With a population of nearly one million people, Fort Worth is a bustling metropolis with lots to do. As with any large population area, buses are one of the primary modes of public transportation to get to shopping malls, entertainment venues, dining, and back and forth to work. Buses are everywhere in Fort Worth, and they move thousands of passengers every day.
With such a large number of buses on the road, bus accidents just come with the territory. The sheer size and weight of these large vehicles can cause catastrophic personal injury and property damage.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, the Fort Worth Bus Accident Lawyers at the Francis Firm can help you get compensation for injuries and damages suffered through the negligence of others. You don't have to take on the insurance companies alone.
Why Choose Francis Firm for Your Fort Worth Bus Accident
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a Forth Worth bus accident, or your loved one passed away from their injuries, due to someone else's negligence, you can trust the Francis Firm to handle your personal injury claim with dignity and respect. Michael Francis is a board-certified personal injury attorney who has spent years helping accident victims in their time of need. His team of Texas bus accident lawyers at the Francis Firm can provide a case evaluation during a free consultation. We don't get paid unless we recover compensation for you.
Texas Bus Accident Statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 2,550 bus crashes in Texas in 2021. Those accidents resulted in more than 900 injuries and 21 fatalities. There were 1,187 accidents involving school buses, and sadly, some included fatalities.
Common Causes of Fort Worth Bus Accidents
Fort Worth is a diverse metroplex with varying road and weather conditions throughout the year. This can lead to a higher risk of bus accidents during certain times of the year. Understanding the common causes of bus accidents can help us be more cautious and aware on the roads.
Bus driver negligence
Bus driver negligence can take many forms, such as:
- Fatigue: Bus drivers often have long shifts and sometimes don't take regular breaks, which can lead to inattention and fatigue. This can cause drivers to make poor decisions that could result in accidents.
- Distraction: Distracted drivers may be checking their cell phones, talking to passengers, or even eating while driving. Even a moment of inattention can be enough to cause a serious accident.
- Speeding: Speed plays a factor in many bus accidents. Drivers may be trying to make up time to meet schedules, or simply driving too fast for the weather conditions.
Adverse weather conditions
Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slick and difficult to maneuver. Bus drivers must be more aware of their surroundings and road conditions. Drivers who are not properly trained may not have the experience needed to handle a bus in inclement weather.
Mechanical failure
Poor maintenance is a common cause of bus accidents. Buses are large and complex vehicles that require regular maintenance. Bus companies can be held liable if they don't keep their buses properly maintained, one of their vehicles malfunctions and cause an accident. Likewise, a bus manufacturer or parts maker may be held responsible for defectively designed or manufactured parts.
Proving Negligence in Bus Crashes
Every bus accident case is different. When a bus accident occurs, the primary question is often who is to blame, and whether any of the involved parties acted negligently. Plainly speaking, did someone fail to exercise reasonable care that resulted in injury or death? To answer this question, our attorneys must prove negligence on the part of the driver, owner, or operator.
After a bus accident, the first thing a Fort Worth bus accident lawyer must do is investigate the incident. The investigative process involves interviewing witnesses, examining the scene of the accident, and reviewing any relevant documents, such as police reports, maintenance records, and bus driver logs. This investigation provides our lawyers with the necessary information and evidence to determine whether any of the parties acted negligently.
The next step is to evaluate the evidence and determine whether the bus driver, the bus company, or any other parties acted negligently. This is where a lawyer's expertise is invaluable. Lawyers analyze the facts of the case and determine who was at fault.
Additionally, lawyers may look at the bus company's policies and procedures to determine if they were followed. For example, if the bus company failed to train its drivers adequately or failed to keep the buses properly maintained, this can be evidence of negligence.
A bus accident attorney may also need to rely on expert witnesses to testify about the cause of the accident. These experts may include accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, bus manufacturing experts, and others who can provide insight into the cause of the accident and confirm whether any of the parties acted negligently.
Assigning Liability in Fort Worth Bus Accident Cases
To assign liability, the first step an experienced bus accident attorney will take is to examine the actions of the bus driver. A bus driver is trained to ensure the bus is in good working order and that they ensure safe rides for all passengers. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. Additionally, if the bus driver was impaired while operating the vehicle, even if they were taking prescribed medication, they could be held responsible for the accident.
In the case of a school bus accident, it is possible the city or municipal school district could be held liable for the accident. Unfortunately, school bus accidents are too common, and injuries can be catastrophic. If you have been involved in a crash with a school bus, your bus accident claim requires special attention from an experienced bus accident lawyer who knows how to properly negotiate with the city or school district.
Common Fort Wroth Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents are unfortunately becoming more common, and can lead to serious injuries for passengers and drivers alike. While some of the most common injuries in bus accidents are similar to those seen in car accidents, there are a few specific injuries that are more likely to occur in a bus crash.
- Whiplash
- Head Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Spinal Injuries
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Internal Bleeding
- Loss of Limbs
Bus accident victims can suffer serious and life-threatening injuries, and it is important for anyone involved in a bus crash to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, it is important to work with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
What Can I Be Compensated for in a Bus Accident Case?
The specific damages that you may be eligible for can vary based on the circumstances of your accident. Here are some common types of damages that might be considered:
Medical expenses
This includes compensation for past and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the bus accident. It can cover hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
Pain and suffering
This type of compensation is intended to cover physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. It can include both immediate pain and suffering as well as any long-term effects on your quality of life.
Lost wages
If the injuries you sustained in the accident caused you to miss work or impacted your earning capacity, you might be eligible for compensation for the income you've lost and for future income earnings if your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity as before the accident.
Property damage
If personal property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings, were damaged in the accident, you could be compensated for the repair or replacement costs.
Permanent disability or disfigurement
If the accident resulted in a permanent disability or disfigurement that affects your ability to live a normal life or work, you might be entitled to compensation for the impact on your future earning capacity and quality of life.
Emotional distress
In some cases, you could seek compensation for the emotional distress or psychological trauma you experienced as a result of the accident.
Loss of consortium
This refers to compensation for the impact the injuries have on your relationship with your spouse or immediate family members.
Contact the Bus Accident Attorneys at the Francis Firm Today
Bus accident injury claims are about protecting your rights and holding parties responsible when their careless or intentional acts cause you injury and adversely impact you and your family's life. Call the bus accident lawyers at the Francis Firm today at 817-329-9001 for a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation, or schedule a free, confidential bus accident injury consultation online. We will explain your legal options, and ensure you receive the very best representation to protect your rights.
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