Austin Bus Accident Lawyers

How Common are Bus Accidents in Austin?

According to CapMetro’s latest data, in 2024, Austin experienced more than 71 bus-related accidents, resulting in 136 passenger injuries.

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a bus accident, reach out to our Austin bus accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Austin

Bus accidents in Austin can result from various forms of negligence. To establish negligence in a bus accident case, you must demonstrate four key elements:

1. Duty
2. Breach
3. Causation
4. Damages

Both the bus driver and the bus company owe a duty of care to their passengers and other road users. If this duty is violated – such as when a driver is distracted or a company fails to properly maintain its buses – and this violation leads to an accident that causes damages (like physical injuries or property damage), then negligence can be established.

The process of investigation and evidence collection involves reviewing police reports, gathering eyewitness accounts, examining bus company records, and obtaining expert testimony. This is where our Austin bus accident lawyers come into play. They will guide you through the entire process and ensure that all aspects are addressed.

Bus Driver Negligence

• Not adhering to traffic laws
• Driving while distracted (e.g., using a cell phone)
• Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or engaging in reckless driving

Bus Company Negligence

• Neglecting vehicle maintenance
• Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
• Inadequate training for drivers
• Overloading or improperly loading the bus

Bus Manufacturer Defects

• Malfunctioning brakes or steering
• Defective tires or other components
• Poorly designed or installed seatbelts and safety equipment
• Inadequate vehicle inspections

Bad Weather

• Driving in heavy rain or snow without taking precautions
• Failing to adjust speed according to weather conditions
• Ignoring weather warnings

Road Hazards

• Potholes or uneven road surfaces
• Poorly marked construction zones
• Lack of proper signs or traffic signals
• Debris or obstacles on the roadway

Negligence by Other Drivers

• Reckless or aggressive driving by other vehicles
• Other drivers failing to yield to the bus
• Distracted or impaired drivers on the road
• Illegal maneuvers performed by other drivers

Passenger Negligence

• Distracting the bus driver
• Interfering with the bus operations
• Ignoring safety instructions
• Opening emergency exits unnecessarily

Contact our Austin bus accident lawyers for a FREE CASE EVALUATION if you were injured in a bus accident caused by another driver.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?

If you find yourself in a bus accident, it’s essential to take the right steps to safeguard your health and legal rights. Here’s a guide from our experienced Austin bus accident lawyers:

1. Ensure Safety:  If you can, move yourself and others to a safe spot away from traffic.
2. Seek Medical Attention:  Even if you don’t notice any injuries right away, it’s a good idea to see a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately visible.
3. Report the Accident:  Be sure to file a report with local authorities. A police report can serve as crucial evidence.
4. Document the Scene:  If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, the bus, and any injuries you may have.
5. Collect Witness Information:  Gather contact details from witnesses or other passengers, as their statements could strengthen your case.
6. Preserve Evidence:  Keep all records related to medical treatments, expenses, and any personal items that were damaged.
7. Consult Our Legal Experts:  Contact us for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’re here to assist you through every step of the process.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Bus Wreck?

If you’ve been in a bus accident, you may qualify for various types of compensation depending on the severity of your injuries and the specifics of the incident. Here’s a brief overview from our Austin bus accident attorneys:

Economic Damages

These financial losses, commonly known as “special damages,” can include:

• Medical Expenses:  This covers costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and any future treatments that may be necessary.
• Lost Wages:  Compensation for income lost during your recovery period.
• Loss of Earning Capacity:  If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for that loss.
• Property Damage:  Reimbursement for any damage to personal property, like a vehicle, that occurred in the accident.
• Wrongful Death:  If a loved one has passed away, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation that includes funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages, commonly known as “general damages,” cover non-financial losses such as:

• Pain and Suffering:  This refers to both the physical pain and emotional distress that result from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life:  You may be eligible for compensation if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once loved.
• Emotional Distress:  This includes feelings of anxiety, depression, and other emotional impacts stemming from the accident.
• Loss of Consortium:  Spouses can claim damages for the loss of companionship, affection, or marital relations.

How Non-Economic Damages Are Calculated

• Per Diem Method:  A daily rate is assigned to your pain and suffering, which is then multiplied by the number of days you have endured the injury.
• Multiplier Method:  Economic damages are totaled and then multiplied by a factor (usually between 1.5 and 5) based on the severity of the injury.

Since non-economic damages are subjective, working with an experienced legal team is essential to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party for reckless or malicious behavior and to deter similar actions in the future. These damages are more likely to be awarded when:

• The defendant showed extreme negligence or acted with intent to cause harm.
• The defendant was aware of the risks but chose to disregard them.
• The defendant has enough financial resources to justify significant punitive damages (such as corporations or wealthy individuals).

