Experienced Legal Representation for Bus Accident Victims in El Paso and West Texas
Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries—whether you’re a passenger on the bus, occupant of another vehicle, or a pedestrian struck by a bus. These massive vehicles carry dozens of passengers, often without seatbelts, and when something goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic.
If you were injured in a bus accident, you may be facing a complex legal situation. Depending on who operated the bus, you might be dealing with a government agency, a private company, or even federal regulations. Understanding your rights and the deadlines that apply to your case is critical.
At DJC Law, our El Paso bus accident attorneys have experience handling claims against transit authorities, private bus companies, and other responsible parties. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and fight to ensure bus accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand what your claim might be worth.
Why Bus Accident Cases Are Different
Bus accident claims involve legal complexities you won’t find in typical car crash cases. Several factors make these cases uniquely challenging.
Common carrier status. Buses are classified as “common carriers” under the law, which means they’re held to a higher standard of care than ordinary drivers. Bus companies and their drivers must exercise the highest degree of care for passenger safety—and when they fail to meet this standard, they can be held liable.
Government immunity issues. If you were injured on a public transit bus like Sun Metro, you’re dealing with a government entity. Special rules apply, including shorter deadlines to file claims and limits on the damages you can recover.
Multiple potentially liable parties. Bus accidents can involve the bus driver, the bus company or transit authority, the bus manufacturer, maintenance providers, other drivers, and more. Identifying all responsible parties is essential to maximizing your recovery.
Federal regulations. Commercial buses operating across state lines must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations covering driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and more.
You need an attorney who understands these complexities and knows how to navigate claims against government agencies, private companies, and commercial carriers.
Why El Paso Families Trust DJC Law
Choosing the right legal team after a serious bus accident can significantly impact your recovery. Here’s what sets our firm apart.
Experience with Government Claims
Claims against government entities like Sun Metro require navigating special procedures and strict deadlines. We understand these requirements and ensure your claim is filed properly and on time.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle bus accident cases on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This lets you focus on healing while we focus on your case.
We Take On Large Defendants
Bus companies, transit authorities, and their insurers have significant resources to fight claims. We have the experience and determination to take on these well-funded defendants and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
You won’t get passed around to different staff members or left wondering about your case status. Our attorneys stay personally involved from start to finish and keep you informed every step of the way.
Bus Transportation in El Paso
El Paso relies on various bus services to move people throughout the city and beyond. Sun Metro operates the public transit system, providing bus service across the metropolitan area. School districts operate buses transporting thousands of students daily. Charter and tour buses carry groups to events, across the border, and on longer trips. Commercial carriers like Greyhound connect El Paso to destinations throughout the country.
With so many buses on our roads, accidents happen—and when they do, the injuries can be severe. Whether you were riding a city bus, involved in a collision with a school bus, or struck by a charter coach, you deserve experienced legal representation.
Types of Buses Involved in Accidents
Different types of buses involve different legal considerations. Our attorneys handle accidents involving all types of bus transportation.
Public transit buses (Sun Metro) are operated by the city, which means claims involve government immunity rules and special filing requirements.
School buses transport vulnerable passengers—children—and accidents can involve school districts (government entities) or private contractors.
Charter and tour buses are typically operated by private companies and may be subject to federal regulations if they cross state lines.
Intercity buses (Greyhound, etc.) operate under federal FMCSA regulations and often carry substantial insurance coverage.
Airport shuttles transport passengers to and from El Paso International Airport and may be operated by hotels, rental car companies, or independent shuttle services.
Church and organization buses are often operated by nonprofits and may have different insurance arrangements.
Casino and entertainment shuttles transport passengers to venues and may be operated by the venues themselves or contracted services.
The type of bus involved affects which parties may be liable, what regulations apply, and what deadlines you face. Our attorneys identify these factors early to build the strongest possible case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents happen for many reasons, but most trace back to negligence by the driver, the bus company, or another party. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, or medications
- Inadequate driver training
- Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
- Failure to properly maintain buses
- Brake failures and mechanical defects
- Tire blowouts
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Unsafe turns, especially wide right turns
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Improper lane changes
- Sudden stops that throw passengers
- Starting before passengers are safely seated
- Dangerous road conditions
- Other drivers causing collisions with buses
When bus companies or drivers cut corners on safety, passengers and others on the road pay the price. Our attorneys investigate every accident to determine exactly what went wrong and who should be held accountable.
