A bus accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and no clear path to compensation. You face a unique challenge: bus companies have teams of lawyers ready to minimize what they pay, and the insurance claims process for commercial vehicles is far more complicated than a typical car accident.
Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle, you deserve full compensation for your injuries. At Varghese Summersett, our Dallas bus accident lawyers understand how these cases work and how to hold the right parties accountable.
Call (214) 903-4000 for a free consultation.
What Makes Bus Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Bus accidents are not handled like typical car accidents. The vehicles are larger, the companies involved are bigger, and the legal rules are more complex.
First, buses are classified as commercial vehicles. That means the driver, the bus company, and often a third-party maintenance contractor can all share liability. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.352, commercial vehicle operators must follow stricter safety standards than regular drivers.
Second, government entities often own or operate buses. If you were injured on a DART bus, for example, you’re dealing with a governmental immunity issue that requires specific notice procedures under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Miss a deadline and you lose your right to sue.
Third, bus companies carry commercial insurance policies with much higher limits than personal auto policies. That sounds good, but it also means their insurance companies fight harder to deny or minimize claims.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dallas Bus Accident?
Multiple parties can be responsible for a bus accident. Determining who is at fault is one of the most important steps in your case.
The bus driver is the most obvious party. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or violated traffic laws, they can be held liable. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 101.021, government employees can be held liable if their negligence caused the accident.
The bus company may also be responsible. If the company failed to properly train the driver, didn’t maintain the vehicle, or pushed drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, the company can be held liable under Texas Transportation Code § 644.101, which governs motor carrier safety.
Maintenance contractors can be liable if a mechanical failure caused the accident. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are common in poorly maintained buses.
Other drivers may share fault. If another vehicle caused the bus to crash, that driver’s insurance company will also be part of the claim.
In some cases, a government entity owns the bus. DART buses, school buses, and city transit buses fall into this category. The Texas Tort Claims Act allows you to sue government entities, but you must file a notice of claim within six months of the accident.
If you’re not sure who to hold accountable, that’s where our team comes in. We investigate the accident, review maintenance records, and identify every party that contributed to your injuries.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Dallas
Bus accidents happen for many reasons, but some causes are more common than others.
Driver negligence is the leading cause. This includes speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, and driving under the influence. Bus drivers are held to higher standards, but they still make mistakes.
Poor vehicle maintenance leads to mechanical failures. Buses require regular inspections, brake checks, and tire replacements. When companies cut corners, passengers and other drivers pay the price.
Driver fatigue is a serious problem in the bus industry. Federal regulations limit how many hours a driver can work, but not all companies follow the rules. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and make poor decisions.
Inadequate training puts inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of large vehicles. Bus companies are required to train drivers on safety protocols, but some companies rush this process to save money.
Road conditions and weather can contribute to accidents. Dallas roadways, especially during rain or construction, create hazardous conditions for large vehicles with limited maneuverability.
Get Clarity About Your Options Today
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Dallas, don’t wait to protect your rights. Call (214) 903-4000 for a free consultation with our Dallas bus accident lawyers.
Types of Compensation Available After a Bus Accident
If you were injured in a bus accident, Texas law allows you to recover several types of damages.
Medical expenses are the most obvious. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescription medications. You can also recover costs for future medical care if your injuries require ongoing treatment.
Lost wages cover the income you missed while recovering from your injuries. If you can’t return to work in the same capacity, you may also recover compensation for lost earning capacity.
Pain and suffering accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Texas law recognizes that injuries affect more than just your bank account.
Property damage covers repairs or replacement of personal belongings damaged in the accident, including clothing, electronics, or other items.
In rare cases, punitive damages may apply. These are awarded when the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious. For example, if a bus company knowingly put unsafe buses on the road, a jury may award punitive damages to punish that behavior.
How Fault and Liability Work in Texas Bus Accident Cases
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault does not exceed 50 percent.
For example, if you were jaywalking when the bus struck you, the insurance company might argue you were 30 percent at fault. If your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $70,000.
Bus companies and their insurers will try to shift as much blame onto you as possible. That’s why it’s important to have a Dallas bus accident lawyer who knows how to build a strong liability case.
We gather evidence like surveillance footage, bus company logs, maintenance records, and witness statements to prove the bus company’s negligence. If the driver violated federal safety regulations or the company failed to properly maintain the vehicle, we use that evidence to hold them accountable.
What Your Bus Accident Case May Be Worth
The value of your case depends on several factors. No two cases are the same, and there’s no formula that applies to every situation.
The severity of your injuries is the most important factor. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations result in higher settlements because they require extensive medical treatment and affect your ability to work.
Your medical expenses play a major role. If you’ve already incurred $50,000 in medical bills and doctors say you’ll need another $100,000 in future treatment, that factors into the value of your case.
