If a Texas bus accident left you with injuries, property damage, and medical bills, the personal injury team from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, can help you understand your legal options for compensation. We offer free case evaluations and can identify the liable party responsible for your accident damages. Let us help you fight for the money you deserve. We handle all bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis.

Call us today at 713-850-8600 to learn more from a bus accident lawyer in Beaumont.

Recoverable Damages in a Beaumont Bus Accident

We will always fight for the maximum payout allowable for every client. However, there are laws in place that may limit the damages you can recover after a bus accident. This is especially true if a local government agency or school district operated the bus, and the bus driver caused the crash. After reviewing your case, we can help you understand who is responsible if you suffered injuries as a passenger and whether any limits may apply. Most people, however, can recover the full value of their economic damages after a Beaumont bus accident.

The facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and other factors impact the value of your damages. If you suffered a traumatic head injury, for example, you may be eligible for a higher settlement than you would if the accident caused only minor scrapes and bruises. In general, some of the most common damages our clients recover include:

  • Medical bills, prescription drugs, and other related costs;
  • The cost of ongoing care;
  • Lost wages, if you missed work;
  • Lost income, if you cannot return to work;
  • Some out-of-pocket expenses;
  • Property damage, such as the repair or replacement of your vehicle; and
  • Pain and suffering.

Accidents Involving a Public Bus

If you were in an accident while riding as a passenger [In Progress: link to https://dmillerlaw.com/faqs/i-was-injured-while-riding-as-a-passenger-on-a-bus-who-can-i-sue/] on a Beaumont Municipal Transit bus, or if a bus driver caused your accident, we can help you file a claim for compensation. How we pursue this claim depends on the situation.

If Another Driver Caused the Crash

If another motorist caused an accident while you rode on a Beaumont Municipal Transit bus, we may be able to hold this driver responsible for your damages. We can often file a claim based on the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. We can also investigate the facts of your case to determine if any liability for your injuries and expenses lies with Beaumont Municipal Transit. 

If the Bus Driver Caused the Crash

If the bus driver caused the accident, we can pursue compensation from Beaumont Municipal Transit and hold the City of Beaumont responsible for your damages. This is true if:

  • The bus driver caused an accident while you rode the bus;
  • The bus driver caused an accident, colliding with your vehicle; or
  • A negligent bus driver hit you while you were on foot or riding a bicycle.

When a city, county, or state government is liable for your injuries, there may be limits on how much compensation we can recover. The Texas Tort Claims Act allows you to file a claim against these agencies, but the law protects them from having to pay out excessive sums in these cases. In addition, deadlines come much faster in a case involving a government agency. It is important you call us as soon as possible after a bus accident to ensure you can get the money you deserve.

Beaumont School Bus Accidents

The Texas Tort Claims Act also allows you to file a claim against the Beaumont Independent School District if one of its drivers caused you or your loved one to suffer damages in a crash. The same compensation limits apply to these cases. In most instances, accident victims can still recover a fair payout that covers their economic damages.

If your child suffered injuries in a school bus crash or if a bus driver collided with your personal vehicle, we can help you fight for the money you need and deserve. We have tight deadlines to file this claim. In addition, we will need to show the bus driver caused the crash and collect evidence to build a solid case against the school system.

Bus Accidents With Privately Owned Buses

When the driver of a privately owned bus causes a crash, we can file a claim against their employer to recover the damages you suffered. This is possible because employers are vicariously liable for the actions of their employees. This means the bus company will need to pay if its driver caused an accident while on the job.

To win this type of claim, we must show:

  • The company employs the bus driver;
  • The bus driver was working at the time of the accident;
  • The bus driver caused your crash; and
  • You suffered actual physical, emotional, and financial damages.

We will file a third-party insurance claim on your behalf, based on the company’s liability policy. We will present all of the evidence necessary to support our claim. We can usually negotiate a fair settlement without ever taking your case to court. If the bus company refuses our settlement offer, we can file personal injury lawsuit and ask a judge to decide your case.

Deadline to File a Lawsuit in a Bus Collision Case

If a government agency is liable for your bus accident injuries, we may only have a few months to notify of our intent to file a claim. For this reason, it is imperative you take quick action after a bus accident. In general, however, the state’s statute of limitations gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit if an individual or private company caused your crash.

There are also other reasons to act quickly after a Beaumont bus accident. There is often a wealth of evidence available in these cases. Many buses have onboard computers, dash cams, and logs of regular safety checks. This footage or documentation could prove our case. Since the company or agency who operates the bus has this evidence, we need to send a spoliation letter to gain access to it. If we do not act quickly, the company may not preserve the data we need.

Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in Beaumont About Your Crash

The bus accident team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, offers free case reviews. We can help you understand exactly what happened to cause your Beaumont bus crash and explain your options for holding the liable party accountable. Call us today at 713-850-8600 for a free consultation.