A Bus Accident Attorney Who Can Help You Collect Compensation

Due to the size of these vehicles and the number of individuals typically involved, a bus accident can have serious consequences. In addition, buses are subject to a more complex set of regulations than other motor vehicles. Collecting compensation after a bus accident requires an advanced understanding of the laws affecting different types of buses and the companies that own them. If you have been injured in an accident involving a government or privately owned bus, our bus accident attorneys at Wenholz | Dow, P.C., Trial Lawyers can help you collect compensation. Schedule a complimentary consultation today by calling our Austin, TX, practice at (512) 478-2211 or contacting us online

Scene of serious bus accident
Catastrophic injuries are unfortunately common in bus accidents due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.

Types and Categories of Buses

A bus is legally defined as any vehicle capable of carrying more than 10 passengers. The owner or leasing company of the bus involved in your accident will have a substantial impact on the type and amount of compensation you can collect. Vehicles such as city buses, school buses, and public transportation for disabled riders are owned by the government and are subject to different regulations than privately owned buses. Private, or commercially owned, buses may be operated by a wide range of organizations, including:

  • Casinos
  • Churches
  • Nursing homes
  • Charter bus companies
  • Airports
  • Hotels
  • Amusement parks

Commercial buses can also be long-haul buses, such as Greyhounds, and include any bus that is not affiliated with the city or state government. 

Government-owned buses are afforded a higher level of legal protection, meaning it can be much more difficult for victims to collect compensation.

Privately owned buses are operated for profit, while government-owned transportation is often subsidized and intended to provide a service for the community. As such, government-owned buses are afforded a higher level of legal protection. This means it can be much more difficult to collect compensation, even if the driver was directly at fault for your injuries. 

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Similar to truck accidents, one of the main causes of bus accidents is negligence on the part of the bus driver or the driver of another vehicle. Examples of driver negligence can include:

However, the cause of the accident may be attributed to another source. Mechanical issues can stem from improper maintenance on behalf of the company who owns the bus. In addition, inadequate driver training or supervision can result in serious accidents. Discovering the exact cause of your accident can help determine who is responsible for your injuries. At Wenholz | Dow, P.C., Trial Lawyers, we work with experts in accident reconstruction who can collect the evidence necessary to build a strong case for your compensation. 

Seeking Compensation for Your Injury

Depending on the cause of your accident, you may be able to seek damages from the driver, bus operator, or another third party, such as the bus maintenance company. In this type of accident, victims often collect compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Loss of future wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium (the love or support of a spouse)

In some cases, you can also seek punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for especially reckless or deliberately harmful behavior.

David C. Wenholz and J. Luke Dow

Wenholz | Dow, P.C., Trial Lawyers

The team of attorneys at Wenholz | Dow, P.C., Trial Lawyers in Austin, TX, represents victims of car and truck accidents, construction accidents, defective products, and more. Our attorneys prepare every case with the intention of going to trial, and we do not settle for anything less than the best possible outcome for our clients.

Our lawyers are affiliated with the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

To request a consultation with our team, please fill out our online form or call (512) 478-2211.

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