Dallas Bus Accident Lawyer

Every day, thousands of people rely on buses to get around Dallas. From commuters taking DART in Oak Cliff to students riding school buses in Lake Highlands, public and private buses play a big role in the city’s transportation network. When bus crashes happen, though, the consequences can be serious. Victims often deal with severe injuries, major medical bills, and disruptions to their daily lives. If someone else caused the crash, victims have the right to seek payment for their losses.

A Dallas bus accident lawyer at AMS Law Group can help you take action. Our legal team stands with people who’ve been hurt by someone else’s poor choices. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver in another vehicle, our attorneys are ready to listen and offer guidance.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a bus accident in the Dallas area, don’t wait to reach out. You can schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.

Types of Bus Accidents in Dallas

Dallas is home to several types of bus services, including city transit, school transportation, private charters, and hotel or airport shuttles. Each of these vehicles operates in different settings and conditions. When a crash happens, the type of bus involved often affects who is liable, how the case is handled, and what kind of injuries victims may suffer.

City Bus Accidents

Public transportation plays a big role in Dallas, especially through Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). These buses travel through busy streets in downtown, Oak Cliff, East Dallas, and other neighborhoods. They make frequent stops and often interact with cyclists, pedestrians, and dense traffic. Accidents may happen due to driver error, sudden stops, or collisions with other vehicles. Riders can be injured even if the bus doesn’t hit anything, such as when they’re thrown from their seats.

School Bus Accidents

Families across Dallas County rely on school buses to safely transport their children. These buses travel through residential areas like Lake Highlands, Pleasant Grove, and North Dallas. Even though they’re built for safety, school buses are still involved in crashes. Accidents may happen when a driver ignores stop-arm signals, speeds through a school zone, or follows the bus too closely. Students can get hurt both inside the bus and when getting on or off.

Charter and Tour Bus Accidents

Church groups, sports teams, and tourists often use charter buses for longer trips. These vehicles may travel along I-20, I-35E, or the Dallas North Tollway. Charter and tour buses usually carry more passengers than a typical city bus. They also travel at higher speeds. A crash involving one of these vehicles often leads to multiple injuries and involves private companies that may try to reduce their responsibility.

Private Shuttle Accidents

Airports, hotels, and event venues frequently use shuttle buses to transport guests. These vehicles run in and out of places like DFW Airport, Love Field, downtown hotels, and business parks in Las Colinas or Uptown. Because they operate on tight schedules and often in crowded drop-off zones, shuttles are prone to collisions. Drivers may rush, skip safety checks, or fail to secure passengers properly.

Each type of bus accident presents its own set of legal challenges. Identifying the kind of vehicle and who owns or operates it is a key part of building a strong injury claim.

Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?

Many parties could be responsible for a bus accident. Identifying them helps determine who should pay for your losses.

Bus Driver Liability

A careless bus driver who speeds, texts behind the wheel, or drives under the influence can be held accountable. Bus drivers must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.

Bus Company Responsibility

Private companies that own or manage buses must hire qualified drivers, maintain vehicles, and follow safety standards. When they fail to meet these duties, they may be liable for accidents their drivers cause.

Government Entity Liability

If a city bus like a DART vehicle causes a crash, the agency that runs it may be responsible. Claims against government groups follow different rules and deadlines than other personal injury cases.

Third-Party Driver Fault

Sometimes, another driver’s reckless actions cause a bus to crash. That driver and their insurance may owe money to anyone who was hurt in the accident.

Vehicle Manufacturer Defects

Mechanical problems linked to design or manufacturing flaws can contribute to bus wrecks. In these cases, the company that built or sold the defective parts may be part of your claim.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Buses are large and harder to control than passenger cars. Several factors often play a role in Dallas-area bus crashes:

Driver Fatigue and Inexperience

Bus drivers often work long hours, especially those operating tour or charter buses. Fatigue can slow reaction times and lead to poor decisions. Inexperienced drivers may not know how to handle a large vehicle in heavy traffic or tough weather. When companies rush new drivers onto the road without proper training, passengers and others face higher risks.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brakes, tires, steering systems, and lights all need regular checks. When a bus company skips inspections or ignores repair needs, it puts everyone at risk. A sudden brake failure while turning onto I-30 or I-635 could cause a serious crash. In many cases, poor maintenance links directly to the accident.

Weather and Road Conditions

Heavy rain, ice, or fog can make Dallas roads slippery or hard to see. While weather can play a role, most crashes in bad conditions still come down to driver choices. Speeding during a thunderstorm on the Dallas North Tollway or failing to slow down on a slick residential street can cause serious harm.

Distracted or Impaired Driving

Bus drivers must stay alert at all times. Checking a phone, talking to a passenger, or handling paperwork can pull a driver’s focus from the road. Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or medication, also plays a role in some wrecks. When a bus driver gets behind the wheel in this state, passengers and others nearby are put in danger.

