Missouri City School Bus Accident Lawyer

Your child may be safer using a school bus to commute to school compared to a regular car. Additionally, school buses are involved in fewer accidents than other vehicle types. This is because school buses are considered special vehicles under the law, especially when transporting young children. They adhere to a specific set of rules that govern their operation, maintenance, and passenger regulations. However, it’s important to note that school buses can still be involved in accidents. According to the Department of Transportation, there was an average of 121 fatalities involving school buses between 2009 and 2018.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, individuals may sustain injuries that require extensive medical care. Consequently, they may accumulate substantial medical expenses, experience wage loss, and endure significant pain and suffering. If you’ve been affected by a school bus accident in Missouri City, seeking the assistance of a school bus accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today.

Can I File a Claim for a School Bus Collision in Missouri?

A personal injury claim can be filed for nearly any accident where someone else’s negligence caused you harm. As you may already know, injury claims revolve around proving the negligence of the driver and establishing a direct link between their negligence and your injuries. Therefore, you’ll need to demonstrate that the school bus driver or another party acted negligently, leading to your injuries.

The insurance company representing the negligent party will attempt to disprove their insured’s responsibility for the bus accident or argue that your injuries were caused by another factor. Consequently, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney who can provide guidance on the most effective strategy to counter the insurance company’s tactics and ensure your school bus accident claim is not undervalued.

Who Will Be Held Responsible in a Case?

Determining the responsible party or parties in a crash depends on several factors, including the cause and type of the accident. In a single case, the injured victim (referred to as the “Claimant” or “Plaintiff”) may be able to sue multiple parties (“Defendants”). These defendants may include:

• The bus driver
• The bus owner
• The school
• The bus maintenance company
• The bus manufacturer
• Other vehicles on the road

Under the state’s comparative fault laws, an injured person can file a claim even if they were partially at fault for the accident, as long as their fault does not account for more than 50% of the blame. In such cases, the final damages amount is reduced based on the individual’s degree of fault in the accident.

Regardless of the type of accident you’ve been involved in, your personal injury claim must be established based on the four fundamental elements of negligence. These elements are as follows:

1. The defendant owed you a duty of care.
2. The defendant breached that duty of care.
3. The defendant’s breach of care caused you harm.
4. The harm suffered was foreseeable.

Proving these elements may initially seem straightforward, but it is advisable to seek legal counsel to navigate the court system and pursue your claims effectively. The compassion and dedication of a local school bus collision attorney can significantly enhance your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

What Type of Compensation Can I Recover?

At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we acknowledge that no monetary amount can fully compensate you for the economic and non-economic damages you experience following an accident. Consequently, our goal is to secure compensatory damages that can alleviate financial burdens, allowing you to move forward in life. Examples of losses for which you may seek compensation include:

• Lost income
• Hospital bills
• Emergency care treatment costs
• Therapy expenses
• Future lost income
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life

An attorney in your area can assist you in pursuing compensatory damages after a school bus crash.

What If My Loved One Was Killed in a School Bus Wreck?

When you experience the loss of a loved one in an accident, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. A surviving family member can file such a claim to seek damages for their loss. Compensatory damages that may be sought in a wrongful death claim include:

• Funeral expenses
• Benefits that would have accrued to the deceased
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of income

A lawyer specializing in school bus accidents can provide valuable assistance to the family of the deceased in filing a wrongful death claim.

Contact a School Bus Accident Attorney in Missouri City for Assistance

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an auto accident, particularly a school bus accident, we urge you to reach out to our Missouri City school bus accident lawyer. Our experienced attorneys will assess your case and provide an evaluation of your legal options. To further discuss your case and explore the available legal avenues, please call us to schedule a free consultation today.