If you or a loved one has been hit by a bus or injured in a bus accident, call Michael Francis at 817-329-9001. The Fort Worth Bus Accident Lawyers at Francis Injury 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.
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.
Public Transport Injury Lawyer
Were you injured in a bus accident in Fort Worth? Whether it involved a Trinity Metro bus, school bus, Greyhound, or private shuttle, your next steps matter. Texas law gives victims the right to recover compensation—but strict deadlines and complex liability rules apply. At Francis Injury, our award-winning team helps victims hold transit companies and government agencies accountable after serious crashes.
As a board-certified Texas personal injury attorney with decades of experience, Michael Francis understands how to pursue claims against public entities and private operators alike. We’ve recovered millions for victims of crashes involving commercial buses, school districts, and charter companies across DFW.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a bus crash in Fort Worth, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll handle the legal stress while you focus on recovery.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
Bus accidents in Fort Worth can involve everything from minor fender benders to deadly rollovers. At Francis Injury Law, we represent injury victims and grieving families in every type of bus-related crash, including those involving public transportation, schools, charter companies, and long-distance carriers.
- Public Transit Accidents: If you were injured while riding a Trinity Metro bus or due to one on the road, we can help you navigate the special rules for claims against the city or its contractors.
- School Bus Accidents: Representing students, drivers, and other motorists injured in school-related crashes. Includes claims against Fort Worth ISD, private schools, or third-party transportation vendors.
- Charter & Church Buses: If a private group hired a bus and caused an accident through negligence, we hold the charter operator accountable.
- Shuttles & Hotel Buses: Frequently involved in airport or convention center crashes. These fall under commercial liability law.
- Interstate Carriers: Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus, and other long-haul operators are held to strict federal safety standards. We pursue claims when they fail to meet them.
No matter how the crash occurred—or what kind of bus was involved—we’ll help you determine who’s liable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Related: Learn how we fight for victims of commercial vehicle and truck accidents.
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 Francis Injury 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 Francis Injury 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.
Fort Worth Bus Accident Statistics and Real Texas Case Examples
Bus accidents may not happen every day, but when they do, the consequences are often devastating—especially for passengers who have no control over the vehicle. According to TxDOT crash data, hundreds of bus-related accidents occur across Tarrant County each year—including in Fort Worth.
- In 2022, over 600 crashes in Tarrant County involved buses (including school buses and transit vehicles).
- 31 crashes resulted in suspected serious injuries.
- 2 fatal bus crashes occurred within Fort Worth city limits.
These numbers include city buses, charter buses, school buses, and long-distance carriers like Greyhound. And they don’t reflect near-misses, underreported injuries, or delayed-onset conditions like whiplash or concussions.
Recent Texas Bus Injury Cases
- Dallas Charter Bus Crash (2023): 12 injured when a charter bus overturned on I-35 due to tire failure. Multiple personal injury claims were filed against the operator and tire manufacturer.
- Fort Worth School Bus Rear-Ended (2022): A Fort Worth ISD bus was struck by a commercial van while stopping for a railroad crossing. 6 students were taken to local hospitals for soft-tissue injuries and back pain.
- Greyhound Highway Collision: A lawsuit was filed after a Greyhound driver allegedly fell asleep, causing a rollover crash in West Texas. Settlements reached seven figures for several injured passengers.
If you or your child was injured in a bus accident—whether on the road or inside the vehicle—we’re ready to help you recover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Learn how our personal injury team handles complex claims like these.
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 Worth 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.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fort Worth Bus Accident?
Bus accident claims are more complex than a typical car crash. That’s because multiple parties may share responsibility—including government agencies, private bus companies, maintenance providers, or even third-party drivers.
- Bus Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or violated safety laws, they may be personally liable—and their employer may be too.
- Bus Company: Whether public (e.g., Trinity Metro) or private (e.g., Greyhound), the company can be held responsible for negligent hiring, training failures, or safety violations.
- School District: In school bus cases, districts like Fort Worth ISD may be liable—but special notice rules under the Texas Tort Claims Act apply.
- Bus Manufacturer: If a brake failure, steering defect, or tire blowout caused the crash, the vehicle or parts manufacturer could be at fault.
- Another Driver: If a third-party car hit the bus or caused it to crash, we pursue claims against that driver's insurance as well.
- Government Entity: When a city bus is involved, claims must be filed quickly—sometimes within 180 days. We help ensure you meet every legal deadline.
Each case begins with a full investigation to determine who’s responsible and how we can hold them accountable. Our firm has the experience to deal with private insurance companies, school districts, and city attorneys alike.
If you're unsure who caused the crash that hurt you or your loved one, contact our team. We’ll break it down clearly and get to work immediately.
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 Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at Francis Injury 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents and Settlements
Have questions after a bus crash in Fort Worth? Below are answers to some of the most common legal and settlement questions we receive from clients.
How do I claim compensation for a bus crash?
You must file an injury claim with the responsible party—this could be the bus company, their insurer, or a government entity like Trinity Metro. If the bus is public, you often have only 180 days to file a notice of claim. An attorney can help ensure all legal steps and deadlines are met.
Can I sue a bus company after an accident?
Yes. If the company or its driver was negligent—due to speeding, poor maintenance, or unsafe conditions—you can file a personal injury lawsuit. This includes private charter buses, school buses, and city-owned transit vehicles, though the process differs for public entities.
What happens if a public bus hits my car?
You may be able to file a claim against the city or transit agency. In Fort Worth, this could mean filing under the Texas Tort Claims Act, which has strict deadlines. Contacting a lawyer quickly is important to avoid losing your right to compensation.
How much do most injury lawyers charge?
Most Texas injury lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee—usually around 33%–40% of the final settlement. That means you pay nothing up front and only pay if we win.
How much of a $100,000 settlement will I keep?
If your lawyer charges a 33% contingency fee, you'd keep approximately $67,000 before medical bills or liens are deducted. Your final amount depends on expenses and negotiations with healthcare providers.
How much are most personal injury settlements?
According to recent Texas data, the average personal injury settlement ranges between $15,000 and $75,000, depending on injury severity and insurance coverage. Catastrophic cases may exceed $1 million.
How much can I get for pain and suffering?
Pain and suffering is calculated based on severity, recovery time, and impact on your life. Multipliers or per diem methods are often used. Awards can range from $5,000 for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands—or more—for permanent damage.
How much compensation am I likely to get?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term effects. Use our Accident Settlement Calculator to get a rough estimate or schedule a free case review with our team.
What is considered a good settlement figure?
A good settlement should fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, future care, and a fair amount for pain and suffering. If it leaves you financially whole (or close), it's likely a strong result. A good lawyer helps maximize every component.
