If you are injured in a bus accident in Houston, state law allows you to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to get compensation for your injuries. But how do you know who the at-fault party is?
Depending on the circumstances, several parties might be liable. Here’s how to determine who is most responsible for your injuries after one of these crashes.
The Bus Driver
Some bus accidents are effectively no different than car accidents. Perhaps one driver was distracted or made a mistake and collided with the other driver. In simple cases like this, the bus driver is likely liable for your injuries.
This is also true if you are riding a bus and a similar accident occurs. If the bus driver was responsible for the bus accident, they may also be liable for the injuries of every person hurt in the crash.
The Bus Company
Typically, if the bus driver is liable for a bus accident, so is the bus company they work for. While a bus driver is on the job, their employer is often liable for anything they do while working. However, this liability may not transfer if the bus driver was breaking company policies or using the bus for personal reasons.
Additionally, the bus company could be liable even if the bus driver isn’t. If the bus was defective, for example, and the bus company knew this, the company would likely be liable even if the driver was unaware.
Bus Part Manufacturers
On the other hand, a manufacturer could be responsible under product liability regulations if the bus accident was caused by defective parts. In this scenario, the failure of those parts had to cause the accident. For example, if the brakes were defective, the manufacturer could be liable when a brake failure caused a collision.
Repair Companies or Maintenance Contractors
While defective parts are likely to malfunction, even well-made parts eventually fail. It is the job of repair companies and maintenance contractors to inspect the bus and replace worn parts before they present a danger to people on the road.
Unfortunately, some maintenance technicians may make mistakes or cut corners. When that happens, a bus can mechanically fail due to poor maintenance. In this situation, the parties in charge of maintaining the vehicle could be liable for any injuries resulting from a bus crash.
Other People on the Road
It is no surprise to drivers of any vehicle in Houston that there are a lot of dangers on the road. A person riding a bike might run a stop sign, or another driver might cut you off while talking on their phone. Even if you are paying attention, this might force you to suddenly swerve or slam your brakes.
Sometimes, the defensive actions you take to avoid one accident can cause another accident. Assuming you were following the rules of the road, this typically means that the party that forced your defensive actions is responsible for the accident, even if they weren’t actually part of the collision.
Other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can all potentially be liable in these types of situations. Your attorney can investigate the accident to try to reconstruct the events and determine who exactly is at fault.
Local or State Government Entities
Poorly maintained roads cause crashes as well. For instance, a pothole or loose gravel can make a driver lose control of their vehicle. Buses are partially susceptible to poor road conditions. When subpar road maintenance is the primary cause of an accident, you may be able to sue the local or state government.
If you suspect a government entity is at fault, you must act promptly. Lawsuits against the government are limited by Texas laws, and in some cases, you will have to notify the government within 45 days of your injury.
School Districts
If the bus accident involves a school bus, the school district that owns the bus might be the liable party. The school district is effectively the same as a bus company in this situation. Furthermore, school districts usually perform their own maintenance, which means they could also be liable for a poorly maintained bus. You must act promptly in claims against school districts. Do not delay in reaching out to an attorney.
FAQ
Can Multiple Parties Be Liable for a Bus Accident?
Yes. When multiple parties are liable, you can potentially file a lawsuit against all liable parties. Each party would be responsible for a percentage of your compensation equal to the percentage of fault they bear for your injuries.
What Happens if I Am Partially Responsible for My Injuries in a Houston Bus Accident?
If you are partly to blame for your injuries, Texas law allows you to pursue compensation from other partially responsible parties, as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Your bus accident attorney can help you determine how much every party is at fault and what compensation you can expect from them.
What Should I Do After Getting Injured in a Bus Accident in Houston?
The first step you should take is to get medical attention. Then, if you are able, you’ll want to document the accident scene. Collect pictures of everything, including the contact information for witnesses and involved parties. This can help your lawyer determine which parties are liable for your injuries.
Consult a Skilled Lawyer for Bus Accidents in Houston Today
Were you seriously injured in a bus accident in Houston, Texas? You may be eligible to receive significant compensation for your injuries, but only if you can determine who was at fault.
With over 25 years of experience, the skilled bus accident lawyers at the Ramsey Law Group can investigate the details of your crash and accurately identify all potentially liable parties.
We’ve won millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients in Houston and beyond, and you can rest assured that we will give your case the personal attention it deserves. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.