Bus Accident Attorney in Austin
Injured in a Bus Accident?
A serious bus accident can change your life in an instant. If you or a loved one were injured while riding a bus, struck by a bus, or hurt due to a bus-related crash in Austin, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. Medical bills, time away from work, and pressure from insurance companies or government entities can quickly add stress to an already difficult situation. Smith & Vinson Law Firm is here to help you understand your options and protect your rights under Texas law.
Bus accident cases are very different from standard car accident claims. They often involve public transportation agencies, private bus companies, multiple insurance policies, and unique legal deadlines. Our attorneys understand these complexities and work to guide injured clients through every step of the process.
Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm today at (512) 359-3743 to speak with an Austin bus accident attorney about your situation.
Why Choose Smith & Vinson Law Firm for a Bus Accident Case?
Choosing the right legal team after a bus accident matters. Smith & Vinson Law Firm is led by founding partners Jarrod L. Smith and Brad Vinson, experienced trial attorneys known for thorough preparation, strategic negotiation, and strong courtroom advocacy. Our firm is based in Austin, and we have deep familiarity with Travis County courts, local transportation systems, and the challenges unique to bus accident litigation.
We take a client-focused approach from the start. That means listening carefully to your story, investigating the facts, and building a strategy designed around your specific injuries and losses. Insurance companies and public entities often work quickly to limit their exposure. We work just as aggressively to protect you.
Contact our Austin office today to learn how we can help after a bus accident.
Understanding Bus Accidents in Austin
Bus accidents can involve many types of vehicles and operators, including:
- Capital Metro (CapMetro) public buses
- School buses
- Charter and tour buses
- Shuttle buses operated by hotels, apartments, or employers
- Private transportation or commuter buses
Because buses are large, heavy vehicles carrying multiple passengers, accidents often result in serious injuries. Liability may rest with the bus driver, the bus company, a government entity, a maintenance provider, or another negligent driver. Determining fault requires a detailed investigation and a clear understanding of Texas transportation and personal injury laws.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents in Austin may occur for many reasons, including:
- Driver distraction, fatigue, or inexperience
- Failure to follow traffic laws or safety procedures
- Unsafe lane changes or improper turns
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failure
- Dangerous road conditions or construction zones
- Negligence by other motorists interacting with buses
Our attorneys examine driver records, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reports to determine exactly how the crash occurred and who should be held accountable.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Bus Accident Cases
Bus accident injuries are often severe due to the size of the vehicle and the lack of seatbelts on many buses. We frequently represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety and PTSD
If you were injured in a bus accident, seek medical care immediately and follow all recommended treatment. Then contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm to discuss your legal options.
Contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm at (512) 359-3743. Our team is ready to listen and advocate for you.
If you've been hurt due to someone else's negligence—whether in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident—you may have a right to compensation.
How We Build Strong Bus Accident Cases
Every case begins with a detailed investigation. Our team gathers accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video or data related to the bus and driver. When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction and transportation safety professionals.
We then pursue compensation through negotiation or litigation, depending on what best serves your interests. If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take your case to trial in Travis County. Our goal is always the same: to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available in a Bus Accident Claim
Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
We carefully evaluate both current and future losses so your claim reflects the true impact of the accident.
How Texas Law Affects Bus Accident Claims
Texas is a fault-based state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident may be held liable for damages. However, bus accident claims often involve additional legal considerations:
- Government entities: Claims involving public buses, such as CapMetro, may require formal notice to be provided within a much shorter timeframe than the standard two-year statute of limitations.
- Modified comparative fault: Under Texas law, you may recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
- Multiple defendants: Bus accident cases often involve more than one liable party, increasing both complexity and potential recovery.
Our attorneys ensure all deadlines are met and all responsible parties are identified. Speak with us as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents
Do bus accident cases usually go to court?
Many claims resolve through settlement, but some require litigation, especially when government agencies or multiple insurers are involved. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Texas?
Most personal injury claims have a two-year deadline, but claims involving government-operated buses often require much earlier notice. Speaking with an attorney quickly is critical.
What if I was injured as a passenger?
Passengers injured on a bus may have strong claims, even when no seatbelt was available. Liability depends on the circumstances, which we can evaluate for you.
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Williamson County Live PD Raid: Our firm represented a family in a civil rights and personal injury case after Williamson County deputies staged a raid on their home for the reality show Live PD. The raid caused serious psychological and emotional injuries, leaving the family traumatized by an event that never should have happened.
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$75k Rear-End Collision
At our firm, we are proud to fight for clients who are injured through no fault of their own. In this case, our client was hit from behind when another driver recklessly smashed into her vehicle. She was left with painful injuries and faced mounting medical bills, missed work, and the stress that comes with being hurt in a crash.
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$810k Wrongful Death
Our client experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when an intruder entered the family’s home and attacked their young child. Hearing the struggle in the bedroom, the parent rushed in to fight off the attacker, but the child had already suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child later passed away.
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Take the Next Step — Contact an Accident Lawyer
You may not be able to return to work, go back to school, or enjoy the quality of life you had before your auto accident. However, we may be able to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and recurring expenses while you heal from your injuries.
Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm today at (512) 359-3743 to schedule a free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
Get in touch with our legal team today by contacting us online.
