Bus Accidents
Mithoff Law: Award-Winning Houston Bus Accident Lawyers
When bus accidents occur, a Houston bus accident lawyer from Mithoff Law can help victims and the families involved find justice. Due to the passenger count and size of buses, even a minor bus accident has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries for a large number of people.
Mithoff and his team have over four decades of experience handling bus accident cases in Texas. The firm and its team of experts can assist in determining the root cause of a bus accident, whether related to mechanical failure, driver training, or other issues. They are prepared to pursue all relevant areas of inquiry to fully investigate a claim.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident caused by the negligence of another party, call 713-654-1122 to get the best possible help.
“Mithoff, a Houston personal injury lawyer, is no stranger to winning big payoffs for large groups of people. He negotiated a $2.3 billion settlement with the tobacco industry for Harris and other counties, and he won $80 million for residents of a nursing home who were killed in a 2005 bus explosion while fleeing Hurricane Rita.”
– Houston Chronicle, November 22, 2017
How your case proceeds is often determined by the kind of bus involved
Our team understands the unique legal nuances that arise in accidents involving public buses, charter buses, and school buses. Leveraging our network of subject matter experts, we thoroughly investigate bus accidents from all angles, regardless of who owns and operates the bus in question.
Charter bus accidents
Charter bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus are typically known as common carriers. They generally have a responsibility to safely transport their customers without incident.
Many jurisdictions require common carriers to exercise a high degree of care for the safety of their passengers. The bus accident lawyers at Mithoff Law have extensive experience pursuing accident claims against charter bus companies, and are available to evaluate your claims.
School bus accidents
If a public school district operates a bus involved in an accident in Texas, then the Texas Tort Claims Act may govern that claim. The act can require that certain types of notice be given to a governmental entity within a short period of time after an accident. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as practicable after an accident. The experienced bus accident attorneys at Mithoff Law can assist you in navigating the legal framework of the Texas Tort Claims Act, and otherwise evaluating your claims.
Common causes of Houston bus accidents
There are multiple laws and regulations in place that seek to reduce the risk of bus accidents. Bus drivers in the state of Texas are prohibited from using cell phones and texting behind the wheel to limit distractions.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also establishes regulations regarding the number of hours bus drivers are permitted to work, as a way to reduce fatigue. Other federal regulations for bus drivers include strict drug and alcohol restrictions, and requirements for vehicle maintenance, safety and training, and licensing.
Even with all of these rules and regulations in place, bus accidents may still occur as a result of:
- Distracted driving
- Improperly maintained vehicles
- Defective auto products
- Unsafe roadways or road conditions
- Overcrowded buses
Common bus accident injuries
Since many buses do not feature seatbelts, even a minor accident can cause major and costly injuries. A collision can slam riders against hard surfaces inside the bus, into each other, or even completely eject them from shattered windows.
Injuries commonly received in bus accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Severe burns
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
Why should I hire a bus accident lawyer from Mithoff Law?
A Houston bus accident lawyer from Mithoff Law can represent you and your bus accident claim. We encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible to discuss the merits of your case and the options available to you.
We’ve won multiple high-profile cases
When 23 nursing home residents died in a bus crash while evacuating from Hurricane Rita our experienced law firm took on several cases, and served as Lead Liaison Counsel for all of the Plaintiffs. Our attorneys and experts performed an in-depth investigation, reconstructing the accident and determining that the accident was caused by insufficient lubrication on a rear axle which overheated and caused the fire. As Lead Liaison Counsel, Mithoff Law successfully negotiated an $80 million settlement in behalf of the injured and surviving relatives.
We respect you
When you retain Mithoff Law as your partner, we provide you with clear communication every step of the way. We understand you will have questions and will always answer them in a timely manner. You are not alone when you work with us. You are respected.
We always prepare for trial
It is almost always in a client’s best interest to be prepared for a trial, whether your case goes to court or winds up ending in a settlement. Doing so shows that you are serious about pursuing your claims.
If you or a loved one was involved in a bus accident, contact Mithoff Law for a partner you can trust. Call 713-654-1122 to schedule a free consultation.
