Texas Greyhound Bus Accident Lawyer Niles Sneed
Whether you were injured as a passenger aboard a Greyhound Bus, or as a driver or passenger of another vehicle, if is important to seek the professional advice of a Greyhound Bus Accident Lawyer to determine your rights and legal options following the crash.
Greyhound Lines, Inc., usually shortened to Greyhound, is an intercity bus common carrier with over 1,700 buses serving over 3,800 destinations across North America. Each year the bus company transports more than 16 million passenger between its private terminals, generating over $500 million annually over the last decade. As a common carrier, Greyhound has a heighted legal duty under Texas and Federal law to engage in efforts to protect its passengers and other motorists the buses share the road with. However, the company is often cited for failing to even enforce its own rules, and lawsuits reveal that its drivers often engage in unsafe maneuvers, distracted driving, and other reckless actions while operating the 35,000 lbs commercial vehicles.
Were You Injured in a Greyhound Bus Accident?
If you were injured in a Greyhound bus accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery. You may also be wondering how you will pay for your medical bills and support yourself and your family during this difficult time. The good news is that you may be entitled to compensation for your physical, emotional and economic injuries. An experienced bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. Attorney Niles Sneed has extensive experience handling Greyhound accident cases, and we will work tirelessly to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you were hurt in a traffic accident that involved a Greyhound bus, call 713-800-6676 for a free consultation.
What Is A Bus Accident Lawyer?
A bus accident lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in representing clients who have been injured in a bus accident. Bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including driver error, mechanical failure, or poor road conditions. In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault for an accident. A bus accident lawyer will work with victims to determine who is responsible for their injuries and to get them the compensation they deserve. In addition to helping injured victims, a bus accident lawyer can also help families who have lost a loved one in a bus accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in a bus accident, contact a bus accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Do I Need To Hire A Bus Accident Lawyer After A Crash?
As a rubric, if you or a loved one suffered injured in an accident involving a Greyhound bus, you need to hire a lawyer. Injuries often require expensive medical treatment, with accident victims also suffering a lost wages, and more. If you believe the accident was caused by another driver's negligence, you may have a strong personal injury claim to aid is restoring your life. An attorney can also aid in determining if the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, in effecting allowing you to pursue a product liability claim against the bus manufacturer or parts manufacturer. In either case, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. If you're not sure whether you need to hire a lawyer, it's always best to seek out a free consultation so that you can get expert advice about your specific case.
What Is The Cost of Hiring A Bus Accident Lawyer in Texas?
If you've been injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be wondering how much it will cost to hire a personal injury lawyer. In Texas, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. contingency fees are typically a percentage of the total settlement or jury verdict, and they can range from 33% to 40% of the net recovery from the lawsuit.
Common Reasons For Greyhound Bus Accidents
There are many causes Greyhound buses , and each crash is unique. However, there are some common factors that contribute to these accidents.
Speeding
When a Greyhound bus is speeds, it takes longer for the commercial driver to stop, and the bus is more likely to skid out of control. In addition, speeding makes it harder for drivers to see potential hazards in the road.
Improper lane change
When a bus driver fails to signal or check their blind spot before changing lanes, they put themselves and their passengers at risk. In addition, other drivers may not be expecting a bus to change lanes, and they may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision.
Failure to keep a proper lookout
Lack of proper lookout is the main cause of bus accidents. The driver is responsible to check side mirrors, and look over their shoulders before changing lanes or making turns.
Aggressive driving
Bus drivers who speed, tailgate, or make sudden lane changes are more likely to cause an accident than those who drive defensively. In addition, aggressive driving can also lead to road rage, which can escalate into violence.
Violation of traffic signals
Every year, hundreds of bus accidents are caused by drivers who fail to obey traffic signals. These accidents often result in serious injuries, and in some cases, they can even be fatal. The vast majority of bus accidents could be prevented if drivers would simply follow the rules of the road.
Distracted driving
According to National Traffic Safety Administration, Driver inattention is the leading cause of fatal crashes, accounting for more than 25% of all fatalities. texting, grooming, eating, and drinking are all forms of distracted driving.
