Private Charter Bus Accidents

Texas Charter Bus Accident Attorney

Passengers who step onto a charter bus should feel confident that their safety is the driver’s and the bus company’s top priority. Passengers should be able to trust that the bus they are traveling in is ready for the road ahead; after all, it is the responsibility of the driver and the bus company to ensure that passengers are safe.

Charter buses are large and heavy, and they also carry many passengers, so when a charter bus crashes, it can be devastating. Accidents involving private motorcoaches often result in serious injuries and even death.

After a charter bus accident, it is normal to feel a range of intense emotions. You may be feeling scared, overwhelmed, and even angry. It is our job to help ease some of that burden by aggressively pursuing evidence that leads to justice and the financial compensation you need and deserve. The charter bus accident attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have fought for injury victims since 1985. We understand how important it is for you to have peace of mind and the time and resources necessary to heal and recover from your injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Texas charter bus accident, it is important to seek the help and counsel of an experienced charter bus accident attorney. The Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law firm has helped charter bus accident victims obtain the maximum compensation they need and deserve. Contact us today to see how we can help and determine if we are the right law firm for you and your family.

Get Help Now

We will work tirelessly to investigate the cause of the accident and hold all responsible parties accountable. Contact us for a free consultation. We can come to you in the hospital or at your home. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.

Why Choose Terry Bryant Accident and Injury Law for Your Charter Bus Accident?

Our goal is to help clients get the best medical treatment to heal, recover, and file a claim against wrongdoers to get a full and fair settlement.

Maximum Recovery for Clients

The Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Firm has a long history of successful client representation in serious injury claims, recovering over $1B for clients. The lawyers at our firm are passionate about fighting for the rights of victims and they have the experience and knowledge to get the best possible results. We are not afraid to take on big corporations and insurance companies and we will do whatever it takes to get our clients compensation for their losses.

Terry Bryant is Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer

The Supreme Court of Texas established The Texas Board of Legal Specialization to certify only the most qualified attorneys. Board certification not only demonstrates an attorney’s competency and experience but also their dedication to both their clients and the practice of law.

Client Devotion

It is important to choose a law firm that will devote the time and resources necessary to get the best possible outcome for your case, and that includes going to trial if necessary. The Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Firm is honored to be a personalized but strong firm by design. Our attorneys can devote more time to each client, ensuring that their cases receive professional attention. We believe that a high level of dedication leads to better results, and we are pleased that we have helped many clients get their lives back, as evidenced by the testimonials left by former clients.

Representation by a Former Judge

Terry Bryant, attorney, and founder started his law firm in 1985, and later served 22 years as a judge. His focus has always been to help restore the lives of injury victims. The No Fee Guarantee® offered by Terry Bryant Accident and Injury Law means that there are no hidden costs and clients do not have to pay anything out of pocket, regardless of the outcome. We believe that justice should be affordable so everyone can have their day in court.

Protecting You is Part of Representing You. Private bus owners and their insurance companies may try to discredit you by saying your injuries are not that severe, but we know their tactics. Contact a charter bus accident lawsuit lawyer today to discuss your rights at (713) 973-8888, or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.

How Can a Charter Bus Accident Lawyer Help?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a charter bus accident, our team of Houston bus accident lawyers can help to start today. We have extensive experience handling these cases and will work to get you results. The following are some of the ways we can help right now:

• Our charter bus accident attorneys offer free consultations. We will review your case, inform you of your rights, and answer any questions they may have.
• Your attorney will investigate your claim to determine who is responsible for your injuries and what types of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
• We will work to build a strong case and calculate all of your economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on healing.
• If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can discuss taking your case to trial.

Can You Sue a Charter Bus Company for An Accident?

Charter and Private Buses are classified as “Common Carriers” under the law, and they are held to a higher standard when they are carrying passengers. Generally, when someone is injured in a chartered bus accident due to negligence, that person has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit or submit a personal injury claim to the charter bus company and their insurance company for the damages they have suffered and will suffer in the future.

Texas law defines common carrier negligence as the failure to use a high degree of care. In other words, if a bus driver or the charter bus company fails to drive or maintain their bus in a very cautious or competent way and someone is injured, they might be held liable for the damages and injuries caused to someone.

Who Can Be Sued for Injuries After a Charter Bus Accident?