Inadequate Safety Protocols

Some crashes happen because the company or agency in charge didn’t follow basic safety rules. This might include poor scheduling, missed drug tests, or a failure to install safety equipment like cameras or seat belts. Weak oversight creates an environment where mistakes are more likely to happen.

Each of these causes points to someone’s failure to follow safety standards. When that failure leads to injury, victims may be able to hold them accountable and recover payment for their losses.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bus Accident?

People hurt in bus crashes often face a long road to recovery. A successful legal claim may help cover the cost of these losses.

Medical Expenses and Future Care Costs

You can seek payment for ER visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehab, prescriptions, and future care. Serious injuries may need long-term treatment, which can be expensive.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries keep you from working, you may claim lost income. If you can’t return to your job or need to change careers, your claim may also include future lost earnings.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Bus accidents often cause intense physical pain and emotional strain. These damages help make up for your suffering and the ways the injury has affected your life.

Property Damage Recovery

If the crash damaged your car, bike, phone, or other personal items, you may seek repair or replacement costs.

Wrongful Death Benefits

If a loved one passed away in a bus accident, their family can file a wrongful death claim. This can help with funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bus Accidents

The force of a bus crash can lead to serious or life-altering injuries. Some common examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from a blow to the head
• Spinal cord injuries that may lead to paralysis
• Broken arms, legs, ribs, or other bones
• Damage to internal organs from blunt force trauma
• Cuts, bruises, and muscle or ligament tears

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?

Deadlines apply to all injury claims in Texas. Missing them could cause your case to be thrown out.

Texas Statute of Limitations

In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, the court may refuse to hear your case.

Government Entity Claim Deadlines

Claims involving city-run buses like DART must follow special notice rules. In Dallas, you must give written notice within six months. In some cases, the window is even shorter.

Exceptions to Standard Time Limits

Minors and people with certain disabilities may have longer to file. If you’re not sure how long you have, ask an attorney right away.

What Evidence Is Needed for My Bus Accident Case?

A strong case depends on the quality and amount of evidence. The right documents and records can show what happened and who’s at fault.

Accident Scene Documentation

Photos, diagrams, and police reports from the scene can give important details about the crash.

Medical Records and Expert Testimony

Your treatment records show how badly you were hurt and what care you received. Doctors or other experts may be needed to explain your injuries and future needs.

Witness Statements and Video Footage

Other passengers, pedestrians, or drivers may have seen the accident. Traffic cameras or bus dashcams may also capture the moment of impact.

Bus Maintenance and Inspection Records

These records may show skipped repairs, overdue inspections, or ignored warnings about unsafe conditions.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

The AMS Law Group team handles every step of your legal case so you can focus on healing.

• We conduct full investigations to uncover what caused your accident
• We find everyone who shares blame and pursue claims against them
• We deal with insurance adjusters and push back on unfair offers
• If the at-fault party refuses to act fairly, we’re ready to take your case to court
• We work to recover every dollar you’re owed
• We handle all filings and deadlines so you don’t have to

Why Choose Our Dallas Bus Accident Law Firm?

You have many options when picking a lawyer, but not every firm is prepared to handle a bus accident case. AMS Law Group offers:

Proven Track Record of Success

We’ve helped many clients recover meaningful payments after traffic accidents. We know what it takes to build a strong case.

Extensive Experience with Bus Accident Cases

Our lawyers have handled claims involving city buses, school buses, and charter vehicles. We understand the laws and systems involved.

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

You won’t pay us anything up front. We only get paid if we recover money for you through a settlement or court judgment.

Personalized Attention and Communication

We keep you updated, answer your questions, and treat your case with care. You’re never just a number to us.

What to Do After Your Bus Accident

Taking the right steps after a crash can protect your health and your legal rights.

• See a doctor right away, even if you feel fine
• Call the police or report the accident to the right agency
• Take photos and collect names of any witnesses
• Don’t give statements to insurance reps without talking to a lawyer
• Reach out to a Dallas bus accident attorney for legal help
• Save your bills, receipts, pay stubs, and other records

Contact Our Experienced Bus Crash Attorneys in Dallas Now

Bus accident claims are time-sensitive. Evidence disappears fast, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Don’t wait to take action. Contact AMS Law Group for a free consultation today. You won’t pay us anything up front, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.

Let our team fight to get the compensation you need. Call us now at 888-960-8363 and get the help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Bus Accidents

Can I sue if I was a passenger on the bus?

Yes. If the driver or another party caused the crash, you may have the right to seek damages for your injuries.

What if the bus driver was employed by the city?

Claims against city workers involve special rules. You may need to file a notice within a short time. A lawyer can help you meet the deadlines.

How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?

At AMS Law Group, we don’t charge anything upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative fault. If you were less than 51% responsible, you may still recover compensation. Your award may be reduced based on your share of fault.

Can family members file a claim if someone died in a bus accident?

Yes. Spouses, children, and parents may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This can help cover funeral costs, lost income, and more.