San Antonio Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents occur every day in the United States. They may involve school or public transit buses, common carrier buses such as airport and hotel shuttles, or charter and tour buses. While many bus-related accidents are minor, some can result in serious injuries.

Under state law, injured passengers can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. However, the compensation amounts depend on the bus type and the circumstances surrounding the accident. That is why it is essential for anyone involved in a bus collision to contact a personal injury attorney.

A San Antonio bus accident lawyer from the team at Ramji Law Group, P.C. understands the complexities of state law. We can guide injured passengers and their families through the legal process during this difficult time.

Determining Liability for a Bus Accident

As with any vehicle crash, injured passengers can often file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. Unfortunately, that process is not as straightforward as it sounds. The first step is to determine liability.

If a passenger vehicle causes the crash, an injured person files a claim against the driver’s insurance company. If the bus is responsible, the process becomes more complicated. For example, was the driver negligent, or did the bus owner fail to maintain the bus? Finding the answers takes the knowledge of our experienced bus crash attorneys in San Antonio.

Driver Negligence

Sometimes, bus drivers become distracted, misjudge a turning radius, or fail to adjust to road conditions, causing an accident. Injured individuals can pursue compensation from the bus driver. However, bus drivers are usually employees of common carriers or government agencies. In these instances, employers may be responsible for their employees’ actions, and a claim may be filed against the employer. A lawyer could determine the responsible party and develop the supporting documentation.

Company Negligence

Buses require regular maintenance to ensure safe operations. If companies fail to conduct scheduled maintenance, they may be found negligent. Employers should ensure that drivers are certified to operate the bus and are responsible for providing training that maintains driver skills. If they are negligent in providing the required training, bus operators may be responsible for compensating an injured person.

Third-Party Negligence

Other parties, such as bus manufacturers, may be responsible for bus accidents. If the bus design or parts are defective, injured individuals may file property liability claims to receive compensation. Companies or government agencies may outsource their maintenance to third parties. In such cases, the third-party providers may be responsible for any compensation.

When third parties are involved, the process may become more complex as liability claims may bounce between bus operators and their contractors. Our lawyers could help an injured person hold the responsible parties accountable.

Filing a Claim Against a Public Bus Operator

Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, anyone injured in a bus accident has the right to sue the responsible government agency. However, the process is slightly different from other injury cases. First, an injured person must notify the government agency they intend to file a claim against. The notification must be sent within an established period following the accident, depending on the jurisdiction. That is why using a San Antonio lawyer is crucial when seeking compensation for a bus accident within city limits.

State law also includes compensation caps for accidents involving public-operated buses, such as public transit and schools. The maximum compensation for personal injury or death is $500,000 per occurrence. Despite the caps, claimants need a practiced attorney to receive the maximum available benefits.

Contact a San Antonio Bus Accident Lawyer for Help

If you are injured in a bus-related accident in the San Antonio area, contact Ramji Law Group, P.C. by calling 210-529-3476 for a consultation. You deserve compensation for your injuries and losses. Our team is ready to pursue your case while you focus on recovery. Our team’s 126+ years of experience is one reason the firm has served over 65,000 clients since its founding.