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The Woodlands Bus Accident Lawyer

Many residents of The Woodlands rely on bus transportation to get to work or school. Riding the bus can be very convenient, but it can also cause serious personal injuries in the event of an accident.

If you were injured in a public, private, or school bus collision, you deserve compensation for your losses. Call now to speak with a bus accident lawyer in the Woodlands about your claim.

Types of Buses

The buses involved in auto collision cases are either owned by the government or private companies. Government buses are open to the public and funded through taxes. Privately-owned buses operate for profit.

Some example of private buses include:

  • Church buses
  • Nursing home buses
  • Hotel buses
  • Casino buses
  • Greyhound lines

A skilled collision attorney in the community could help victims determine what type of bus caused their accident

Filing a Lawsuit

If a privately-owned bus company’s driver causes an accident, injured victims can file a lawsuit under the tort of negligence. According to this law, an injured party must prove that the bus driver breached their duty to drive safely, and that action directly caused their injury. Actions that could be considered a breach of duty include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Improperly maintained buses or other auto parts

Protections for Government-Owned Bus Services

Government-owned buses are granted sovereign immunity, which protects them from being sued. The Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA), however, describes the limited circumstances under which the government can be held liable. If a government driver is responsible for the accident or the vehicle is defective, injured parties can sue the state.

There is also a different statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits against government entities. Victims must give the state proper notice of their intent to file suit within that time period. A local lawyer with experience handling bus accidents could help an injured party understand the difference between filing a suit against a public and private defendant.

Monetary Damages in Bus Accident Cases

When a victim files a lawsuit against a private company, they can seek economic and non-economic damages. This compensation can include:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Victims can also seek punitive damages if the bus driver’s actions are especially egregious, reckless, or malicious.

Damages in Government-Owned Bus Accident Cases

Under the TTCA, plaintiffs cannot sue the government for punitive damages. Additionally, monetary damages are capped. Each victim in a government bus accident can recover no more than $250,000. The total damages awarded in a case can be no greater than $500,000.

A lawsuit brought against a government unit such as a county school board is capped at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. A bus accident attorney in the area can help a victim recover the compensation that is owed to them.

The Woodlands Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help

Auto collisions can be complicated, especially when dealing with large private corporations or powerful government entities. If you were injured due to a bus driver’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact us to speak with a bus accident lawyer in The Woodlands. Schedule a free consultation today.