Buses are meant to provide safe, reliable transportation. But when something goes wrong—whether it’s a crash involving a METRO bus or a collision with a private charter—the consequences are often devastating. Victims suffer life-altering injuries, and the legal path forward is anything but straightforward. That’s where Daly & Black, P.C. comes in.
Our experienced Houston bus accident lawyers represent victims in high-stakes claims involving both public and private transit carriers. These cases are legally complex, often involving government immunity protections, strict notice deadlines, and corporate defendants with aggressive insurance teams. We don’t back down, and we don’t let bureaucracies stand in the way of justice.
Get in touch with Daly & Black. We’re ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.
What to Do If You Are in a Bus Accident in Houston
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, your first priority should be your health. But what you do in the hours and days that follow can shape your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care – Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time.
- Report the Incident – If on a public bus like METRO, notify the driver and ensure a formal report is made. For private buses, demand documentation from the company.
- Document the Scene – Take photos, collect names of witnesses, and preserve your bus ticket or receipt.
- Avoid Making Statements to Insurers – Their goal is to minimize liability. Let your lawyer handle the communication.
- Contact a Lawyer Quickly – Especially for claims against public entities, deadlines can be strict and shorter than expected.
Types of Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents
Because of the size, weight, and lack of seat belts on many buses, passengers and other road users can suffer significant injuries in a crash. These often include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and burns. In more serious cases, bus accidents can result in amputations or permanent disability.
Even non-catastrophic injuries—like whiplash, sprains, or concussions—can lead to long-term medical care and lost income.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can be caused by a wide range of factors—often the result of negligence from drivers, maintenance crews, or even the companies that design or manufacture bus components. Some of the most common causes include:
Driver Negligence
Bus accidents are often caused by preventable driver behaviors like distraction, fatigue, speeding, or impaired operation. Drivers have a duty to operate large commercial vehicles with heightened care, and when that duty is breached, injuries happen.
Maintenance Failures
Inadequate upkeep of buses and surrounding roadways can also lead to catastrophic incidents. Whether due to mechanical breakdowns or hazards like potholes, these failures often trace back to a lack of oversight by the bus operator or a contracted service provider.
Third-Party Negligence
Sometimes the bus driver isn’t the one at fault. Other motorists on the road may act recklessly, cut off large vehicles, or cause chain-reaction crashes. Even in these cases, passengers may still have valid claims against multiple parties.
Heightened Duty of Care
Whether the crash involved a school bus, METRO transit, a charter service, or a party bus, you may have grounds for a claim if negligence played a role. As common carriers, buses are subject to both federal and state safety regulations, and they owe passengers a heightened duty of care.
This legal standard has been affirmed by the Texas Supreme Court in VIA Metropolitan Transit v. Meck and is codified in Texas Transportation Code Chapter 5. When these obligations are breached and result in injury, legal liability follows.
Overview of the Houston Public Bus System
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) operates the majority of public buses in Houston, including local street service, park-and-ride routes, and rapid transit.
As a government-run entity, METRO is subject to unique rules when it comes to liability. Victims of public bus crashes may have the right to file a claim against the City of Houston or Harris County—but must follow strict procedures under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Failure to submit timely notice can jeopardize the claim.
Bus Accident Statistics in Texas
Bus crashes aren’t rare—and many of them result in serious injuries. According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2023 Crash Records Summary, there were 1,323 total crashes involving school buses and 3,265 involving other types of buses statewide. Of these incidents, 18 resulted in fatalities and 107 in serious injuries.
Urban areas like Houston consistently report the highest number of crashes. These aren’t just statistics—they’re families, careers and lives disrupted by preventable negligence.
If you find yourself or a loved one among these statistics, get in touch with one of the Houston bus accident lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. to ensure your rights are upheld.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Houston Bus Accident?
Liability in bus accident cases is rarely simple. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties could be held responsible:
- The Bus Driver – For negligent driving, distracted driving, or failure to follow traffic laws.
- Public Transit Authorities – Such as Houston METRO, which may be liable under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
- Private Bus Companies – Including charter services, school bus operators, and tour bus providers.
- Maintenance Contractors – When faulty repairs or inadequate inspections contribute to the crash.
- Other Drivers – If another motorist caused or contributed to the collision.
Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 101.021, government entities can be held liable for personal injuries caused by the negligence of their employees, provided proper notice is filed. Our legal team knows how to navigate these protections and build compelling liability arguments.
Filing a Bus Accident Injury Claim
The claims process for bus accident victims depends on who owns or operates the vehicle:
- For Public Transit Buses (e.g., METRO):
A notice of claim must be filed within six months under the Texas Tort Claims Act, but claims against the City of Houston are subject to a stricter 90-day notice requirement under Article IX, Section 11 of the Houston City Charter. The claim must detail the facts, injuries, and alleged fault.
- For Private Carriers:
A formal demand letter and supporting documentation must be sent to the company’s insurer. There is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Texas.
Best Practices for Filing Claims
- Preserve all documentation (tickets, medical records, repair bills)
- File any necessary government notice forms quickly
- Avoid speaking with insurance representatives without legal counsel
- Hire a lawyer who understands the interplay of public and private liability
Claims involving government agencies require precision. One misstep can jeopardize your case. We help clients meet every deadline and build a compelling case for full compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bus Accident?
Bus accident injuries are often severe—ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills – Emergency care, surgery, physical therapy
- Lost income – Time off work and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life
- Property damage – Damage to vehicles, bicycles, or other personal items
Texas applies a modified comparative fault rule. Under Chapter 33 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the incident. We make sure the blame stays where it belongs.
Why Hire Daly & Black as Your Houston Bus Accident Lawyer?
We’re not a settlement mill. We’re a litigation firm. Daly & Black is known for stepping into high-conflict cases where other firms back away—and we deliver results. From taking on municipal transit authorities to going after multinational insurance carriers, we know how to litigate bus accident cases the right way.
Our attorneys are consistently recognized by Super Lawyers and legal industry leaders. We’ve been named Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year for our relentless pursuit of justice.
If you’re looking for a Houston bus accident lawyer who prepares every case like it’s headed for trial, you’re in the right place.
Daly & Black is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for you and your family.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a public or private bus crash, a Houston bus accident lawyer at Daly & Black, P.C. is ready to fight for you.
Call us today or schedule your FREE consultation online.
We’ll deal with the bureaucracy, the deadlines, and the legal firepower—so you can focus on getting better.
FAQs
Who can be held liable in a Houston bus accident?
Depending on the case, the driver, bus company, public transit authority, maintenance contractor, or even another motorist could be at fault. Our job is to investigate every angle and hold each liable party accountable.
What should I do if I’m injured in a bus accident in Houston?
Get medical help immediately. Then, report the incident, preserve evidence, and contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
What compensation can I recover after a bus accident?
You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The amount depends on the facts of your case and who is found liable.