Bus Accident Attorney Austin

We Have Recovered Millions for Our Clients

Riding the bus in Texas is not only less expensive than maintaining and driving a car, but it is also a great way to reduce the negative impact of your carbon footprint on the environment. Metro buses, school buses, and motor coaches are on the road every day, transporting people to work, school, visits, and leisure activities. Using public transportation is a socially responsible means of getting around, but it also carries a fair share of risk.

While bus accidents are relatively rare, they can—and do—occur, often with catastrophic results. Bus passengers rarely have the same safety measures, such as seatbelts and airbags, as motorists in passenger vehicles. Additionally, other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians who are hit by buses often suffer extensive bodily injury or death as a result.

Pursuing compensation in these types of claims can be very complex. There are often various factors involved, including multiple liable parties, negligent third parties, defective equipment, and more. It is important that you speak to an experienced Austin bus accident lawyer for help with your claim.

Injured in a bus accident? Call Briggle & Polan, PLLC at (512) 400-3278 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Who Is at Risk?

When riding on a bus, you are typically not driving yourself, and therefore must surrender some control to the bus driver and trust that they are driving safely, are focused on the road, are sober, and have been properly trained to operate a large vehicle. Not only do bus passengers possess a certain degree of risk, but pedestrians, bicycle riders, and drivers and passengers in other cars on the bus route may be injured or killed if involved in an accident with a bus. A bus is a large, heavy vehicle, capable of doing serious damage to the human body in a crash, including death. When a busy municipality like Austin operates buses, they are responsible for the safety of the city’s riders and others with whom the bus shares the road, as are the public schools and private corporate owners of motor coaches, like Greyhound and Trailways, which operate across state lines.

Who Is Responsible for Your Bus Accident Injuries?

Bus drivers require special training and licensing, and they owe a high level of responsibility to the public to drive in a safe manner. When this duty of care is breached and people are injured, the owner or operator of the bus, or those responsible for its maintenance, may be held liable for the victims’ damages. If the bus itself or one of its parts is defective, and the auto defect is the cause of an injury accident, the manufacturer may be the liable party. Defects in the roadway may be the fault of a government agency or a contractor responsible for the road’s maintenance or repair.

Pinpointing liability in a bus accident requires comprehensive investigation. Multiple layers of responsibility can involve private companies, municipal organizations, maintenance contractors, and manufacturers, each potentially bearing a part of the blame. In such complex cases, it may be necessary to undertake detailed accident reconstructions and review extensive operational records to fully uncover all contributing factors and responsible parties.

Top Causes of Bus Accidents in Austin

Causes of bus accidents are varied.

These are some of the most common reasons that accidents occur:

• Drivers lacking proper training
• Failure of employer to properly vet and perform background checks when hiring drivers or maintenance personnel
• Drunk or drug-impaired drivers
• Drivers who allow themselves to be distracted, especially those who text or talk on the phone while driving
• Poor judgment resulting in driver error
• Drivers failing to observe traffic signs, signals, and regulations
• Speeding
• Failing to yield right-of-way
• Unsafe lane changes or turns
• Drivers failing to check blind spots when pulling out
• Improperly maintained buses
• Manufacturing defects in the bus, its tires, or some other part
• Hazardous road conditions caused by faulty maintenance

The causes listed above and others can be attributed to bus driver or owner negligence. Additionally, an accident may be caused by another driver’s or some other party’s negligence. In either case, the person or other party that caused your injuries may often be held liable for your injuries and related damages in a civil action, and you may be able to recover money as compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Navigating Local Austin Traffic

Austin, known for its vibrant culture and bustling streets, presents unique challenges for bus operations, especially during peak traffic hours. Popular routes like MoPac Expressway and Loop 360 are infamous for congestion, which can compound the risks of bus travel. While buses are perceived as a safer and more eco-friendly alternative, these congested routes often increase the chance of accidents due to frequent stops, complex traffic patterns, and varying speed limits. Additionally, large events such as the SXSW festival can introduce unusual traffic patterns, requiring careful navigation and heightened awareness from bus drivers.