Poorly trained drivers
Over the past few years, there have been a number of high-profile accidents involving greyhound buses. In most cases, these accidents have been attributed to poorly trained drivers.
Negligent hiring
Negligent hiring is often cited as a cause of Greyhound bus accidents.
Driver fatigue
Federal law requires commercial bus drivers to get 8 hours of rest after 10 hours of driving. Although Greyhound brags about requiring its bus operators to rest for nine hours after a consistent 10 hour drive, its drivers are still sometimes cited of these resting restrictions.
Maintenance issues
Poorly maintained brakes, tires, and steering systems can all lead to accidents. In addition, buses that are not properly inspected or repaired are more likely to experience mechanical failures, which can also cause accidents. In order to prevent bus accidents caused by maintenance issues, it is essential that bus companies perform regular inspections and repairs on their vehicles.
Alcohol intoxication
Bus accidents can have many causes, but one of the most common is alcohol intoxication. When a bus driver gets behind the wheel after drinking, their ability to operate the vehicle is significantly impaired. They may have difficulty keeping the bus in its lane, and their reaction time to sudden events is slowed. As a result, they are more likely to get into an accident.
Hazardous road conditions
Potholes, ice, and debris can all create hazards for buses, and even a small bump can cause a driver to lose control. As a result, it is essential for municipalities to maintain safe road conditions, especially in areas where school buses travel.
How People Are Injured Aboard Greyhound Buses
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an average of 12,000 car accidents involving buses each year in the United States. While many of these accidents involve school buses or city buses, a significant number involve Greyhound buses as well. Some of the most common injuries suffered in Greyhound bus accidents include whiplash, crush Injuries, burn injuries, paralysis, broken Bones, shoulder injuries and traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be minor and will heal with time. However, in other cases, they can be very serious or even life-threatening. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Greyhound bus accident, it is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. By taking action quickly, you can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
What You Should Do After A Bus Crash
A bus crash can be a very serious event with life-altering consequences. If you or someone you love has been involved in a bus crash, it is important to take the following steps:
1. Call 911: Contact the police department if you are physically able to do so after the crash. When responding to an accident, the first priority of a police officer is to ensure the safety of all involved parties and any bystanders. The officer will also begin collecting evidence to determine fault, which may include taking photographs and measurements, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting the vehicles involved. This evidence will be used to piece together what happened and determine who was at fault.
2. Seek medical attention: Even if you don't think you are injured, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional after an accident involving a Greyhound Bus. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries, so it is important to have documentation from a doctor.
2. Hire a lawyer: A lawyer will help you navigate the complicated legal process and make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
3. Gather evidence: It is important to collect any available evidence, such as photos of the scene or witness statements. This will help your lawyer build a strong case.
4. Stay organized: Keep all of your medical records and expenses in one place so that you can easily access them when needed.
5. Be patient: The legal process can be slow, but it is important to be patient and give your lawyer time to build a strong case on your behalf.
Who Is Liable In A Bus Accident?
Greyhound bus crashes are complex and often involve multiple parties. When a bus is involved in an accident, it is important to determine who is liable in order to file a successful lawsuit.
Depending on the specific circumstances, the following may be liable for a bus accident:
Commercial bus driver
The driver's employer
Bus leasing company
Maintenance company
Product manufacturer
Bus manufacturer
School district
The City
Local municipality
Another driver involved
Once the responsible party has been identified, it is important to gather evidence to support the claim. This may include eyewitness testimony, video footage, or medical records. Once liability has been established, it is up to the court to determine damages. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our Texas Greyhound Bus Accident Attorney Can Help
If you've been involved in a bus accident involving Greyhound, call 866-434-0014 for a free consultation with a Greyhound Bus Accident attorney. You can also fill out this quick contact form and a member of our legal team will contact you immediately.
Bus accident lawyer Niles Sneed and his team here at Sneed & Mitchell LLP can investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. Niles Sneed can also help you recover damages for your injuries and property damage. In some cases, Niles can even negotiate with the bus company on your behalf to get a fair settlement. If not, your case will be filed in court and decided by a Texas Jury. Whether you are in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or any other city here in Texas, contact our local law firm for a free consultation. An experienced bus accident lawyer will be able to advise you on your best course of action.