Determining the Value of a Bus Accident Claim

Several factors can affect the value of your bus accident injury claim, including:

• Severity of Injuries:  More severe injuries typically result in higher medical costs and a greater impact on your daily life.
• Earning Capacity:  If your ability to earn a living has been permanently affected, this will increase the value of your claim.
• Pain and Suffering:  Although these intangible losses are subjective, they can significantly boost the compensation you receive.
• Degree of Fault:  In Austin, the comparative fault system is in place, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you share any responsibility for the accident.

Filing a Bus Accident Claim: Deadlines You Need to Know

In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the bus involved is owned by a government entity, you may face shorter time limits. It’s important to reach out to our Austin bus accident lawyers quickly to make sure you don’t miss any crucial deadlines and to safeguard your rights.

Seek Legal Help for Your Bus Crash Injury Claim Today

Let Our Austin Bus Accident Lawyers Help!

At Thompson Law, we have a strong track record of handling bus accident cases. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Here’s how we can help you:

• Assess your situation with a FREE CASE REVIEW.
• Collect evidence and evaluate the full worth of your claim.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
• If necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Don’t wait! Contact Thompson Law today to get an Austin bus accident lawyer started on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Minimum Liability Insurance Limits for Buses?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes minimum liability insurance requirements for buses based on their passenger capacity. Buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, must have a required insurance limit of $5,000,000. In contrast, those that accommodate 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, are required to have a limit of $1,500,000.

These regulations apply to both private and commercial bus operators. It’s essential to keep in mind that these are federal standards, and individual states may impose additional insurance requirements that exceed the federal minimum.

Is the Statute of Limitations Shorter for Government-Owned Buses in Austin?

In Austin, the statute of limitations is indeed shorter for government-owned buses. You must inform the governmental unit within six months from the date of the incident. Failing to adhere to this process properly could result in losing your right to file a claim.

What If the Bus Driver Was Not at Fault for the Accident?

If the bus driver wasn’t at fault, you might still have options for seeking compensation from other negligent parties, including:

• The driver of another vehicle
• A bus maintenance company for any mechanical issues
• The government or a private entity responsible for hazardous road conditions

An experienced Austin bus accident lawyer will look into all potential sources of liability to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

See What Clients Say About Thompson Law

Excellent

4.9

Based on 1982 reviews

Tony Gonzalez

Celia was very respectful and provided one of the best customer services I've seen!

Response from the owner:Tony, Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that Celia provided you with such exceptional service. We’re incredibly proud to have her on our team, and your kind words are a testament to her dedication to our clients. Providing respectful and outstanding service is something we strive for every day, and it’s so rewarding to know we made a positive impression. I’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to Celia — it will mean the world to her! Please let us know if we can ever be of service to you or a loved one again in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

alana gonzalez

Lion Law was extremely helpful and efficient! 100 % satisfied with how they handled my case.

Response from the owner:Alana, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We are thrilled to know you were 100% satisfied and that we could help make the process smooth and efficient. If you ever need assistance again, please reach out anytime. We are always happy to help. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Sonia Gonzales

Muy buen servicio al 100 siempre están al pendiente de tu caso y en las oficinas también son muy atentos y serviciales 10 de 10 😊

Response from the owner:Sonia, Gracias por compartir tu experiencia! Nos alegra muchísimo saber que recibiste un servicio de calidad y atención constante durante tu caso. En Thompson Law nos esforzamos por estar siempre disponibles y brindar un trato atento y servicial. Nos llena de orgullo saber que lo logramos contigo. Gracias por tu calificación de 10/10! Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO

Luis Gonzalez

I got rear ended by a big water truck and didn’t know what to do so I did a google search on the best lawyers I could find and Thompson law was the one with the best reviews so I called and the handled everything from doctors to physical therapy it was a very good experience

Response from the owner:Luis, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you found us and that our team could guide you through the process from start to finish. It means a lot to know we were able to help with your care and recovery after such a difficult accident. We truly appreciate your trust in Thompson Law and are always here if you ever need us again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Femi Omole

I had an excellent experience working with Kyle and his team on my case. They were professional, knowledgeable, and kept me updated every step of the way. Their communication was clear and timely, which made the process much less stressful. Kyle and his team worked hard to ensure I received the best possible outcome, and I truly appreciate their dedication. A special shout-out to the two Genesis—Avalos and Gonzalez— and Barbara for their support. This team went above and beyond, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance.

