Buses are one of the safest ways to travel, but that doesn’t mean they never get into traffic accidents. In fact, the FMCSA receives more than 1,000 bus accident reports in Texas every year. When you get into a bus accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation from the bus driver, the bus company, or even a government transportation agency.
Working with Dow Law Firm’s experienced Austin bus accident lawyers can help you navigate the claims process and recover the compensation you need to pay for your medical care, lost wages, and distress.
Knowing who’s responsible for the bus accident is critical. Liability dictates how and where you’ll need to file your claim.
The most important thing to assess is whether your bus accident involved a private bus or a public bus.
Filing a Claim After an Accident With a Private Bus
Claims involving private buses will generally run through insurance and/or the Texas civil court systems. You’ll be required to comply with Texas civil rules of procedure, which dictate how long you have to file your claim, service requirements, and which courts will have jurisdiction over your case.
In these situations, you’ll need to gather evidence to show the bus driver, bus service, or another party was negligent and demonstrate the extent of your injuries and damages. An experienced bus accident attorney can assist in securing maintenance logs, driver records, and black box data to strengthen your case.
Your claim would then be filed with your local state district court within the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally two years.
Filing a Claim After an Accident With a School Bus or Public Bus
Claims involving school buses and public buses are subject to different rules and regulations set by the Texas Tort Claims Act. Since the government plays a part in bus operations, you’ll face accelerated timetables and have to comply with different notice requirements before you can recover compensation.
Pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 101.101, you have six months from the date of your bus accident to notify the government agency that you intend to seek damages. Often, you have to file a bus injury claim directly with the public transportation agency or school board. The agency or school board can agree to pay your claim or reject it.
If your claim is rejected, you’ll have to take your bus accident case to court before the two-year statute of limitations runs out. A skilled bus accident lawyer will help ensure all formal notices are filed correctly and within these strict deadlines.
Call an Experienced Austin Bus Accident Attorney to Help File Your Claim
You have one opportunity to recover compensation for your bus accident injuries, and it’s important to us that you make the most of it. Our Austin personal injury lawyers can provide the knowledgeable, skilled legal representation you need during this stressful time.
Our team of bus accident attorneys will help you understand the claims process, offer guidance as we pursue damages from a private bus company or negligent public transportation service, and fight to help you achieve the best possible case results.
We offer a free consultation, so contact our bus accident lawyers in Austin at (512) 240-9951 for help today.