Lost income matters. If you missed three months of work or can no longer perform your job, you’re entitled to compensation for that financial loss.
The strength of the liability case affects settlement value. If the evidence clearly shows the bus driver ran a red light and hit you, the insurance company knows they’ll lose at trial. That increases the settlement offer.
The insurance policy limits also matter. If the bus company carries a $1 million policy and your damages exceed that, we may pursue additional sources of recovery, such as the driver’s personal assets or claims against maintenance contractors.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Our Dallas bus accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (214) 903-4000 today.
The Claims Process and Timeline
Understanding what happens after a bus accident can help you prepare for the road ahead.
The first step is seeking medical attention. Even if you feel fine, injuries like internal bleeding or soft tissue damage may not appear immediately. Documenting your injuries is critical to your claim.
Next, we investigate the accident. This includes obtaining the police report, reviewing bus company records, interviewing witnesses, and securing video footage before it’s deleted.
We then file a claim with the insurance company. If the bus is owned by a government entity like DART, we also file the required notice of claim with the governmental unit within six months.
Negotiations begin once we have a full picture of your damages. We present evidence of the bus company’s negligence and demand fair compensation. Most cases settle during this phase.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit. Texas gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation.
The litigation process includes discovery (exchanging evidence), depositions (recorded testimony under oath), and potentially mediation. If the case doesn’t settle, it goes to trial, where a jury decides the outcome.
Most bus accident cases settle within 6 to 18 months, but complex cases can take longer. The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries, the cooperation of the insurance company, and whether the case goes to trial.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Bus Accident Claims
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay as little as possible on every claim.
They start by questioning liability. Even when the bus driver clearly caused the accident, the insurance company will argue you were also at fault. They’ll claim you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, that you were distracted, or that you contributed to the crash in some way.
They minimize your injuries. Insurance adjusters often claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say. They’ll point to gaps in your medical treatment or suggest your pain is pre-existing.
They delay the process. The longer the case drags on, the more financial pressure you feel. They hope you’ll accept a low settlement just to make the case go away.
They use recorded statements against you. Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be twisted and used to deny your claim. That’s why you should never give a statement without talking to an attorney first.
We know these tactics because we’ve fought them hundreds of times. Our job is to protect you from insurance company games and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Watch: How Long Will Your Personal Injury Case Take?
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
When you hire us, you get a team of experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers who have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients.
We start with a thorough investigation. We obtain the police report, review bus company maintenance logs, interview witnesses, and secure surveillance footage before it’s destroyed.
We handle all communication with the insurance company. You don’t have to worry about calls from adjusters or demands for recorded statements. We handle everything.
We build a strong case. This includes gathering medical records, working with accident reconstruction experts, and consulting with doctors to document the full extent of your injuries.
We fight for maximum compensation. That means calculating not just your current medical bills, but also future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We’re prepared to go to trial. Most cases settle, but if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we take the case to court. We have a proven track record of success at trial.
Our team includes over 70 attorneys, paralegals, and support staff across four Texas offices. We’ve secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions in criminal cases, and we bring that same level of commitment to our personal injury clients.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. That means we’re motivated to get you the best possible result.
Protect Your Rights and Your Record
Don’t let a bus company’s insurance team take advantage of you. Call (214) 903-4000 for a free consultation with our Dallas bus accident lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Dallas?
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the bus is owned by a government entity like DART, you must file a notice of claim within six months. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation.
What if the bus driver was working for a government entity?
Government entities have partial immunity under the Texas Tort Claims Act, but they can still be sued for negligence. You must file a notice of claim within six months and follow specific procedures. An experienced attorney can guide you through this process.
Can I sue if I was a passenger on the bus?
Yes. Passengers have the right to sue the bus company, the driver, or any other party whose negligence caused the accident. Texas law protects passengers, and you don’t have to prove you were free from fault.
What if the other driver caused the bus to crash?
If another driver caused the accident, you can file a claim against their insurance company. In some cases, both the bus company and the other driver share liability. An attorney can help identify all responsible parties and maximize your recovery.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. That means you can afford top-quality legal representation without worrying about hourly fees or retainers.
Related Personal Injury Resources
If you were injured in a Dallas bus accident, you may also find these resources helpful:
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Catastrophic Injuries
- What Is My Car Accident Worth?
- Texas Is An At-Fault Accident State
Dallas Personal Injury Practice Areas
Our Dallas injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation
Vehicle Accidents
Other Injuries
Injured in Dallas? Get a free consultation.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you were injured in a Dallas bus accident, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. Our Dallas bus accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’ve helped hundreds of injured Texans recover millions of dollars in compensation. We know how bus accident cases work, and we know how to win.
Call (214) 903-4000 today for a free consultation. There’s no risk and no obligation. Let us review your case and explain your options.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