Response from the owner:Femi, Thank you so much for your kind words and review regarding how our team took care of you. We understand what a stressful situation it is when you’re in an accident and our goal is to take as much of that stress off you that we can. I’m happy to hear we accomplished that goal! If we can do anything else for you or a loved one in the future, we’ll be here for you. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Jesus Perez

Very happy with attorney Brittany Lightfoot and team. They helped me out so much through this process. Celia Gonzalez helped out me out until the end I’m happy for all the information and guidance I received from this team. I highly recommend them. They have a team that reaches out and keeps you updated. Thank you all again!!

Response from the owner:Jesus, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Attorney Brittany Lightfoot, Celia Gonzalez, and the entire team were able to support you throughout your case. Keeping our clients informed and cared for is always a top priority, and we’re so glad you felt that every step of the way. We truly appreciate your recommendation—thank you again for trusting Thompson Law! Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Antonia Gonzalez

Estoy muy agradecida por la atención que tuve en las oficinas de Thompson law ,tomaron mi caso cuándo yo pensaba que todo estaba perdido fueron muy amables y me ayudaron exitosamente en mi caso ,muchas gracias a todo el equipo de Thompson law y muy en especial a la paralegal que trabajo en mi caso Génesis Ávalos , bendiciones para todos

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review! We're thrilled to hear that our team at Thompson Law was able to assist you when you needed it most. It's wonderful to know that Genesis and the rest of our team made a positive impact on your case. We truly appreciate your trust in us ad if we can do anything you or a loved one in the future please let us know. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Antonio Gonzalez

Excelente servicio. Fueron muy atentos en todo momento y resolvieron todo como se esperaba. Génesis fue muy atenta y amable! Gracias

Response from the owner:Antonio, Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para dejarnos una reseña tan positiva y por sus comentarios. Me alegra saber que Genesis lo atendió bien y que quedó satisfecho con nuestro nivel de servicio. Si podemos hacer algo más por usted o un ser querido en el futuro, llámenos. Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO

Russell Gonzales

I was very impressed in the service that Becky Villarreal and Bryan Felix provided to me and the dedication to the case at hand thank you all !

Response from the owner:Russell, I appreciate you taking the time to rate your experience regarding our handling of your Farmers Branch car accident case and for your compliments to both Becky and Brian for their dedication to your case. Thank you for putting your trust in our team and allowing us to represent you. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Daniela Gonzalez

I was rear-ended while pregnant so the last thing I needed was to deal with insurance companies regarding my claims, Dina, Jeff and Genesis were great. They always returned my calls and answered all my questions. I really recommend Thompson Law if you find yourself in a car accident.

Response from the owner:Daniela, I’m sure you went through a very frightening experience and I am pleased to hear we made that situation for you a bit easier regarding your car accident case. Thank you for taking the time to rate your experience with our team and your comments about Dina, Jeff and Genesis. We appreciate the recommendation and if we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, we will be here for you. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

merlin gonzales hn (dj cheese)

Response from the owner:Merlin, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our team; we are grateful. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Veronica Gonzalez

I want to thank Thompson Law but especially Erica Mendoza who has helped my father with his case. She provided him with updates and has always been very professional in her approach with him. I’ve heard some of their conversations & she’s such a pleasure for him to speak too. He has felt that she actually cares about him and his injuries. Although his case isn’t finalized yet he feels he is in good hands and will count on a successful result. We appreciate her service & all that Thompson Law has done. Thank you.

Response from the owner:Veronica, We appreciate you taking the time to leave us this review and for your kind words. I am happy to hear your father is having a positive experience with our team. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Emilio Gonzalez

Best personal injury attorneys!

Response from the owner:Emilio, Thank you for your review and kind words. We try everyday to be the best to all our clients and appreciate you putting your trust in us. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Gonzalo Romero

This firm has excellent customer service, highly professional and the people who work there genuinely want to help you. With this said, I totally recommend this firm!

Response from the owner:Gonzalo, We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and for speaking so highly of our customer service. If we can ever help you, a friend or loved one out in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Cynthia Gonzalez

Bethany was amazing she went up and beyond to assist me. Great costumer service. Keep up the good job!

Response from the owner:Cynthia, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Bethany's handling of your Dallas auto accident case. I am incredibly happy to hear you thought Bethany was amazing and went up and beyond to assist you. If we can ever be of help to you or a loved one in the future, please let us know and we would be honored to serve you again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Meilough Gonzales

I just wanna leave a five star rating for Veronica. I’ve been working with her the last couple of months she’s been working on my case and I really appreciate her help It seems that she’s been going out of your way to make sure I get the most out of my settlement, and I really appreciate Ive gotten the best service from as well . she sounds like a great employee, and I want to give her some great kudos to her, y’all should give her a bonus, and give her a raise.

