Houston, Texas is one of the most densely populated cities with one of the largest bus systems in the U.S. The Metro bus carries millions of passengers around the city each year. Traveling by bus may be easier than owning a car and safer for the environment, however, Metro bus drivers work very long shifts and can become inattentive on the road resulting in an accident. It comes to no surprise that the heavily populated traffic of Houston may result in accidents.
Even if the Metro bus employees did not intentionally cause the accident, the Metro is still responsible for providing compensation to its passengers if anyone gets hurt due to their negligence or recklessness.
Statistics of Bus-Related Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- Thirty-three percent of transit bus accidents were recorded between 2004 and 2014.
- Inner-city buses recorded 13% of those accidents.
- 3,978 buses and large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2014.
- Injury-related crashes involving buses and large trucks increased by 55% from 2009 to 2014.
There have also been tragic deaths and severely injured passengers in the past few years due to Metro bus accidents. To name a few, the driver of a Metro bus accidentally struck and killed a pedestrian as she was turning left from congress and onto Milam.
Another accident that occurred involved a Metro bus striking a silver vehicle injuring 10 passengers on board. The accident occurred at the intersection of Chartres and McGowen.
What To Do After a Metro Bus Accident in Houston
Metro buses carry numerous occupants on board so an accident of this degree will result in more casualties. So what happens when you are involved in an accident? We understand how frustrating and overwhelming this can be and what you should do following an accident may seem hazy. Below is a step by step list of what you should do after being involved in a Metro bus accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You should exit the Metro bus immediately after the accident as the bus may catch on fire or result in nearby accidents due to onlookers. Once you can get to safety you should seek medical care. If your injuries are severe, you will be brought to the hospital immediately.
Report The Accident and Speak To Witnesses
Take the time to report everything that happened at the scene of the accident to the police. The Metro bus driver may report the scene to authorities but do not assume that they will. Call the police as soon as you can and tell them in detail what had happened that way your report is on record.
Speak to other witnesses that were also involved in the accident or had witnessed the accident nearby. Take as much information as you can get from the witnesses too as it can help build your case.
Gather Evidence
Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. It’s important that you get every detail and angle as possible. Also, take photos and videos of stoplights, traffic signs, skid marks, and any other details. Moreover, gather evidence of how the weather was the day of the accident.
Furthermore, you should get evidence and statements from other witnesses. You should also take photos or videos of your injuries and document them so that you build solid evidence for your attorney to use in court or negotiate with insurance adjusters. You should also gather proof of lost wages due to the accident.
Keep a Record of Your Injuries & Damages
Any damages that occurred after the accident should be kept safe and organized. Make sure to collect receipts, bills, and other records that may help you determine the financial damages you suffered due to the Metro bus collision. These include visits to your doctor, a chiropractor, physical therapy sessions, gas receipts from driving to and from the hospital, repairs to your vehicle, and any other repairs and damages you had to make due to the accident.
File A Claim
If you are considering on filing a personal injury claim against the transportation authority, refer to the specific laws of your state and municipality.
Depending on where you live, be prepared to file a notice of claim. Acquire the exact claim form required by the agency responsible for the Metro bus accident. Most claim forms include the following:
- Your name and address
- A description of where, how and when the Metro bus accident happened
- A description of your damages, such as medical bills, receipts, repairs, lost wages, broken glasses, etc.
- A statement of your intent to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage caused by the Metro bus driver, the driver’s employer, the bus manufacturer, the cargo company, or even the city.
Submit this notice of claim on time and to the right agency. Also, keep a copy of this claim on your records.
Speak To a Metro Bus Accident Attorney
Even if your case seems relatively easy to handle on your own, you will most likely face denials or taken advantage of from the Metro bus insurance company. Not only that but you may also lose compensation from parties you failed to include or identify in your statements. These parties may include the bus driver’s employer, the bus manufacturer, the cargo company, or even the city for poorly designing the street or a highway defect.
When you obtain an experienced attorney that understands this area of law, you can be confident knowing your lawyer will fight for you and achieve a maximum financial recovery on your case.
Get In Touch With Our Attorneys Today!
The Houston Metro company employs a team of highly experienced and calculated attorneys to limit their involvement of personal injury lawsuits by victims involved in Metro bus accidents. If you suffered injuries in Houston due to a Metro bus Accident, contact Joe I. Zaid & Associates today to speak with our attorneys about your legal rights, options, and to schedule a free consultation so that we may build and evaluate your case.
Call us today at (346) 756-9243 or fill out our form below to get started.