Bus Accidents.

If you find yourself in an accident in Dallas that involves public transportation owned by the government, such as a bus, train, or subway, you could have the chance to seek compensation from the government agency responsible for that service. However, it’s important to know that making a claim for injuries against a public organization often comes with its own unique rules and processes that you will need to navigate.

DART Buses and Trains

Imagine you’re riding in a DART bus when it suddenly swerves or comes to a sudden halt, leading to you falling and getting injured. It’s important to understand that just because you were hurt, it doesn’t necessarily mean the bus driver was at fault. For instance, if a child unexpectedly dashed into the road and the bus driver was maintaining a safe and reasonable speed, the driver might not be held responsible. On the other hand, if witnesses and phone records reveal that the bus driver was texting while driving, then it’s likely that the driver would be considered negligent.

Bus accidents occur when drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws and regulations. Ignoring red lights, speeding, or not yielding to others can lead to dangerous situations, particularly with large buses. Following traffic rules closely is essential to avoid accidents. To ensure this, bus companies ought to implement monitoring systems that track driver behavior and quickly deal with any infractions that come up. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can significantly remind everyone on the road, including bus drivers, about the importance of following traffic laws and regulations.

Mechanical failures, such as brake issues or engine troubles, can also result in bus accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections of buses are essential to identify and address any potential problems before they escalate into serious accidents. Bus companies must establish a rigorous maintenance schedule for their fleets, adhering to the standards and regulations set by the industry. This schedule should include routine checks of critical components like brakes, tires, steering systems, and other essential parts. It is vital to quickly repair or replace any defective parts to ensure the reliability and safety of the buses while they are in service.

School Buses

Schoolbus Fleet reported that during the 2022-23 school year, around 484,177 yellow school buses were used to transport students every day in the United States. Additionally, approximately 21.4 million elementary and secondary school students rely on these buses for their daily commute to and from school.

Between 2013 and 2022, the majority of fatalities in accidents involving school buses were people in other vehicles, making up 71% of the total. Pedestrians accounted for 16% of the deaths, while school bus passengers made up 5%. School bus drivers represented 4% of the fatalities, and bicyclists accounted for 3% of the total.

Between 2013 and 2022, a significant portion of individuals hurt in accidents involving school buses were school bus passengers, making up around 36% of the total. School bus drivers accounted for about 9% of the injuries, while a majority, 51%, were people in other vehicles. The rest of the injured included pedestrians, cyclists, and those whose status was either unclear or categorized differently.

1. When it comes to proving negligence in bus accident cases, there are certain important factors that need to be established. The first one is the duty of care, which refers to the responsibility of the bus operator to ensure the safety of both passengers and the public. This means that they have an obligation to take all necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.

2. The second element is the breach of duty, which occurs when the bus operator fails to fulfill their duty of care. This can happen in various ways, such as through reckless driving or inadequate maintenance of the bus. When these breaches occur, it puts the safety of passengers and the public at risk.

3. Causation is another crucial element in proving negligence. It involves demonstrating a direct link between the breach of duty and the harm that resulted from it. In other words, it needs to be shown that the negligence of the bus operator directly caused the accident or injury.

4. Lastly, damages play a significant role in establishing negligence. These are the measurable losses and harm that the victim has suffered as a result of the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost income due to inability to work, and emotional suffering. It is important to document these damages in order to seek compensation for the injuries and losses incurred.

If you’ve been in a bus or public transit accident, contact the Law Office of Brian Brunson, PLLC. Our knowledgeable team will help assess your case and determine how to best help you.