Response from the owner:Meilough, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Veronica and comment on the service you have received from her. She truly is a great employee and really tries to go above and beyond to help. We did just give her a year end bonus and a raise, so we definitely agree with your assessment. Please let us know if we can be of service to you or a loved one again in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Franyelis Gonzalez

Muy feliz por el trabajo en equipo de tompson law, todos fueron amables y estuvieron muy atentos a mi caso. Recomendados

Response from the owner:Franyelis, Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para calificar su experiencia con el manejo de su caso de accidente de carro en Frisco, TX. Me alegra saber que sintió que todos fueron amables y atentos. Háganos saber si alguna vez podemos servirle a usted o a un amigo en el futuro. Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO

Jenny Gonzalez

Had a great experience, everyone was nice when I called and went in person. Very nice office

Response from the owner:Jenny, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Thompson Law’s handling of your accident injury case. If we can ever be of help to you or a loved one in the future, please let us know and we would be honored to serve. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Vin Kumar

Patricia Gonzales and Mimi are very help full through out the case got completed. Very dedicated and easy to follow their guidence in providing all the necessary information to move forward with the case. Once again very happy that I worked with Patricia and Mimi.

Response from the owner:Vin, thank you so much for your 5-star rating of Thompson Law! Our driving goals are delivering exceptional case results and providing the best client experience possible. We are so glad that you had an excellent experience with our firm. Please know we are here for you anytime 24/7 should you need our help in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Zachary Roos

Very professional, Adam Lippman, Patricia Gonzalez, and Mimi were all very helpful through out the process.

Response from the owner:Zachary, Thank you so much for your kind words about our team! We were so pleased to have the opportunity to handle your rear end wreck in Arlington for you. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent service and outcomes for our clients and we are glad that Adam, Patricia and Mimi were able to provide both for you! Sincerely, Jenny Fogel, Attorney

W Perkins

Patrica Gonzales took on my case as if I were family. She really explained everything to me and took care of everything. She got me a settlement that was more than fair. God forbid that I get into another accident, but if I do, I know who to call!!!

Response from the owner:W, Thank you for your kind words! Family is very important to us here at Thomson Law. In fact, we have several sets of siblings that work here together. We strive to always treat our clients like family as well. We are so glad to hear that Patricia was able to deliver excellent service, communication, and an excellent outcome for you. While we hope that you never need our services again, Patricia and the rest of our team would be honored to serve you or your friends or family again in the future should they need arise. Sincerely, Jenny Fogel, Attorney

Albert Gonzales

Best injury firm in Dallas/Fort Worth area! Excellent service

Response from the owner:Albert, Thanks for the 5-star rating & your comments! We strive to answer any & all questions a potential client may have...even if we can't take their case, we'll do our best to get them help. We also work to be responsive to all clients via calls, texts & emails. We all thank you very much for your feedback, and are always here 24/7/365 to answer any questions you have should you ever need our help again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Don Johnson

Patricia was my case manager. I had my car accident in Ponder Tx. I hurt my lower back and shoulder and they took care of me by providing me medical attention. I really am happy with the services i received. Hopefully i don't need them again but if i do i know who to call. Mrs. Gonzales is the best!!!

Response from the owner:Don Thanks for taking the time to rate & review Thompson Law, and for recommending Patricia. She has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, and I’m pleased to hear that was evident in her answers to your questions. I hope you never need us again, but should you ever, feel free to request Patricia for your case. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Icy_Perfection

By far the best experiences with Thompson law. The staff and especially Patricia Gonzales. was amazing she was always keeping in contact and letting me know exactly what was happening the entire time. She was simply amazing. I’m grateful for her help in everything and always keeping in contact with me. Even when I got a new phone number she still reached out to me. I got an amazing settlement check. Thank you Patricia Gonzales.

Response from the owner:John, Thanks for taking the time to rate & review Thompson Law, as well as recognizing Patricia's work on your case as a passenger involved in a car accident when exiting a parking lot in Dallas, TX. We work hard to keep our clients regularly updated on the status of their case, and I'm glad to hear you felt we achieved that goal. Hopefully you'll never need our services again, but if you or someone you know does, we'd be happy to do so. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO

Valeria Gonzales

Always keeping you up to date with how your case is going. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Valeria, Thanks for taking the time to rate Thompson Law and comment on the service we provided. We strive to be responsive to all clients via calls, texts & emails. Customer service and the customer experience are very important in our industry, and we're pleased to hear yours was good with us.