The METRO bus system is a convenient form of public transportation provided by the city of Houston. However, sometimes a METRO bus does the opposite of its intended purpose – instead of serving the public, it causes an accident that leads to injury or even death. When it happens to you, you need to call a Houston METRO bus accident lawyer right away.
A Houston crash involving a METRO bus is a unique type of accident. METRO is a public service – which means it’s protected by special laws that limit how much compensation an injured victim can recover.
If you’ve been involved in a METRO crash in Houston, working with an experienced Houston METRO bus accident lawyer is essential to gain fair compensation for your injuries.
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is a personal injury firm that’s been helping injured clients recover compensation in Houston for over 35 years. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to schedule a free case review after a Houston METRO accident.
Why Work with Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law?
A Former Judge Making the Justice System Work for the People
Terry Bryant is a well-known name in the Houston community. A former Texas judge, Terry Bryant, is among the small percentage of personal injury trial attorneys Board Certified in personal injury trial law in the state of Texas (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization).
For over three decades, Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has successfully pursued compensation for client injuries caused by negligence. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients – and our case results and client testimonials show just how much you stand to gain after a Houston vehicle accident involving a METRO bus.
Don’t hesitate to speak with a lawyer about your Houston METRO accident. Waiting to act only harms your chances of gaining compensation. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 to schedule your free case review with an experienced Houston METRO bus accident attorney.
How Common Are Houston METRO Accidents?
METRO Accidents Are Making Headlines in Houston
METRO accidents aren’t the most common type of accident in downtown Houston, but they can do serious damage when they occur. When a METRO bus collides with a smaller passenger vehicle or a pedestrian, the potential for damage is high due to the much greater size and weight of a city bus.
In recent years, Houston headlines have seen countless stories of serious accidents involving METRO buses, with outcomes that include serious property damage, hospitalization, and even death.
Responsibility for Houston METRO Accidents
Bus accidents happen for various reasons; reckless drivers, inclement weather, and unsafe construction zones are all possible causes behind Houston METRO accidents. However, most commonly accidents involving public transportation happen because of the actions of the driver behind the wheel.
The unsafe actions of a METRO bus driver are often the key factor that leads to a crash. Some of the most common reasons why METRO drivers cause crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DWI)
- Inadequate training or experience.
When METRO has employed a driver, it’s responsible for the actions of that driver. This means that if a pedestrian or another driver is injured in a METRO crash, METRO can be held legally – and financially – responsible for the actions of the driver it chose to place behind the wheel.
Why METRO Accidents Are Unique
METRO Is a Protected Government Entity
METRO accidents are a unique type of accident when it comes to the victim’s ability to gain fair compensation.
In most motor vehicle accidents, both vehicles involved are covered by insurance policies. A lawyer’s job is to build a case proving the other party’s negligence and to argue for the maximum compensation value possible given the victim’s damages and the insurance policy limits.
However, a METRO bus isn’t a normal vehicle. METRO is public transportation, which makes it a government entity. Texas has laws designed to protect governmental entities from having to pay significant amounts of money in a personal injury case.
Houston Limits Compensation Amounts in METRO Accidents
In most Texas motor vehicle accidents, there’s no cap on the amount of money you can sue for. However, there is a cap on the damages available when a METRO driver is responsible for a crash.
Texas law limits damages in a METRO crash to:
- $250,000 per person
- $500,000 per occurrence of bodily injury or death
- $100,000 per occurrence of property damage.
While those six-figure amounts may not seem small at a glance, they often don’t come close to covering the damage after serious injury or death. It’s not uncommon for experienced attorneys to secure seven- or eight-figure compensation amounts for badly injured accident victims.
How a Houston METRO Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
Gaining compensation after any accident takes dedicated work. Insurance companies use skilled lawyers whose primary job is to save the company money by reducing claims payouts.
When you’ve been involved in a METRO accident in Houston, you’re not just going up against the insurance company responsible for the payout – you’re also taking on the city government’s lawyers.
Between this added challenge and the reduced compensation available after a METRO accident, it’s imperative that an experienced Houston METRO bus accident attorney handle your case.
When a bus accident leads to the death of a loved one or leaves a victim with costly, life-altering injuries, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against METRO if there’s any hope of gaining fair compensation for the damage.
Factors that Impact Case Value After METRO Accident in Houston
The general rule in personal injury compensation is that the money should match the level of damage. However, proving the level of damage is an issue that’s open to interpretation. This is a key reason why choosing an experienced lawyer can significantly impact your outcome.
