Texas Accident & Injury News
Bus accidents can have devastating consequences for passenger vehicles and pedestrians.
Man Hits VIA Bus, Hospitalized With Minor Injuries in Early-Morning Accident
According to a KSAT News report, a man crashed into a VIA Bus in Alamo Heights two days ago.
Police reported the accident happened at around 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th, at the intersection of North New Braunfels Avenue and Austin Highway in Alamo Heights. A man rear-ended the VIA Bus stopped at a light on Austin Highway. He was initially believed to be critically injured, but after talking to EMS, his condition was downgraded to non-life-threatening injuries. There were six passengers on the bus, but no one on the bus was injured. Police did not expect any charges to be filed. The driver was taken to the hospital by EMS.
Did You Know?
In Texas in 2023, there were 4,588 crashes involving buses and school buses.
Bus Accident Injuries in Texas
Sometimes, life makes you feel like you got hit by a bus–sometimes, you really do get hit by a bus.
In 2023, the TxDOT reported that 3,265 crashes involving buses (excluding school buses) occurred across the state. Of those:
- 2,336 resulted in no injury,
- 441 resulted in possible injuries,
- 77 resulted in serious injuries,
- 104 resulted in minor injuries,
- 13 resulted in at least one fatality.
When a pedestrian or passenger vehicle is involved in an accident with a bus, they almost always take the worst of the damage (and injuries). Plus, because buses are considered commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and are often government vehicles, getting compensation after an accident is more difficult.
What To Do If You’re Hit by a Bus in Texas
If you’re involved in a bus accident in Texas, follow these steps to protect yourself and any potential injury claims:
- Call 9-1-1 — If you or anyone was hurt or property damage is extensive, this is legally required. But we always recommend getting a police report after an accident, as some injuries can show themselves later.
- Seek Medical Attention — Request EMS if you or someone else is hurt. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, go get checked out by a medical professional anyway. Some injuries that are life-threatening present themselves after the adrenaline leaves your system but can be treated if caught early enough.
- Document the Scene — Take photos and/or videos of the scene. Many buses have cameras, which may have also caught footage of the accident. Ask any witnesses for their name and phone number. If you’re unable to do this, ask a bystander or passenger to help you.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bus Accident in Texas?
If the accident was your fault, you do not need to hire a lawyer. Your insurance company will represent your case.
If you were injured as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, and the accident wasn’t your fault, you should talk to a lawyer ASAP. If the bus was government-owned, getting compensation would be difficult. Even if it’s a private bus, claims are more complicated and heavily contested because they are CMVs, which is why it is recommended that you talk to an attorney after a bus accident.
Are Bus Accident Lawyers Expensive?
Most bus accident lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not pay anything out of pocket. Instead, a percentage of the settlement will go to the lawyer representing your claim. Additionally, most offer initial consultations free of charge, where potential clients can learn if they have grounds for a claim without committing to hiring a firm.
People who are represented by attorneys walk away with 3.5x more on average than individuals who represent their own claims.
Injured in a Bus Accident in Texas? Call Shaw!
If you were injured in a bus accident that wasn’t your fault anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Disfigurement,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Missed Work,
- Loss of Earning Capacity,
- Property Damage,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We can help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with a bus accident lawyer. You’ll get your legal questions answered for free, with no obligation to hire the firm when you’re done. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.