Bus Accident Lawyer in Lubbock, TX
You need someone who knows exactly how to make transit companies pay when a bus crash gets in the way of your recovery and puts your finances at risk. My name is James Perrin, and for decades, I’ve been fighting insurance companies and the government that thinks they can lower bus accident claims.
As an experienced Lubbock bus accident lawyer, I know how to build a case that gets you paid, whether you were riding Citibus, hurt by a school bus, or hit by a charter coach on Highway 84.
Bus accident claims involve layers of complexity that standard collision cases don’t have. Transit authorities hide behind government immunity caps, charter companies point fingers at maintenance contractors, and school districts claim special protections under Texas law.
As your bus accident attorney in Lubbock, Texas, I cut through these defensive tactics by immediately preserving video footage, driver logs, and maintenance records that tend to disappear within days of a crash.
You won’t work with paralegals or junior associates when you hire me. I personally handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the crash scene to deposing witnesses to negotiating with multi-million dollar insurance carriers.
What Should I Do After a Bus Accident in Lubbock
Your actions in the first hours after a bus crash can make or break your case. Time is critical because evidence decays quickly, and insurance companies move quickly to protect themselves.
Get Medical Care Immediately
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately after an accident. Head to UMC Health System or Covenant Medical Center to get checked out and create an official medical record.
Some bus accident injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening if left untreated. Getting prompt medical care also creates documentation that insurance companies can’t dispute later.
Document Everything at the Scene
Use your phone to take pictures of the evidence before it disappears forever if you can move around. Take photos of the bus information first, including the bus number, the company name, and any visible damage to the bus.
Take pictures of your cuts, bruises, or torn clothes that clearly show how bad the accident was. It’s essential to take photos of the road conditions, including any skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and the weather at the time of the accident.
Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened so you can contact them later..
Avoid Insurance Company Tricks
The bus company’s insurance adjuster will likely call within hours asking for a recorded statement. Don’t give one. Even innocent comments like “I’m okay” can be used against you later to minimize your injuries.
Tell them you need to speak with your attorney first, then call me immediately. I’ll handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights.
Preserve Critical Evidence
Most buses have cameras and electronic data recorders that capture what happened during the crash. This evidence can be lost quickly unless an attorney promptly sends a preservation letter.
I send these legal notices right away to make sure video footage, maintenance records, and driver logs don’t mysteriously disappear.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Lubbock Bus Accident
Bus accident liability is often more complex than car crashes because multiple parties may share responsibility. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to maximizing your compensation.
The bus driver can be held responsible for distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or failing to follow traffic laws. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards than regular motorists.
Transit authorities or school districts, such as Citibus or Lubbock ISD, can be liable for inadequate training, poor hiring practices, or failing to properly maintain their fleets.
Third-party contractors who handle bus maintenance or repairs may be at fault if mechanical failures caused the accident.
Other drivers who caused the bus to crash through their negligent actions can also be held responsible for your injuries, similar to how liability works in truck accident cases, where multiple parties may share fault.
As your bus crash lawyer in Lubbock, I investigate every angle to uncover all responsible parties and maximize your recovery.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Lubbock
Most bus accidents aren’t random; they happen because of carelessness that could have been avoided. Knowing what caused your crash can help you make a better case for compensation.
Driver fatigue is a significant factor, especially on long-haul charter buses or among drivers who work too many hours. Federal rules set the maximum hours commercial drivers can drive, but some companies pressure drivers to exceed them.
Bus drivers are distracted when they use their phones, eat, or fail to pay attention to the road. Just a few seconds of distraction can lead to terrible accidents involving many passengers.
Not taking care of your car can cause the brakes to fail, the tires to blow out, and the steering to stop working. Bus companies are legally required to check and repair their vehicles regularly, but many do not to save money.
Drivers who don’t get enough training don’t know how to handle emergencies or drive safely in traffic. This happens a lot with school bus drivers who may not be used to driving big vehicles.
Types of Buses Involved in Accident Cases
Different types of buses involve different legal rules and potential defendants. Understanding which category your case falls into affects your legal strategy.
City Transit Buses
Accidents involving Citibus fall under government liability laws. The Texas Tort Claims Act allows you to sue government entities but imposes strict notice requirements and damage caps.
You must file a formal notice within six months, and compensation is limited to specific amounts set by state law.
School Buses
School districts owe students a heightened duty of care during transportation. These cases often involve claims against the district for inadequate supervision, poor driver training, or defective equipment.
Special rules apply when children are injured, including different statute-of-limitations periods and additional protections under state education codes.
Charter and Tour Buses
Private charter companies operating tour buses, casino shuttles, or event transportation carry significant commercial insurance policies. Their insurers employ aggressive legal teams to fight claims.
