Why Dallas Bus Accidents Are So Dangerous
Buses move thousands of people in and around Dallas every day. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system alone operates a fleet of more than 600 buses across a network that spans 13 cities. In addition, private charter buses, airport shuttles, Megabus, Greyhound, school buses, and party buses all compete for space on already congested roads.
When a 20,000-pound vehicle collides with a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger car—or tips with a full load of unrestrained riders—the results are often life-altering. We move quickly to investigate, gather evidence, and build the strongest possible case for our clients. This includes analyzing the cause and contributing factors.
Bus Accident Causes & Contributing Factors
It’s true that “accidents happen,” but many could and should be avoided. These incidents tend to result from the careless or reckless behavior of others, including fellow motorists, vehicle manufacturers, bus companies, and other parties.
At Arnold & Itkin, we’re very interested in what causes our clients’ accidents because this provides the foundation for successful personal injury or wrongful death cases. It may also apply to work injury claims for those injured on the job.
Working with investigators and accident reconstruction specialists, we may uncover such causes as:
- Fatigue/falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Distracted driving
- Poorly maintained roads, traffic signs, or signals
- Defective or poorly maintained bus parts
- Lack of proper bus passenger restraints
- Inexperienced bus drivers
- Lack of proper bus operator training
In some cases, the bus driver is at fault; in others, a third party is to blame. This could include the company that trained or employed the bus driver, the entity that leases or maintains the bus, or even another driver who acted negligently on the road, leading to the crash. Our Dallas bus accident lawyers carefully dissect each case to determine exactly what happened and, most importantly, who is liable. This is integral to seeking fair compensation on their behalf.
Dallas Bus Accident Settlements vs. Verdicts
When someone is injured or loses a loved one in a bus accident, one of the most important questions they’ll face is whether their case will end in a settlement or go to trial for a verdict. Both outcomes can provide financial compensation, but they differ significantly in process, timing, and risk.
A settlement occurs when both sides—the injured party and the at-fault company or insurer—agree to resolve the case outside of court. In many Dallas bus accident claims, a settlement is reached after investigation, negotiations, and the presentation of strong evidence. A settlement may even be reached after a trial has begun. While a fair settlement can provide financial relief sooner and with less uncertainty, not all companies offer what victims truly deserve. That’s why it’s essential to work with a firm that isn’t afraid to walk away from a lowball offer and go to trial.
A verdict, on the other hand, is the result of a courtroom trial. This happens when the parties cannot agree, and a judge or jury decides the outcome. Verdicts can lead to significantly larger awards, especially if the court finds that the defendant acted with gross negligence or showed reckless disregard for safety (which can result in punitive damages). However, trials can take longer, and the outcome is left in the court’s hands.
At Arnold & Itkin, we prepare every Dallas bus accident case as if it will go to trial—because that’s often how you secure the highest possible result.
How Much Is Your Bus Accident Claim Worth?
After a bus crash, securing compensation might not be the first thing on your mind, but medical bills will pile up, and missed work will start to impact you and your family. Securing a fair settlement or verdict can make all the difference, and a local bus accident lawyer in Dallas can start taking the necessary steps to pursue the money you need.
The actual value of your bus accident claim depends on many factors, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical care
- Whether you were permanently disabled
- The extent of your pain and suffering
- Your degree of fault (if any) in causing the accident
You may be entitled to economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future care costs
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Medication costs
- Lost income/wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
During a complimentary consultation, our Dallas bus accident lawyers can review the details of your case and provide personalized information regarding the potential value of your claim. Our team seeks maximum compensation for the injured. We want to help you recover every penny you are owed so that you can get the care you need to heal. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story, protect your rights, and advocate for you, both in and out of the courtroom.
Dos & Don'ts After a Bus Accident in Dallas
What you do in the moments and days after a bus crash can significantly impact your health, your recovery, and the strength of your legal claim. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian involved in a bus accident in the Dallas area, it’s important to take the right steps—and avoid costly mistakes.
Do:
- Get Medical Attention Immediately. Even if you feel okay, some injuries—like concussions or whiplash—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation also helps document your injuries for your claim.
- Report the Accident. If someone has been seriously injured, there is imminent danger, or the crash is blocking traffic, call 911 immediately. If you’re able, ask for a copy of the police report.
- Document Everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicles involved, road signs, and anything else that could be relevant. Write down what you remember while it's still fresh in your mind.
- Get Witness Information. If anyone saw what happened, try to get their contact information. Witness depositions and testimonies can be an important part of proving what caused a bus accident.
- Talk to a Dallas Bus Accident Lawyer. Bus accidents often involve multiple parties and complex liability issues. A knowledgeable attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue full compensation.
Don't:
- Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be twisted by insurance companies into an admission of liability. Plus, only an investigation will reveal what actually caused the accident.
- Don’t Skip Medical Appointments. Follow-up care not only helps you recover, but it also shows the severity of your injuries and your commitment to healing. Follow your doctor's treatment plan and attend all appointments.
- Don’t Sign Anything from an Insurance Company. Their goal is to minimize payouts, even after serious bus accidents. Talk to an attorney before agreeing to any settlement offer from the insurance company.
- Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media. Photos or comments can be used out of context to discredit your claim. Keep details about your accident off Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms.
- Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help. The sooner you act, the more evidence your Dallas bus accident attorney can preserve—and the stronger your case will be. Involving an attorney early on can make all the difference.
How Our Dallas Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help
When you get on a bus or share the road with one of these huge vehicles, you trust the driver is trained, paying attention, and operating a vehicle that’s properly maintained. When this does not occur, you may be left with life-changing injuries or the loss of someone you love. This is unacceptable.
When innocent people’s lives are turned upside down by school bus, city bus, and tour bus accidents, we are committed to setting things right again. Depending on the type of bus, different laws, procedures, and rules of negligence and liability may apply. Fortunately, we have considerable experience with traffic accidents of all kinds and can determine which laws apply to your unique accident. What’s more, we are prepared to aggressively pursue compensation for your losses, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Choose a Dallas Bus Accident Law Firm That's Here for You
At Arnold & Itkin, we never lose sight of the fact that our clients are real people who have suffered real injuries and losses. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet and provide the justice you and your family deserve.
Our team prioritizes:
- Helping you get the medical care and legal support you need
- Pursuing fair compensation for all your injury-related losses and expenses
- Securing money for lost earnings, including loss of future wages and benefits
- Holding the at-fault party accountable for their negligent or wrongful conduct
Throughout the process, we will keep you informed and up to date on the status of your case so you always know what’s going on. We’re here to answer your questions and assist you with every step on the path to recovery.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Dallas?
We recognize that hiring a lawyer may be the furthest thing from your mind, especially when you are already dealing with thousands of dollars in medical expenses, unpaid bills, and lost wages. However, when you work with our team, you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you. Furthermore, our fees are recovered as a percentage of your total settlement or verdict, meaning you do not pay out of pocket. We understand the financial pressures you face, and our no-fee promise aims to ease your burden while you focus on recovery. To learn more about our fee structure, contact us.
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Trying to move on after a bus crash is difficult enough. Let our experienced bus accident attorneys in Dallas protect your right to medical care and compensation. Call (888) 493-1629 today!