After a charter bus accident, the question of who can be sued for injuries often arises. The answer depends on several factors, including the cause of the accident and where the accident took place. Generally speaking, the following parties may be held accountable for injuries sustained in a bus accident:

• The bus driver: If the driver was at fault for the accident, they may be held liable for injuries that resulted from the accident.
• The charter bus company: If the bus was not properly maintained or if the company failed to adequately screen its drivers, it may be held responsible for any resulting accidents and injuries.
• Other drivers: The drivers of other vehicles on the road may be sued if their negligence contributed to the accident or caused the accident.
• Part manufacturers: Manufacturers of defective parts can also be responsible if their parts led to the accident or caused the accident.
• Bus manufacturers: Makers of passenger charter buses can be held liable if it is found that a manufacturing defect or a defective design led to the accident.
• The government: If the accident was caused by a defective roadway or by an act of negligence by a government employee, the government might be held liable.

More than one party may be responsible for injuries sustained in a charter bus accident. An experienced bus accident attorney can help injured victims determine who is at fault for their damages. Contact us now at (713) 973-8888 for a free consultation.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Accidents

Charter bus accidents can be complex and often result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a charter bus accident, you may have a lot of questions about what to do next. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions our lawyers receive about charter bus accidents.

What are the most common causes of charter bus accidents? 

The most common causes of charter bus accidents are driver error, road hazards, other drivers, and vehicle defects. Driver errors can include things like distracted driving, speeding, driver fatigue, and drunk driving. A charter bus crash inside a city is often due to a lack of training, as some drivers may not be prepared to yield properly or pick up passengers safely. Road hazards can include things like potholes, icy roads, and fallen branches. Other drivers can cut off charter buses and cause accidents. Vehicle defects can include things like faulty brakes or tires.

What injuries are most common in charter bus accidents?

Some of the most common injuries include head and spine injuries, fractures, and lacerations. Injuries to the head and spine are particularly dangerous because they can lead to permanent paralysis or even death. Fractures can be serious, as they can often require surgery and lengthy recoveries. Lacerations can also be life-threatening if not treated properly as they can easily become infected.

How much is a charter bus accident worth?

How much a charter bus accident is worth usually depends on age, income, and estimated present and past losses are factors taken into consideration. Determining how long a victim will suffer from physical pain and emotional anguish will also be considered. If the accident resulted in the wrongful death of a family member, estimating the amount of financial support a spouse or family will lose as a result of the accident will be calculated. When all of these factors are considered with the help of an attorney, you will have a better idea of the potential value of a charter bus accident claim.

How long do I have to file a charter bus accident claim in Texas?

Generally, the deadline or statute of limitations to file for a charter bus accident based on negligence is two years from the date of the accident in Texas. However, always speak directly to an attorney to learn the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.

What types of damages can I be compensated for in a bus accident?

Victims of bus accidents may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages from the responsible party. Economic damages are intended to reimburse the victim for financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are awarded for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the wrongdoer’s actions were particularly egregious.

Are charter buses and private buses safe?

Charter bus operators and owners of private bus lines have a duty as common carriers to place safe buses on our highways. In 2012, Congress enacted the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act which mandated that motorcoaches and common carrier charter buses be equipped with:

• Safety seat belts at each seating position
• Improved fire extinguishers or other firefighting equipment
• Advanced windows to prevent passenger ejection in a bus rollover
• Stability-enhancing technology to reduce the number and frequency of rollover crashes
• Direct tire pressure monitoring systems
• Introduce regulations to strengthen bus roofs and other safety measures such as collision avoidance technology.

How do I know my charter bus driver is qualified?

Before charter drivers can get behind the wheel, they must receive their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and usually attain a passenger endorsement on their license as well. A charter bus driver must score at least an 80 on a state-administered test and demonstrate the ability to use air brakes. It is the employer’s job to verify that a driver has a current CDL, but even this simple requirement can be overlooked during the hiring process. Moreover, just having a CDL is not enough for a driver to take to the road right away. For most routes, drivers are expected to receive several weeks of training depending on the complexity of the route. If urban driving is required, the driver must be prepared for dense road conditions.

What should I do if I’m involved in a charter bus accident?

If you are involved in a charter bus accident, you should first seek medical attention. Even if you do not think you’ve been seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Once you have sought medical attention, you should also contact a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience with charter bus accidents. A skilled bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and will fight to get you financial compensation.

If you are planning on taking a charter bus trip, it is a good idea to be aware of potential dangers and choose a charter bus company with a good safety record. If you do experience an unfortunate charter bus accident, it is important to know your rights and to seek legal assistance immediately.

Get Help From Our Houston Charter Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Have you been injured in a charter bus accident? If so, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. The Houston charter bus accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident and Injury Law are here to help. With more than 35 years of experience, our team is equipped to handle even the most complex charter bus accident cases. We understand the challenges you are facing and we are dedicated to achieving the result of maximum compensation.

To schedule a 100% free, no-obligation consultation, call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000, or fill out our online form.