The VIA Metropolitan Transit system is one of several bus networks serving the San Antonio area. While VIA Metropolitan Transit provides daily public transportation for thousands of residents, San Antonio’s roads are also shared by school buses, private charter buses, and national carriers around the clock.
These large vehicles can cause serious damage and devastating injuries when accidents occur. If you were hurt in a bus accident as a passenger, motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and significant pain and suffering. Find out how a San Antonio bus crash lawyer at Patterson Law Group can help you pursue the compensation you need starting with a free case review.
Why Liability Is Critical in a San Antonio Bus Accident Case
If you were hurt in a bus accident, identifying who bears legal responsibility is a critical first step toward understanding who owes you compensation for your injuries and losses.
Respondeat Superior
One avenue available to bus accident victims is pursuing compensation from either a governmental entity or a private bus company through a legal concept known as respondeat superior. This doctrine holds that an employer can be held legally responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions take place within the normal scope of their job duties.
In some situations, a victim may also have the right to file a claim directly against the driver, particularly when the driver’s conduct was especially reckless, such as operating a bus while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Speaking with a San Antonio bus accident attorney at Patterson Law Group can help you understand which parties may owe you compensation under Texas law.
Governmental Entity
If your accident involved a VIA Metropolitan Transit bus or a public school district bus, and the investigation determined that the driver was at fault, you may be able to file a claim directly against the responsible government agency.
Claims against governmental entities work differently from standard personal injury claims against a private driver or business. That said, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §101.021(1)(A), part of the Texas Tort Claims Act, does provide a path for bus accident victims to seek damages.
One of the most important things to know is that you have only 90 days from the date of the accident to file a claim with an agency such as the City of San Antonio’s Office of Risk Management. That window closes fast, especially when you are still dealing with injuries, medical appointments, and the everyday stress of recovery. An independent investigation needs to happen quickly, and pulling together medical bills, lost wage documentation, property damage records, and pain and suffering calculations takes real time and effort.
If you are considering a claim against a governmental entity, moving quickly is essential to protecting your right to compensation.
After filing, you will likely hear from a claims adjuster assigned to investigate the accident. If the city or school district accepts your claim, they will present a settlement offer. If they deny it, you retain the right to take the matter to civil court.
A claim against a government entity is legally complex. Having a San Antonio bus crash attorney from Patterson Law Group in your corner can make a significant difference. Call us today to talk through your options and figure out the right next steps.
Private Entities Utilizing Buses
Many different types of organizations use private charter buses to move customers and patrons around San Antonio, including:
- Private schools
- Churches
- Hotels
- Airports
- Rental car companies
These organizations have an interest in transporting their clients safely throughout the city. National bus companies like Greyhound also operate routes that run through San Antonio.
In accidents involving private bus companies, injured victims can file a lawsuit directly against the company to pursue compensation for their losses. These cases fall under the standard two-year statute of limitations outlined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 for personal injury and wrongful death claims.
For a free legal consultation with a San Antonio bus accident lawyer, call Patterson Law Group at (817) 784-2000.
When a Defective Bus Part Causes Your Accident: Product Liability Claims
In some situations, a bus accident may stem from a faulty or defective component within the bus itself. If an investigation reveals that a manufacturing defect was the root cause of the crash, such as faulty brakes or a defective steering system, the victim may have grounds to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, designer, supplier, or retailer of the defective part.
If the investigation finds that the part itself was not defective but failed due to inadequate inspection, maintenance, or timely replacement, the victim may be able to pursue a claim against the mechanic or servicing company responsible for the bus. A bus accident attorney from Patterson Law Group can review maintenance records to determine whether a third party that had an obligation to service or repair the bus on a regular basis fell short of that responsibility.
San Antonio Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me | Call Patterson Law Group at (817) 784-2000.
Talk to a San Antonio Bus Accident Lawyer at Patterson Law Group
Dealing with injuries and financial losses after a bus accident can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to turn isn’t always obvious. Find out how a San Antonio bus accident attorney at Patterson Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you are owed. Call our team today at (817) 784-2000 to get started.
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