Just like in any other Texas motor vehicle accident, victims who suffered injuries and financial losses because of a negligent bus driver can pursue compensation based on their damages. Unlike in other accidents, though, identifying the liable party and holding them accountable is somewhat more complex in many bus crash cases. A bus accident lawyer in Port Arthur can help you navigate the process to get the money you need.

The personal injury lawyers  from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, offer free case reviews and consultations. We can explain the validity of your case against a private individual, corporation, or government agency. We will outline your options for recovering the compensation you need to cover your damages and help you navigate this process.

Call us today at 713-850-8600 for your no-cost case evaluation.

Damages You Can Recover After a Bus Crash in Port Arthur

Once we conduct a full investigation into your case and have documentation to prove the full range of your damages, we can offer an estimate of how much your case could be worth. In general, we can request compensation for all of your financial losses or expenses related to the crash, as well as pain and suffering damages.

While your damages might vary, in general, we can collect payment for the following losses:

  • Medical treatment costs;
  • Ongoing care costs;
  • Lost wages;
  • Lost income and benefits if you cannot return to work;
  • Related out-of-pocket expenses;
  • Property damage;
  • Pain and suffering damages; and
  • Damages for wrongful death if you lost a loved one in the accident.

It is important to note that several factors play a major role in your case. These are:

  • The details of your case;
  • The nature and severity of your injuries;
  • Any contributing role you played in the accident; and
  • The identity of the liable party.

For example, the Texas Tort Claims Act limits the amount of damages you can collect from a government agency if an employee causes a bus accident. This would apply when crashes involve city buses or a local school bus. We can explain how this law—and any other applicable statutes—might affect your payout.

Liability in a Port Arthur Bus Accident

Determining liability—and the steps required to hold the liable party accountable—depends on who operated the bus at the time of the accident.

Accidents Involving a City Bus

The City of Port Arthur Transit Department (PAT) operates the local public bus system. If you were in an accident a PAT driver caused, the City of Port Arthur is likely the liable party. This is true if:

  • You were a passenger on the bus;
  • A PAT bus hit your car; or
  • You were in a pedestrian accident involving a PAT bus.

We will need to prove the driver acted negligently, and their careless actions caused your injuries. We will also need to act quickly; you may have as little as a few weeks to notify the city of your injuries and intent to file a claim. It is important to remember, too,  that there are limits on the compensation you can recover from a government agency under the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Port Arthur School Bus Accidents

School bus accident claims work similarly to PAT crashes, except the Port Arthur Independent School District (PAISD) or another local school district is the most likely liable party. These claims usually have the same strict time limits and damage caps, as well.

School bus accidents that cause serious injuries to a number of children can sometimes be especially emotional and legally complex. We understand the innumerable variables in this type of crash and can help you with the claims process.

Accidents Involving Privately Owned Buses

Usually, the driver of a privately owned bus works for the tour company, bus company, or other corporation. When we file a claim based on the bus driver’s negligence, it is this employer we hold liable. This is possible because of respondeat superior. The statute of limitations gives us two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in this type of case. There are also no laws to limit your damages when the liable party is a private company.

The Port Arthur Bus Accident Claims Process

When you enlist our help with your case, we will go to work quickly to identify the liable parties, prove negligence, and build a solid case for compensation. We can ensure you meet all necessary deadlines in your case and have the best possible shot at recovering the maximum payout available based on the facts of your situation.

We conduct a full investigation to learn:

  • Who caused your accident;
  • How their action or inaction caused the crash;
  • Who they work for;
  • Who is legally culpable; and
  • The value of your damages.

After we obtain answers to our questions, we will take action against the liable party. We do this by filing an insurance claim or following the specific procedures necessary to notify a government agency about our claim. Often, we can negotiate a fair settlement in bus accident cases without going to court. However, if we need to file a civil lawsuit to recover the compensation you need, we will not hesitate to do so.

Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in Port Arthur, Texas, About Your Crash.

The bus accident team from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, can help you understand who caused your Port Arthur accident and work to hold them accountable. If we believe you have a viable case against PAT, a local school district, or a private company, we will handle the claims process for you on a contingency basis. Let our team fight for you, and pay us nothing until we have your payout in hand.

Call us today at 713-850-8600 for your no-cost case review and consultation.