Understanding these local traffic dynamics helps evaluate the complexities of a bus accident scenario in Austin. The city's public transportation system, overseen by entities like CapMetro, must continuously adapt strategies to mitigate these risks. Passengers and pedestrians alike need to comprehend these conditions to stay informed and cautious, minimizing personal risks when commuting. Addressing these aspects allows Briggle & Polan, PLLC to provide tailored legal strategies that acknowledge the geographical and logistical specifics of Austin’s roadways.

The Help You Need from an Austin Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a member of your family has suffered serious injuries in a Texas bus accident, you will want to hire an experienced Austin bus accident attorney right away to begin working on building your case. Buses are usually well-insured, so the responsible party will in all likelihood have the means to pay your claim. However, government agencies, school districts, and corporations that own and operate buses, and their insurers, employ teams of lawyers whose job it is to reduce the amount of payouts on injuries. Issues of causation, liability, and sometimes government immunity, as well as the timely filing of a Notice of Claim, can be complicating factors. That means you will need a sophisticated, knowledgeable, and hardworking attorney of your own to level out the playing field and see to it that your right to recover compensation is protected. You can find the dedicated legal advocacy these cases require at Briggle & Polan, PLLC.

Time Matters When Filing Bus Accident Claims

As soon after the accident as possible, call us at Briggle & Polan, PLLC to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Austin bus accident attorneys. We can review the facts of the case, conduct our own investigation, bring in appropriate experts to support your case, and attempt to negotiate a fair monetary settlement for you. We can often get you the full amount you deserve without your having to appear in court. However, when there is no adequate offer on the table, we are always prepared to take your case to court. Our lawyers know how to prepare and present a case for trial, and we are in top form in the courtroom.

The legal process is time-sensitive, and any delays could adversely affect your ability to secure the compensation you deserve. Statutes of limitations impose strict deadlines on filing claims, so taking immediate action after an accident is imperative. Neglecting these time frames can restrict your options and limit your recovery. By acting swiftly, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Our Austin Bus Accident Attorney Team Can Handle Your Claim

You may be suffering and not feel up to handling the intricacies of a legal battle, nor should you try. We are skilled legal professionals who understand the issues and the process that can mean a substantial award of money for you. Let us carry the legal burden while you focus on recovering your health and well-being. It costs you nothing out of pocket, and you will never pay us a cent until the day you receive your award check. In the highly unusual case you don’t win money, you owe us nothing. You have nothing to lose—but a lot to potentially gain. Don’t delay, because there are strict time limits for filing a claim.

Pick up the phone and make that call to our office today at (512) 400-3278.

FAQs About Austin Bus Accidents

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Bus Accident?

After a bus accident, prioritize your safety and health first. Call emergency services immediately if medical assistance is required. Collect as much information as possible from the scene, including photographs, witness statements, and driver information. Report the accident to the police for an official record and contact the bus company. It's also advisable to seek medical attention, even for minor injuries, as documentation is crucial for any future claims. Always consult with an Austin bus accident lawyer from Briggle & Polan, PLLC to understand your rights and next steps.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Bus Accident Victims?

Victims of bus accidents are eligible for various types of compensation, dependent on their injuries and financial losses. Common recoverable damages include medical expenses—both present and future—lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. In severe cases, compensation might also cover emotional distress or punitive damages if gross negligence is involved. An experienced Austin bus accident attorney from Briggle & Polan, PLLC can help ensure that you pursue full compensation to cover all related costs and suffering.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Austin?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving bus accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if a claim involves a government entity, such as a city bus service, the timeline can be significantly shorter, sometimes requiring action within just 45 days of the accident. Missing these deadlines can void your right to compensation. It is critical to consult with legal counsel promptly to ensure all procedural requirements are fulfilled within these time constraints.