Trust an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney
Buses are inherently dangerous
School bus wrecks often cause death or catastrophic injury, primarily because they do not have mandated safety interiors like cars do. They are usually not equipped with seat belts and do not have the sufficient padding on the metal frames on the back of the seats. Also, since there are no seat belts, passengers can be propelled down the isles impacting seats and other passengers as they slide down the isles.
Buses have huge mass
Buses have a lot of weight so when they impact cars they usually do not come to a sudden stop so the impact is greatly absorbed. However, when the bus comes in contact with a stationary object such as a tree or concrete bridge support, the injuries to the occupants will normally be much more severe due to insufficient safety equipment on the bus.
Bus crashes
In case of fire on a bus, it is very dangerous because of the limited exits and large number of passengers. Buses have crashes when other drivers fail to give them the right of way. It is difficult for buses to maneuver and avoid collisions. They also have collisions when they are distracted by their young passengers acting rowdy. Bus drivers are also subject to the usual causes for collision such as texting, talking on the cell phone, and fatigue.
Claims and suits against buses is easier than against an 18-wheeler, because a bus is a common carrier so “strict liability” would apply.
This is a law firm that really works hard and really gets results. I have already referred several people to this office. - Debi A.
School Buses
School bus crashes are among the most tragic of all motor vehicle accidents due to the inherent involvement of young children who are not wearing seatbelts, because seat belts are not required on buses. There is also no airbag protection. In addition, the top of the seat backs usually have a metal bar, without any kind of pad. This causes catastrophic brain injuries to the people behind that seat. When there is a crash, many of the students are thrown out of their seats into the aisle and up to the front of the bus. Each year, a substantial number of all traffic fatalities are school transportation-related. School bus accidents often result in catastrophic, debilitating injuries to young children, who will have to live with their injuries for the rest of their lives. As a result, substantial damages are often at issue in cases of this type, and vigorous representation is required to bring all responsible parties to justice. At Law Firm of Roger "Rocky" Walton, P.C. we use our experience in handling school bus accident cases to investigate every possible contributing cause of an accident to ensure that you will receive full compensation for your injuries, to the extent possible.
Claims against a public school are basically barred because of governmental immunity. However, there is an exception in the Texas Torts Claims Act for claims related to motor vehicles crashes.
Bus drivers are normally employed by the government so their liability is limited by the Texas Tort's Claim Act. For a school district, county, or state, the liability would be limited to no more than $300,000 for all the passengers combined. It is it a city bus, the liability would be limited to no more than $500,000 for all the passengers combined.
If you or your loved one has been catastrophically injured in a bus crash, call or text (817) 429-4299 or call toll-free at (888) 762-5988 NOW. You can speak with an experienced and qualified attorney at the Law Firm of Roger "Rocky" Walton.