Types of Bus Accidents We Handle
Bus accidents take many forms, and victims may include passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Passenger injuries from sudden stops or starts are among the most common bus accident injuries. When drivers brake suddenly or accelerate before passengers are seated, people can be thrown to the floor or against hard surfaces.
Boarding and exiting accidents occur when passengers fall while getting on or off the bus, often due to wet steps, the bus pulling away too soon, or being parked too far from the curb.
Collisions with other vehicles can cause injuries to bus passengers and occupants of the other vehicles involved. The size and weight of buses make these crashes particularly dangerous.
Pedestrian accidents happen when buses strike people crossing streets, waiting at stops, or walking near bus routes.
Rollover accidents are relatively rare but extremely dangerous when they occur, often resulting in multiple serious injuries or fatalities.
Rear-end collisions involving buses can cause severe injuries to passengers who are thrown forward.
School bus accidents put children at risk, whether through collisions, loading zone incidents, or children being struck after exiting the bus.
Whatever type of bus accident you were involved in, our team has the experience to handle your case.
Serious Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can cause severe injuries, particularly because most buses lack passenger seatbelts. When a collision or sudden stop occurs, passengers have nothing restraining them. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from striking seats, poles, or floors
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries including whiplash
- Shoulder, hip, and knee injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and contusions
- Facial injuries and dental damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Wrongful death
Standing passengers, elderly riders, and those with mobility challenges are particularly vulnerable to injury in bus accidents. The lack of seatbelts means that even relatively minor incidents can cause serious harm.
The Common Carrier Standard
Under Texas law, buses are classified as “common carriers”—companies that transport passengers for hire. This classification is important because common carriers are held to a higher duty of care than ordinary motorists.
While regular drivers must exercise “ordinary care,” common carriers must exercise the “highest degree of care” for passenger safety. This means taking extra precautions to protect passengers, properly maintaining vehicles, hiring and training qualified drivers, and providing safe boarding and exiting conditions.
When bus companies fail to meet this elevated standard, they can be held liable for resulting injuries. The common carrier standard often works in favor of injured passengers, making it easier to establish negligence.
Claims Against Government Entities
If you were injured on a Sun Metro bus or another government-operated bus, special rules apply to your claim. Texas law provides limited immunity to government entities, and you must follow specific procedures to pursue compensation.
Notice requirements: You typically must provide formal notice of your claim to the government entity within a specific timeframe—often just six months from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar your claim entirely.
Damage caps: Texas law limits the amount you can recover from government entities. These caps may restrict your compensation even if your actual damages are higher.
Sovereign immunity: Government entities can only be sued under specific circumstances outlined in the Texas Tort Claims Act. Your claim must fit within these parameters.
Different procedures: Claims against government entities often follow different procedural rules than private lawsuits.
Because of these strict requirements, it’s critical to contact an attorney immediately after an accident involving a government bus. Missing a deadline by even one day can eliminate your right to compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
Bus accident cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
The bus driver may be personally liable for negligent actions like distracted driving, running red lights, or operating the bus while impaired.
The bus company or transit authority can be held responsible for the driver’s negligence under vicarious liability, as well as for their own negligence in hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.
Bus manufacturers may be liable if a defect in the bus’s design or manufacturing contributed to the accident or made injuries worse.
Parts manufacturers could share responsibility if defective components—brakes, tires, steering systems—failed and caused the accident.
Maintenance companies may be liable if negligent repairs or inspections led to mechanical failures.
Other drivers whose negligence caused a collision with the bus can be held liable for injuries to bus passengers and others.
Government entities responsible for road design, maintenance, or signage may share liability if dangerous conditions contributed to the accident.
Our attorneys investigate every potential source of liability to maximize your compensation.
Federal Regulations for Commercial Buses
Commercial bus companies operating in interstate commerce must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules cover:
Driver qualifications: Commercial bus drivers must hold valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), pass background checks, and meet medical requirements.
Hours of service: Regulations limit how long drivers can operate without rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Drug and alcohol testing: Drivers must undergo pre-employment testing and random testing throughout their careers.
Vehicle maintenance: Bus companies must maintain their vehicles according to federal standards and keep detailed maintenance records.
Insurance requirements: Commercial bus operators must carry substantial liability insurance—typically at least $5 million for large passenger carriers.
Violations of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. Our attorneys know how to obtain and use this evidence to strengthen your case.
School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents raise unique concerns because they put children at risk. These accidents can occur as collisions on the road, incidents in loading zones where children are struck while boarding or exiting, or accidents involving children crossing the street near buses.
School bus claims may involve school districts (government entities subject to immunity rules) or private contractors hired to provide transportation services. The legal strategy depends on who operates the bus.
