor judgment and inattention (e.g., changing lanes without properly checking blind spots).
  • Distracted driving: Bus drivers can be easily distracted by talking or texting on their phones, eating, adjusting vehicle settings, or attending to matters unrelated to driving.
  • Reckless driver behavior: This may include excessive speeding, aggressive driving, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, and other types of hazardous and negligent behavior.
  • Driving under the influence: Bus drivers should not be operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Driver inexperience: Bus drivers should receive appropriate training and have sufficient experience before being allowed to drive public transport vehicles.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance: Bus companies have a duty of care to keep their vehicles safe for roads. Failing to carry out proper maintenance and safety inspections can lead to catastrophic events such as worn brakes, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and other equipment failures. The bus company is vicariously liable for their employees’ failure to maintain the vehicle.
  • Manufacturer defects: Defective tires, brakes, suspension systems, and other components may lead to dangerous bus accidents.
  • Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, construction work, winding roads, and standing water can result in diminished control for bus drivers. The same can be said of poor weather conditions like winds, rain, and/or fog.

To win your bus accident injury claim, you will first need to pinpoint what caused the accident, and who is at fault.

Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., is home to expansive bus systems that service transportation to hundreds of thousands of commuters and visitors every day. Unfortunately, bus accidents happen, and they can be catastrophic for those involved. If you have been injured in such an accident, you may need an experienced Houston bus accident lawyer — a powerful legal professional that will fight relentlessly to protect your health and financial interests.

You will likely be thinking, “I need to find a Houston bus accident lawyer near me.” Just know this: at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our personal injury attorneys have helped countless clients across Houston, across Texas and across the entire country to get compensation in wrongful death and injury cases. Be it a bus accident, or other cases like car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, premises liability, and product liability — we will walk you through your legal options, every step of the way. Reach out to get started with a free case review.

What Are Some Common Bus Accident Injuries?

Bus accidents often result in serious injuries, due to the lack of safety equipment commonly found in cars such as seatbelts and airbags. This is further exacerbated by the fact that passengers are often standing inside the bus, which may cause harm even in low-impact collisions.

Some common bus accident injuries may include:

  • Cuts and bruising;
  • Fractured bones;
  • Traumatic brain injuries;
  • Neck and spinal cord injuries;
  • Internal bleeding;
  • Whiplash;
  • Burn injuries;
  • Muscle tears.

If you have been recently injured, your health and well-being should be your first priority. Get the medical help you need right away. Then speak with a Houston bus accident attorney to understand your legal rights and options.

The bus accident attorneys at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers recognize that medical care is of the utmost importance, even before beginning your case. And once we do, you can trust that we diligently work to identify liable parties and prove negligence.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a bus crash in Houston, Texas? Don’t wait a minute longer; go over your legal options with a legal professional today.

Schedule your free consultation with us; it’s free, and you pay nothing unless we win: (713) 257-8757.

How Much Will A Houston Bus Accident Lawyer Cost?

Typically bus accident lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement where they are paid a percentage of what they recover. The percentage is commonly 33.33% if the case settles without filing a lawsuit and 40% if a lawsuit must be filed. Many people are understandably apprehensive about the costs of hiring a bus accident lawyer. The contingency fee helps take some of the personal financial risks out of the process by eliminating a major upfront cost for the client. Additionally, building a strong personal injury claim can be a resource-intensive affair — think copy fees for medical records and police reports, expert witness fees, postage costs, filing fees, investigator fees, and the like.

At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we are fully aware of both the physical and emotional strain of recovering from an accident. Money is an added stress that you do not need. For this reason, we offer our clients the benefit of a contingency fee structure. This means that you do not pay anything unless we secure a successful settlement for you. We will take on all the costs, and you only pay us a percentage of the final settlement if we win.

Although you may be able to save money by handling your own claim, this could easily backfire — one costly mistake can leave you empty-handed. It pays to get it right the first time. Enlisting an experienced personal injury lawyer to take on your case will eliminate much of the stress, and will potentially give you a much greater opportunity of winning your settlement.

We are here to lift you up and make sure you are taken care of in your time of stress and strife. Contact a seasoned Houston bus accident lawyer from Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers to discuss your case.

How Long Do I Have To File A Houston Bus Accident Claim?

You need to act fast after a bus accident. In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years; however, this may vary depending on the circumstances of your case. If you miss this window, you risk losing the ability to seek recovery for good. And if the bus operator is a public entity, you may have even less time than that! Read about the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Injured in a bus accident? Choose a top-rated Houston bus accident lawyer from Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. We’ll assess the details of your claim, explain all applicable deadlines, and start building your case without delay.

Looking for a Bus Accident Lawyer in Houston? The experienced attorneys at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. can help

At the law offices of Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., you are more than just a case file. Our lawyers do not just understand the law; we understand how these cases affect real people and their families. It is why we strive to treat each client with the compassion, respect, and personalized attention they deserve — no matter their religion, race, or beliefs. Our Christian values demand nothing less.

We deal with all types of bus accident cases, from charter bus accidents to school bus accidents. And with over 20 years of handling personal injury cases, rest assured that our team knows how to craft a solid, strategic legal approach.

So do not settle for less; let us advocate on your behalf.

Phone (713) 257-9769 to set up a free case review with a legal professional. No risk, no obligation.

Seek out legal representation today!

Bus accidents can have devastating implications for injury victims and their families. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., has been helping victims of personal injury and wrongful death due to bus accidents since 1979. If you have been injured in a bus accident in Houston, it is in your best interest to seek knowledgeable legal representation as soon as possible. A reputable law firm will explain all your options and assess every detail of your claim — all while keeping your best interests in focus.

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