Millions of Americans depend on public buses daily for commuting to work, going on excursions, or even running regular errands. While most of these journeys occur without incident, some individuals unfortunately find themselves entangled in what has become a common occurrence in the U.S. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), at least 67,000 traffic accidents involving buses are reported each year.
An experienced Conroe bus accident attorney can guide you through the complexities of filing a personal injury claim. They comprehend the process and can get straight to the point, saving valuable time. Any delays in filing your claim could lead to a lost case, regardless of the legitimacy of your claims. According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.003, personal injury victims typically have up to 2 years to file a formal lawsuit in court. If this time lapses, you may not be able to pursue your case. Contact one of our seasoned personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to avoid missing your chance to file.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bus travel is 70 times safer than traveling in a standard car. However, accidents do occur and they often leave a trail of destruction. With nearly 1 million buses covering over 16.2 billion miles annually, the FMCSA estimates that at least 300 people are killed and over 24,000 others sustain serious injuries each year.
Though car accidents are more common, bus accidents often have catastrophic outcomes. The fatal nature of these crashes can be attributed to several factors, including the size, shape, and design of an average bus.
Buses are typically enormous, weighing several tons. During an impact, their mass can create multiple forces that may eject passengers through the windows, potentially resulting in head injuries, spinal injuries, and broken bones.
Buses, by design, are large and boxy. Their spacious interiors can accommodate numerous passengers, with standard buses holding up to 70 people. Unfortunately, this also makes the top portion heavier, shifting its center of gravity. As a result, buses are more likely to tip and roll over in the event of an accident. The severity of such a rollover accident can be catastrophic, regardless of whether passengers are restrained or not.
Standard vehicles such as trucks and vans are equipped with restraints that protect passengers in the event of a crash. However, buses, specifically designed to accommodate tens of standing and seated passengers, may lack these necessary safety features like seat belts. This leaves passengers vulnerable to serious harm in the event of an accident. Considering these factors that make bus accidents particularly severe, it is crucial to work with an experienced attorney when making your injury claim.
Many buses on Conroe roads are state-owned. Public school buses, for instance, are often owned by county governments. Therefore, if someone is hit by one of these buses, it can be challenging to sue the government. The Tort Claims Act generally protects state and federal governments from being sued in specific instances, but cases of bus driver negligence usually do not fall under these exemptions. All hope is not lost if you were injured in such an auto wreck.
While there are additional, time-sensitive requirements when suing a government entity, a skilled attorney in Conroe can assist you with your bus accident claim. They can help hold the driver accountable for their negligent behavior.
Bus accidents can result from various factors, and it’s not always clear who is at fault. This ambiguity can make it challenging to prepare and file a strong case independently. In such scenarios, the expertise of a qualified attorney can prove invaluable to investigate the cause of the bus crash and help establish liability. They can engage professionals like accident reconstruction experts to recreate the events leading up to the crash. Once you retain a lawyer, they will work tirelessly to ensure you secure maximum compensation by suing the most likely responsible party.
While public bus transportation is generally more convenient, safer, and more affordable than traveling by car, accidents can still occur. Choosing to travel by bus doesn’t guarantee your safety in the event of a crash. If you’ve recently sustained serious injuries in a bus accident, it’s important to consult with our Conroe bus accident attorneys as soon as possible.
Our one-on-one consultations are entirely free of charge, and we do not request any upfront fees for our attorneys to handle your case. Contact us immediately to learn more about your bus accident claim in Conroe.