Texas law provides specific protections for school buses, including requirements that other vehicles stop when buses are loading or unloading passengers. Drivers who violate these rules and injure children can face both criminal charges and civil liability.
If your child was injured in a school bus accident, contact us immediately. Time limits may be shorter for claims involving government entities.
Compensation Available to Bus Accident Victims
Bus accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries and losses. Texas law allows you to pursue:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical needs
- Lost income: Wages lost during recovery and any reduction in your future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries
- Disability: Compensation for permanent impairments and their impact on your life
- Disfigurement: Compensation for scarring and permanent physical changes
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed
- Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse
If a loved one was killed in a bus accident, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Note that claims against government entities may be subject to damage caps that limit your recovery. Our attorneys can explain how these caps might affect your specific case.
Evidence in Bus Accident Cases
Building a strong bus accident case requires gathering evidence quickly. Important evidence includes:
- Bus surveillance footage: Most buses have onboard cameras that record both the interior and the road. This footage can show exactly what happened.
- Event data recorder information: Many buses have “black boxes” that record speed, braking, and other data before a crash.
- Driver records: Training records, driving history, hours-of-service logs, and drug/alcohol testing results.
- Maintenance records: Documentation showing whether the bus was properly maintained and inspected.
- Dispatch communications: Records of instructions given to the driver.
- Witness statements: Accounts from passengers and other witnesses.
- Police reports: Official documentation of the accident.
Bus companies may not preserve this evidence for long. Acting quickly—and having your attorney send a preservation letter—is essential to protecting your claim.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical attention immediately. Your health comes first, and prompt treatment creates important documentation of your injuries.
- Report the accident. Make sure the incident is reported to the bus driver, bus company, or transit authority. Get a copy of any incident report.
- Document the scene. If possible, take photos of the bus, your injuries, and the accident location. Note the bus number and route.
- Get witness information. Other passengers or bystanders may have seen what happened. Get their names and contact information.
- Keep your fare receipt or transfer. This documents that you were a passenger on that specific bus.
- Don’t give recorded statements. The bus company’s insurer may contact you—politely decline to provide statements without your attorney present.
- Contact an attorney immediately. This is especially critical for accidents involving government buses, where notice deadlines may be as short as six months.
How Our El Paso Bus Accident Lawyers Help
Bus accident cases require an attorney who understands the unique legal issues involved—from common carrier liability to government immunity rules to federal regulations. Our team handles every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery.
We investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering surveillance footage, black box data, driver records, and maintenance logs before they can be lost or destroyed. We identify all potentially liable parties and determine which regulations apply to your case.
For claims against government entities, we ensure all notice requirements are met and navigate the special procedures these cases require. We calculate the full value of your losses and fight for maximum compensation within any applicable caps.
We negotiate aggressively with bus companies, transit authorities, and their insurers. If they won’t offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim?
It depends on who operated the bus. For claims against private bus companies, Texas gives you two years to file a lawsuit. For claims against government entities like Sun Metro, you typically must provide formal notice within six months. Contact an attorney immediately to ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.
Can I sue the city if I was hurt on a Sun Metro bus?
Yes, but special rules apply. The Texas Tort Claims Act allows lawsuits against government entities in limited circumstances, including injuries caused by the negligent operation of motor vehicles. However, you must follow strict notice requirements and your damages may be capped.
What if I was injured because the bus stopped suddenly?
Bus companies have a duty to operate safely and avoid sudden stops when possible. If you were thrown from your seat or fell due to sudden braking, you may have a valid claim—especially if the stop wasn’t necessary to avoid an imminent collision.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident attorney?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue your claim without financial risk.
What if another driver caused the bus accident?
If another driver’s negligence caused a collision with the bus you were riding, you can pursue a claim against that driver. You may also have claims against the bus company if their driver’s actions contributed to your injuries.
Why don’t buses have seatbelts?
Most transit buses rely on “compartmentalization”—closely spaced, padded seats designed to absorb impact—rather than seatbelts. While this design provides some protection in frontal crashes, it doesn’t prevent injuries from sudden stops, side impacts, or passengers being thrown around the bus.
Contact Our El Paso Bus Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a bus accident, time is critical—especially if a government entity was involved. Don’t risk missing a deadline that could eliminate your right to compensation.
At DJC Law, our El Paso bus accident lawyers have the experience to handle claims against transit authorities, private bus companies, and other responsible parties. We’ll navigate the legal complexities, meet all required deadlines, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the first step toward recovery.
