As the third largest city in Texas, Dallas is a busy metroplex with 21 distinct bus routes. This complex network of buses is the primary mode of public transportation in the city, shuttling residents to and from work and school, to restaurants and sports venues, and for everyday commuting. Thousands of Dallas residents use public transportation each day.
With so many buses on the road, accidents are inevitable. They can happen at any time and can involve pedestrians and multiple vehicles. Buses are large and heavy vehicles, and so any accident with a bus can cause severe bodily injury and property damage.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, the Dallas 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 Bus Accident Claim?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident, every second counts. Chances are, the bus company will lawyer up to protect its profits. You can even the playing field, and even be at a greater advantage, by retaining an experienced bus accident lawyer. Michael Francis is a board-certified personal injury trial attorney in Dallas. His team of bus accident lawyers can evaluate your claim in a free consultation and explain your legal options. You are entitled to compensation when someone’s negligence causes you harm. Have an experienced bus accident lawyer from Francis Firm fight for you.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Bus Accident Injury Claim?
An experienced bus accident attorney with the Francis Firm can assist you in the following ways:
- Perform a detailed investigation into the bus accident which includes a review of your medical records, police report, eyewitness accounts, and more.
- Determine the likely cause of your bus accident.
- Identify all liable parties.
- Determine the full value of your damages to maximize your compensation.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
- Represent you in court should your claim become a bus accident lawsuit.
How Common Are Bus Accidents in Dallas?
According to the latest statistics from 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 school bus accidents, and sadly, some school bus accident victims suffered fatal injuries.
Common Bus Accident Injuries in Dallas
Bus accidents can be devastating, leaving passengers with serious, life-long injuries. Injuries can range from mild to catastrophic, leading to depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and lost wages. Below are some of the more common injuries a bus accident victim may suffer in a serious bus accident.
- Head Trauma. Head trauma is one of the most serious injuries that can result from a bus accident. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when a person’s head is struck or shaken in a violent manner, causing swelling, bleeding, or other damage to the brain. Symptoms of TBIs include confusion, headache, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, a TBI can lead to long-term disability or even death.
- Broken Bones. Buses are bulky, heavy vehicles, and in the event of an accident can cause passengers to be jostled and thrown from their seats. This violent action can result in broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, shoulders, and ribs. Broken bones can be extremely painful, and may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. Spinal cord injuries occur when a person’s neck or back is forced into an unnatural position, usually as a result of an accident. These injuries can be extremely serious, as they can cause permanent nerve damage, paralysis, or even death. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include numbness, loss of sensation, difficulty walking, and loss of mobility.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident, it is important to speak to an experienced bus accident lawyer to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries. Contact the bus accident attorneys at Francis Firm today.
Causes of Bus Accidents in Dallas
Bus accidents are unfortunately becoming more of a common occurrence in the Dallas area, leaving many commuters feeling unsafe and uncertain when riding on the roads. While some accidents are unavoidable, there are a few common causes that lead to the majority of bus accidents in Dallas.
Bus Company Negligence
One of the leading factors contributing to bus accidents is negligence on the part of bus companies. The motor coach industry lacks the rigorous record-keeping and inspection protocols seen in other transportation industries. As a result, bus companies may be more comfortable disregarding federal regulations, neglecting driver training, and failing to maintain their fleets appropriately. Buses require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe for passengers and others on the road. Older school buses, motor coaches, and Greyhound buses without essential safety features like seat belts pose a heightened risk of injury or fatality in the event of an accident.
Bus Driver Negligence
Despite regulations, bus drivers may disregard these rules, particularly those who work for tour or charter bus companies. Regulations such as "hours of service" rules and laws concerning speed, turns, and passing, can be easily ignored. Like drives of other motor vehicles, bus drivers are prone to distractions while driving like texting or using mobile phones. And, if they are inadequately trained or have poor driving skills, they may be more likely to be involved in a bus accident.
Bus Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a leading cause of highway accidents in the United States, and bus drivers are not immune. One leading cause of fatigue in the general population is sleep apnea. One study found that drivers with this common sleep disorder are 2.5 times more likely to be in a motor vehicle accident compared to those who do not have sleep apnea. According to the American Trucking Association, at least 28% of commercial vehicle drivers struggle with sleep apnea compared to just 4% of the general population.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions or subpar road surfaces can lead to a bus accident. The combination of hazardous weather, the substantial weight of buses, and their limited maneuverability can contribute to collisions. Bus drivers should be adequately trained to operate under various weather conditions and take necessary precautions when faced with adverse weather.
Other Drivers
Negligence on the part of other drivers on the road can also lead to bus accidents. When drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, the risk of severe bus wrecks increases.
Defective Bus and Vehicle Parts
Manufacturing and design defects with buses and their parts can result in bus accidents. A bus manufacturer can be held liable for failing to ensure their vehicle is safe for passengers and others on the road. Motor vehicle parts makers can be held responsible for accidents caused by defective products. Common defective motor vehicle parts include brake pads, rotors, power steering, seat belts, tires, airbags, and anti-lock brakes.
What Does a Bus Accident Settlement Cover?
When a bus crash occurs, the resulting settlement can be a complex and lengthy process. Depending on the severity of the accident, a settlement could include a range of compensation for any injuries or property damages. In many cases, the settlement will involve both the bus driver and the company operator, so it's important to understand all the potential components that could be included in a bus accident settlement.
The most fundamental component of a bus accident settlement is financial compensation for the victim. This can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other costs associated with the accident. The amount of compensation awarded to the victims in bus accident cases depends on the severity of their injuries and the extent of their damages. In some cases, the settlement may also include punitive damages, which are intended to punish the negligent party for their recklessness in causing the accident.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer from Francis Firm Today
Not all bus accident settlements are the same, and the components of the settlement will depend on the specific facts of your case. The experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers at the Francis Firm can help you better understand the potential components of a bus accident settlement, and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Reach out online or call today at 817-329-9001 to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We'll work alongside you to investigate your bus accident claim and obtain the best settlement for your injuries and damages.
Dallas Office
4131 N Central Expy
Unit #965
Dallas, TX 75204
(817) 329-9001