Bus accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of buses, the number of passengers involved, and the lack of seat belts or other restraints. Whether the accident involves a public transit bus, school bus, charter coach, or intercity transportation service, victims may face devastating consequences.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident, you should get proven and capable personal injury lawyers in Dallas on your side to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Dallas, TX
Common causes of bus accidents in Dallas may include:
- Driver fatigue or drowsiness
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Traffic law violations, such as speeding or running red lights
- Mechanical failure due to poor maintenance
- Improper training or licensing of the driver
- Overloaded or poorly balanced buses
Dallas is served by several public and private bus systems, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), school districts, charter companies, and regional carriers. The type of bus involved directly influences who may be liable and what legal process applies.
Liability in Dallas Bus Accidents
Identifying the responsible party can be more complex in bus accident claims. You should seek legal aid for bus accidents in Dallas to hold all the negligent parties liable. These may include:
- Bus Driver: If the driver was negligent, under the influence, or violated traffic laws, they may be held personally liable.
- Bus Company: If the accident resulted from inadequate training, hiring unqualified drivers, or improper maintenance, the bus company may be held liable under a theory of vicarious liability or negligent supervision.
- Bus Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: In some cases, a mechanical failure due to defective design or improper maintenance of the bus can shift liability to third parties.
- Government Entities: If the accident involves a public bus such as those operated by DART or school districts, the city or state may be a defendant, subject to Texas’s sovereign immunity laws.
Public Bus Accidents and Sovereign Immunity in Dallas
Public buses in Dallas, such as those operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), are generally owned and managed by government entities. Filing a claim against a government agency in Texas involves different procedures due to sovereign immunity, which protects governmental bodies from certain lawsuits.
Under the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA), the state and its subdivisions waive immunity in limited circumstances, including:
- Personal injury or death caused by the negligence of an employee acting within the scope of their employment
- Involvement of a motor vehicle or equipment
However, strict rules apply:
- The claim must involve the operation or use of a motor vehicle.
- The government employee must have been acting within the scope of employment.
- The injured party must provide written notice of the claim within six months of the accident (some cities have shorter notice periods).
School Bus Accidents in Dallas, TX
Accidents involving school buses are similarly complicated. Texas school districts may be protected by sovereign immunity, but liability may still exist under TTCA exceptions. In some cases, private bus operators contract with school districts, which may shift liability to those private companies. Investigating the ownership and employment status of the bus and driver is critical in determining the right legal strategy.
Statute of Limitations for Dallas Bus Accident Claims
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, when a claim involves a public entity, written notice must be submitted within six months. Sometimes the notice period may be even shorter, depending on local ordinances.
For example:
- Dallas requires notice of a claim within 90 days of the incident.
- Texas allows six months unless otherwise provided by law.
Missing this notice deadline can result in your claim being barred, even if it would otherwise be valid under the general statute of limitations.
Evidence Required in Bus Accident Cases to Prove Liability
Bus accident claims usually involve multiple layers of evidence to prove negligence and causation:
- Accident reports from law enforcement and bus operators
- Black box data and GPS tracking from the bus
- Surveillance footage from onboard cameras or nearby traffic cameras
- Witness statements from passengers and bystanders
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Employment and training records for the bus driver
Get Strong Legal Representation from Our Bus Accident Attorneys
Bus accidents can cause severe injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of the bus. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Dallas bus crash attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful bus companies and large insurance carriers and aggressively pursue the compensation you’re owed.
Whether your accident involved a public transit system, school bus, or private carrier, our Dallas bus accident law firm is ready to fight for you. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
