What should you do if you’re injured in a bus or trucking accident?

November 24, 2023

Riding in a commercial bus can be dangerous. So can being on the road near large trucks. Especially in the state of Texas.

Statistical data proves that passengers can be at significant risk in these travel situations. According to one study, 762 people died and 7,399 were injured in Texas in 2019. That qualified Texas as the deadliest state in that nation that year.

Why is it more dangerous to be in a bus accident?

An accident in a commercial bus can be a huge problem. Most aren’t equipped with seatbelts or airbags. In the event of a crash, passengers could be thrown around or, even, ejected from the vehicle. Severe injuries and/or death or dismemberment could occur.

Most have thin roofs or windows that pop out easily. Most aren’t well reinforced from side impacts.

When a serious injury occurs, a victim has rights that need to be protected. And they often have serious medical injuries and possible post-traumatic shock disorder to deal with. The bus companies and long-haul truck businesses must be held accountable. Because a school bus could weigh 24,000 pounds and a Greyhound or other commercial bus could weigh 44,000 to 48,000 pounds, the devastating impact could cause more severe injuries.

What causes Texas bus accidents?

Typically, it’s negligence on the part of the driver or the bus company that leads to bus accidents in Texas and elsewhere.

And here’s why: Research data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates the leading reasons for accidents caused by a commercial driver include multiple causation actions.

Among them:

Not properly maintaining the vehicle.
Texting while driving.
Distracted driving
Inadequate training.
A history of poor driving, often documented with records.
Driving while tired.

There are limits on the number of hours can drive without taking a break. And there are guidelines for training and regulations.

Road rage
Reckless driving.
A choice to drive in bad weather.
Difficult road conditions.
Cargo that’s not properly loaded.

A higher responsibility

Frequently, a commercially owned bus, a nursing home bus, a church bus or a hotel or airport shuttle has a higher duty of care to its passengers.

Often, these are elderly passengers. They could incur more serious injuries or die in these accidents.

What type of injuries are incurred in a bus crash?

That runs the gamut.
Many tend to be severe injuries.
That can include brain injuries, including concussions.
Spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis.
Internal bleeding.
Broken bones.
Burns.
Neck injuries, which can include whiplash.
Damage to vital organs.

What should you do after a bus accident?

Bus companies and their insurance carriers have a well-established history of attempting to avoid responsibility for passengers injuries. That can include pointing the finger at others.

Destruction of training records and driver logs. So, what should you do?

Contact the police by calling 911 immediately to report and document the incident with witness statements. That can prove fault
Should you be able to do so, take photos and videos after the crash to document what happened and the aftermath of the accident.
Obtain the name of the driver and any contact information as well as the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved in the crash, phone numbers and addresses of witnesses.
Ask for medical attention.
Remember, not all injuries are immediately apparent.

What not to do?

Don’t make any statements to the bus company claim reps or insurance adjuster, especially if they are making empty promises. They are not interested in helping you, only protecting their bottom line.

Contact Us Today

At Mokaram Law Firm, our team of highly trained Houston personal injury attorneys is dedicated to providing you with outstanding support and professionalism. Resolving complex legal issues can be difficult, especially in the case of a commercial bus accident.

We are here to ease your burden and seamlessly guide you through the process. You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today at (281) 609-9224 and find out how we can help ease your anxiety and get the compensation you deserve.

Contact our legal team today! Your peace of mind and safety are our top priorities.