A Houston bus accident lawyer with years of experience knows how to examine every area of a victim’s life and build a case for increased compensation. In addition to objective factors like medical bills and lost wages, an experienced lawyer knows how to increase your possible compensation by building an argument for non-economic damages in areas like pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and reduced quality of life.
Ultimately, case value is always unique, as it’s based on the specific ways an accident has impacted the victim’s life. However, it’s safe to say that minor injuries usually lead to less compensation, while life-changing or catastrophic injuries that significantly diminish the quality of a victim’s life or accidents that result in death have the potential to bring much higher amounts of money to the victim or their loved ones.
Time Limits for Gaining Compensation After a Houston METRO Accident
The single biggest mistake you can make after a bus accident in Houston is failing to contact a lawyer right away. Once your Houston METRO bus accident attorney builds a case for negligence and identifies a compensation goal, they need to begin negotiations with the insurance company responsible for providing the payout to the victim.
Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t always willing to negotiate fairly. This is a particular risk in accidents involving a METRO bus, where compensation is capped.
If it’s impossible to gain a fair settlement for the victim of a Houston METRO crash, your Houston METRO bus accident lawyer may need to file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit only comes after the lengthy process of investigation, building a case, and undergoing negotiation. However, every state places a limit on how much time a victim has to file a civil lawsuit. In Texas, that general time limit is two years from the date of the accident. However, the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) requires special notice within 180 days. ***It is essential that you always speak directly to an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer to learn the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.***
Since filing a lawsuit happens late in the process of seeking compensation, waiting to contact a lawyer puts you at risk of missing the deadline if going to court becomes necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Houston METRO Bus Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a METRO bus accident in Houston, you probably have questions about the process of working with a lawyer to gain compensation. Here are some of the most common initial questions new clients have about taking legal action after an accident involving public transit.
How do I know if I have a case?
You’ll need to prove that the METRO bus driver was at fault for the accident, and you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve suffered damage as a result of the accident. A bus accident lawyer will work to prove both these points, but you must be able to offer evidence showing physical injury, medical bills, lost wages, or some other form of damage that you can demonstrate.
How can a Houston bus accident lawyer help me?
After an accident, a lawyer can help by proving negligence, arguing for an increased compensation value, and negotiating a settlement on your behalf. With Houston METRO accidents, it’s particularly important to work with a Houston bus accident lawyer.
METRO buses are a form of public transportation, and Texas law protects governmental entities when injuries occur. You’ll need an experienced lawyer to build a strong case for compensation.
How long will it take to gain compensation if I work with a lawyer?
It’s hard to say in advance how long gaining compensation will take. Houston METRO accidents are more complicated than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Cases involving serious injury or high financial costs typically take longer, as it takes more work and a longer negotiation process before a settlement can be reached.
Since Texas law limits how much money is available to the victim of a METRO bus accident, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against METRO when damages are significant.
Can I afford to hire a Houston METRO accident lawyer?
A Houston METRO accident lawyer is a type of personal injury lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers work with clients on a contingency basis. You normally won’t have to pay your lawyer until they win your case for you. You then owe the percentage you agreed to in your contract, which comes directly out of the compensation you’re awarded.
How can I protect myself after a METRO accident in Houston?
You should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a Houston METRO accident. A lawyer will advise you on the steps you need to take to protect yourself and gain the maximum compensation value you’re eligible for.
You should never admit fault for an accident, and you shouldn’t speak with an insurance agent until after you’ve consulted with a lawyer. You should promptly seek medical care for your injuries and save all documentation from doctors, police, and insurance related to the accident.
If you have additional questions about the process of gaining compensation after a Houston METRO bus accident, the Houston METRO bus accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law are here to help.
Give us a call today at (713) 973-8888 for a free consultation to discuss your options with a METRO accident lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law.
Call a Houston METRO Bus Accident Lawyer Today
It’s natural to feel hesitant about taking legal action – but for many clients, it turns out to be a life-changing decision. Booking a consultation with a Houston METRO bus accident attorney is a simple, no-obligation way to determine whether you have a case and how much money you can gain by working with a lawyer.
The METRO accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law understand that the aftermath of a bus accident can be a chaotic, stressful time for you and your family. Our team is here to pursue justice and financial relief on your behalf while you take the time you need to heal, without fear of how your future and your finances will be affected by the negligent actions of a METRO bus driver.
To learn more about how much your METRO bus accident may be worth, call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for your free and confidential consultation with a Houston METRO bus accident attorney.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
