Can I Sue the City If I Was Hurt on the Bus?
In Texas, public transit offers a convenient, useful, and affordable means of commuting through different cities and counties across the state. Unfortunately, these buses used for public transportation are not totally immune to traffic accidents and road mishaps. If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident caused by a negligent party, you are within your rights to pursue fair financial compensation through a claim or lawsuit.
At The Law Office of Steve Brannan, we are poised and ready to support and represent clients in their bus accident cases. Our highly-skilled Texas personal injury attorney can evaluate the situation, explore your options to seek damages, and determine whether you can file a lawsuit against the city. We're proud to serve clients across Odessa, Andrews, Midland, Pecos, and throughout communities in West Texas.
Contributing Factors to Bus Accidents
Bus accidents occur due to a huge spectrum of reasons. Some common causes and contributing factors are as follows:
Bus driver's negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, disobeying traffic signals, driving fatigued, and inadequate training or experience.
Defective or faulty bus equipment or parts
Poor conditions of the road
Lack of or inadequate vehicle maintenance
Uneven weight distribution
Incorrect dispatching
The design of the bus
Damage to roads
Defectively designed or poorly maintained roads
Lack of seatbelts for passengers
Failure to properly secure passengers' possessions.
Inadequate safety, lighting, or security measures.
Unfortunately, due to limited or lack of seatbelts, airbags, or other vital safety features on these buses, public transit accidents are usually serious. A seasoned Texas public transportation accident attorney can assess every detail of your case and inform you about your available legal options to recover damages.
Legal Options When Hurt in a Bus Accident
When injured in a bus accident, your legal options include the following:
Sue the Other Driver
If the bus accident occurred due to another driver's negligence or carelessness, you may be eligible to hold the at-fault driver responsible and seek financial compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Sue the City
However, there are government-owned buses operating in cities across Texas. If you were injured as a passenger on the bus, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim with the government entity. Also, you may file a claim against the contractor in charge of maintaining the road if the accident was caused by poorly designed or maintained roads.
Suing the City after a Bus Accident
According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, in order to sue the city after a bus accident, you must include the following details or information in your notice:
The date, time, and place of the bus crash.
A description of the incident.
The type of damage or injury you are claiming.
Prove Negligence
Upon filing a claim, you may be required to prove negligence by showing that:
The at-fault party (defendant) owed you a legal duty of care.
The at-fault party breached their expected duty of care through their negligent actions.
The defendant's breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
You suffered bodily injuries, harm, and other damages due to the at-fault party's negligence.
An experienced attorney can help file your notice, seek to prove negligence, avoid potential complications, and help recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Complications
However, each city in Texas has its respective procedures for filing a notice and seeking damages. Sometimes, the claimant may be asked to prove gross negligence before they can recover damages. Therefore, hiring a dedicated Texas personal injury lawyer is imperative to protect your legal rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries.
Protecting Your Rights Every Step of the Way
Being involved in a bus accident can be a devastating experience and can affect your financial, physical, and mental health. Regardless, you don't have to suffer the pain and financial liability all alone. At The Law Office of Steve Brannan, we have the expertise and diligence to help you hold those responsible for your bus accident, injuries, and damages accountable.
As your legal counsel, we will guide you through the often complex procedures involved filing bus accident claims and recovering damages. Our seasoned attorney will advocate for your best interests and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other possible damages.
If you were hurt in a negligent bus accident, you may seek fair compensation. Contact us at The Law Office of Steve Brannan today to arrange a simple case assessment with a practiced bus accident attorney. We have the resources and experienced legal guidance you need in your claims. Our firm proudly serves clients across Odessa, Andrews, Midland, Pecos, and throughout communities in West Texas.