Buses perform a vital service for those who live in Baytown and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, their large size makes them more prone to accidents that result in severe injuries. While anyone who suffers harm because of driver misconduct has the right to seek compensation for their losses, the process of obtaining these payments can be difficult.
Reaching out to a Baytown bus accident lawyer at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC could be the first step towards achieving a successful result in your case. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys could work tirelessly to investigate the cause of a crash, determine how that event has changed your life, and demand that all liable parties provide the payments required so you can make a full financial recovery.
When Might a Bus Driver be Liable for an Accident?
Drivers of all types of vehicles on Baytown roads have an obligation to protect others they may encounter while behind the wheel. This includes the responsibility to obey the rules of the road and to act in an overall careful manner. A failure to do either of these could result in a serious accident in which the negligent party is held liable for any subsequent damages.
Just like any other driver, a Baytown bus operator could be held legally accountable for their careless or reckless conduct, such as:
Moving Violations
The most straightforward way to connect a bus driver’s actions to a collision is to show that the driver violated a rule of the road. This could include speeding violations, a failure to stop at a red light, or tailgating another vehicle. If a police officer who responds to the scene of an accident issues a ticket to the bus driver, a Baytown bus crash lawyer could track down that violation as it moves through the courts. If a bus driver is found at fault for the actions outlined in the ticket, it can be used as direct and powerful evidence of their liability for the injuries that resulted from the incident.
Negligence
Even if a bus driver did not receive a ticket following a wreck, it is still possible that they are to blame. Evidence that they were talking on a cell phone or radio may be indicative of their responsibility for a crash. So too could extended driving schedules that resulted in fatigue or distraction. Our determined Baytown bus accident attorneys work to build potent cases against bus drivers that leave no doubt as to their responsibility for a collision.
Demanding Fair Payments from all Responsible Parties
A bus driver is certainly responsible for their own actions that result in injuries to others, this could include drivers in other cars, passengers, pedestrians, and even riders within the actual bus. However, they are unlikely to be the only liable party for these incidents. Texas law states that employers are jointly responsible for the accidents that their employees commit while on the job. This means that our Baytown bus wreck lawyers could demand payments from private busing companies or even government entities that own and operate these vehicles.
No matter how many parties may share the blame for a crash, state law gives injured people a limited time to act. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 is the state’s law that establishes the statute of limitations in these cases. It asserts that most people have only two years from the date of a collision to seek out payments. However, even shorter time limits often apply in situations where a government entity owns the bus. Talking with our knowledgeable attorneys as soon as possible decreases the likelihood that these time limits may affect a person’s case.
Reach Out to a Baytown Bus Accident Attorney Today
Bus accidents have the potential to change every part of your life. It may require you to undergo extensive medical treatment, cause you to miss time at work, and reduce your overall quality of life. If a bus driver was to blame for an incident that resulted in these losses, you may have a right to hold them and their employer accountable for providing compensation.
A Baytown bus collision lawyer at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC could help you seek out these payments. Our committed attorneys work to prove fault for a crash, bind all liable parties to the case, and measure how the event has affected your life. With this information, they can demand the monetary damages that you need to move forward with your life. Give us a call now to schedule your consultation.