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What Should I do if I Was Hurt in a Houston Bus Accident?

What Should I do if I Was Hurt in a Houston Bus Accident?

Buses fill an important role in our nation’s cities and towns, large and small. Whether you are traveling across the state or the country, a bus is one of the most convenient and affordable options. We usually think of a bus as a safe option for getting from one place to another. Unfortunately, bus accidents happen from time to time. When a bus gets into a crash, passengers may receive severe and life-threatening injuries.

Some bus accidents result in fatalities. If you were injured in a bus crash and are wondering, “What should I do if I was hurt in a Houston bus accident?” you need to get legal help from an experienced Texas personal accident attorney.

What Causes Bus Accidents?

Several factors may cause or contribute to a bus accident. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) tracks accidents, including bus crashes. There are three main categories: human factors, mechanical failure, and weather or road conditions. Some of the common factors that cause bus accidents include:

  • Driver inattention
  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield
  • Fatigue
  • Improper evasive action
  • Tire problems
  • Failure to maintain lane
  • Drug or alcohol use

These factors are noted by police on the accident report. Police interview the drivers and witnesses to determine the cause of a crash. Often, multiple factors contribute to any given incident.

Bus Safety Laws

There are many types of buses that are in use across the state. These include transit, school, private, sightseeing, and charter buses. Texas laws are in place to enhance the safety of buses operating within the state. Buses must be no longer than 45 feet in length. Buses that are 35 feet or longer must have air brakes and they must also have more than two axles in the rear. All glass on the bus must be made of materials that are approved for safety. The law requires buses to have special lights and markers in various positions on the exterior of the vehicle to increase their visibility.

Buses must comply with the federal regulations. In general, highway safety is the responsibility of several government agencies, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), among others.

What to do Following a Bus Accident

If you are the victim of a bus accident, you have likely gone through a harrowing experience. Some bus accidents are extremely dangerous and scary. First and foremost, seek medical attention for your injuries. Make sure that you see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that you can prove that the injuries occurred as a result of the crash.

Contact a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer for Help

Contact a knowledgeable Houston personal injury attorney. Bus accidents can be extremely complex, and it is essential to ensure that you protect your rights.

You may be owed money for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We will handle negotiations with the insurance company and work to resolve your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

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About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.