Bus Accident Lawyers in Houston, Texas

The large size of buses can lead to devastating injuries for the victims of Houston bus accidents. The associated liability issues can be complex, involving multiple parties and varying levels of negligence. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Houston bus crash lawyers have a formidable record of obtaining over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including $1.5 million awarded for a bus accident claim. Our injury attorneys in Houston will pursue every avenue available to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

A High Standard of Care for Buses in Houston, TX

At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Houston public transportation lawyers will use the full force of state law and federal regulations to hold the negligent parties liable for maximum damages.

Common Carrier Law

In Texas, a common carrier is defined under the Texas Transportation Code, Section 1.002. This law classifies common carriers as those who engage in the transportation of goods or passengers for hire, offering their services to the general public.

Responsibilities and Standards

Common carriers, including bus companies, are legally obligated to provide a higher standard of care to ensure safety on the road. This includes:

• Duty to Warn: Common carriers must inform passengers of any known dangers associated with the transportation process.
• Proper Maintenance: They are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in safe operating condition.
• Employee Training: Common carriers must ensure that their drivers are adequately trained and competent to operate the vehicles safely.

Implications of Higher Standard of Care

• Increased Liability: Bus operators may face greater liability for accidents compared to private vehicle operators. If a bus accident occurs, the higher standard of care means that plaintiffs can argue that the bus driver or the operating company acted negligently by failing to adhere to the heightened expectations of safety.
• Negligence Per Se: In many cases, violations of specific regulations—such as those set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)—can be used to establish negligence per se in Texas. For instance, if a bus company fails to maintain its vehicles properly or does not comply with driver qualification requirements, it may be deemed negligent under the higher standard of care.
• Passenger Safety: The higher standard of care is particularly critical for the safety of passengers. Bus companies are responsible not only for the safe operation of the vehicle but also for ensuring that the bus is adequately maintained and that drivers are properly trained.

Types of Liable Parties 

Bus Driver

• Negligence: If the bus driver was distracted, impaired, or violated traffic laws, they can be held personally liable for the accident.
• Training and Experience: An investigation into the driver’s training, qualifications, and driving history may reveal negligence in their hiring or training process.

Bus Company or Operator

• Vicarious Liability: The bus company can be held liable for the actions of its drivers under the principle of vicarious liability, which holds employers responsible for their employees’ conduct during work hours.
• Company Policies: If the company has inadequate safety policies, such as insufficient training programs or failure to enforce safety protocols, they may be liable for the accident.

Municipalities or Government Entities in Houston

• Public Transit Systems: If the accident involves a public transit bus, the municipality or government entity operating the bus, such as the METRO (Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County) in Houston may be liable for negligence in the operation or maintenance of the bus.
• Road Conditions: Liability may also arise if poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, contributed to the accident, leading to claims against local government entities.

School Districts

• School Buses: If a school bus is involved, the school district can be held liable for negligence related to the operation of the bus and the safety of its passengers.
• Child Safety: Any failure to ensure the safety of children, including proper training for drivers and adherence to safety regulations, may result in liability.

Maintenance Contractors

• Negligent Maintenance: If a third-party maintenance contractor fails to properly maintain the bus or neglects necessary repairs, they may be held liable for any resulting accidents.
• Inspection and Safety Protocols: Liability may also be established if the contractor does not follow adequate safety protocols during inspections and maintenance, leading to unsafe operating conditions.

At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our best bus accident lawyers in Houston are determined to pursue the highest compensation for your injuries and losses in a bus accident. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.

Abogados para Latinos - At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we understand the importance of having legal representation that speaks your language and understands your culture. That’s why we have a dedicated team of native Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff who are ready to assist you. We are proud to serve Miami's vibrant Hispanic community, offering compassionate and culturally sensitive legal services in both English and Spanish. Whether you're more comfortable speaking Spanish or simply want a Spanish-fluent lawyer who understands the unique challenges faced by Latinos, our team is here to provide you with the support and expertise you need to navigate the legal system with confidence.