These companies are subject to federal motor carrier safety regulations, which create additional avenues for proving negligence.
Intercity Coaches
Companies like Greyhound that operate between cities fall under the federal Department of Transportation oversight. They must comply with strict safety regulations regarding driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service.
Violations of federal regulations can strengthen your case significantly by proving the company’s negligence.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bus Accident
Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages for all losses caused by the accident. As your experienced Lubbock bus accident lawyer, I work to ensure your settlement covers every aspect of your damages.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
You can get money back for all of your medical costs related to your injuries, from immediate care to long-term needs.
This includes emergency care, such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits, and the first few days in the hospital.
It also includes ongoing medical care, such as necessary surgeries, appointments with specialists, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation services. Most importantly, we want recovery for Future medical needs, including long-term care, home health services, necessary medical equipment, and home modifications.
You can get back all of your prescription drugs, pain management drugs, and physical therapy supplies.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes wages you’ve already missed and future earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job.
I work with vocational experts to calculate how your injuries will affect your ability to earn money throughout your career. This is often the most significant component of your damages in severe injury cases.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident. This includes chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
These damages recognize that some losses can’t be measured in dollars but still deserve compensation.
Property Damage
You can recover the cost to repair or replace personal belongings damaged in the crash, including electronics, clothing, and other items you were carrying.
How Texas Laws Affect Your Bus Accident Claim
Texas has specific laws governing bus accident claims that can significantly impact your case. Missing essential deadlines or failing to follow proper procedures can destroy your right to compensation.
Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it usually means losing your right to compensation forever.
However, there are limited exceptions for cases involving minors or when injuries aren’t discovered immediately.
Government Notice Requirements
Claims against government entities, such as school districts or city transit authorities, require special notice within 6 months of the accident. Some local governments have even shorter notice periods.
The Texas Tort Claims Act also caps damages against government entities at specific amounts, $250,000 per person and $500,000 per incident for most claims.
Comparative Fault Rules
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system.
You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident.
Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation; for example, if you’re 35% at fault, you’ll receive 65% of your total damages.
Why Choose Perrin Law PLLC Injury & Accident Lawyer for Your Lubbock Bus Accident Case
When you’re up against government entities or large commercial bus companies with deep pockets, you need an attorney with proven experience taking on powerful opponents.
I provide personal attention you won’t get at larger firms. You’ll work directly with me throughout your case, not with junior associates or paralegals who don’t understand your situation.
My decades of experience handling personal injury cases in Lubbock courts give me valuable insight into local judges, opposing attorneys, and what strategies work best in our community. I’ve successfully taken on entities like Citibus and area school districts.
I operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front. My fee comes from your settlement or verdict, which means I only get paid when you do.
Common Injuries in Lubbock Bus Accidents
Bus accidents often cause severe injuries because passengers have little protection during crashes. The size and weight of buses, combined with the lack of seatbelts on many vehicles, create dangerous conditions for passengers.
Head and brain injuries are common when passengers are thrown around during sudden stops or collisions, and tragically, the most severe cases can result in wrongful death when proper medical attention isn’t received quickly enough. These injuries can cause long-term cognitive problems, memory loss, and personality changes, affecting your ability to work and maintain relationships.
Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and home modifications. Even minor back injuries can cause chronic pain that limits your daily activities.
Broken bones and fractures frequently occur when passengers are ejected from seats or struck by debris. These injuries often require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation periods.
Internal injuries from blunt force trauma can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. These hidden injuries sometimes don’t show symptoms until hours or days after the accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Lubbock Bus Accident Attorney
Don’t let insurance companies decide what your case is worth. The sooner you have an experienced legal representation from Perrin Law PLLC Injury & Accident Lawyer on your side, the stronger your case will be and the better your chances of maximum recovery.
I offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation, and you won’t pay anything unless I win your case.
Time is critical in bus accident cases because evidence disappears quickly and legal deadlines are strict. Contact me today to protect your rights and start building the strongest possible case for your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lubbock Bus Accidents
Do I Need Special Notice for City Bus or School Bus Accidents?
Yes, accidents involving government-owned buses, such as Citibus or school district vehicles, require formal notice within 6 months, and some local governments require notice even sooner.
Can I Sue the Government and What Are the Damage Limits?
You can sue government entities in Texas, but claims against them are subject to special notice requirements and limits under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
How Quickly Can Bus Video Evidence Be Destroyed?
Most bus video systems record over existing footage within 72 hours unless a legal preservation request halts the process, so prompt attorney involvement is crucial.
What If I Don’t Know Who Caused the Bus Accident?
You can still pursue compensation while I investigate all potential responsible parties, including the driver, bus company, other motorists, and maintenance contractors.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Quick Settlement Offer?
Never accept an initial settlement without legal review, as these offers rarely cover your full damages and future medical needs.