A bus accident can change a person’s life in an instant. Victims often face more than the shock of the collision itself. Many must undergo extensive medical treatment, take time away from work, and deal with lasting emotional stress. State law provides a path for injured individuals to pursue financial recovery, but the process requires a clear understanding of what types of compensation may apply. Damages in McAllen bus accident cases can include both measurable financial losses and the personal impact of an injury.
At KGS Law PLLC, we focus on building strong claims that account for the full extent of our clients’ losses. If you were injured in a bus accident, our bus collision attorneys are prepared to evaluate the medical costs, employment disruptions, and long-term effects associated with your injury to pursue compensation that truly reflects the losses you have suffered.
Compensation Available in Bus Wreck Claims
State law divides damages into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover costs that can be tracked and documented, such as:
- Lost wages
- Hospital stays
- Rehabilitation
- Emergency treatment
Non-economic damages address personal harm, including physical pain, emotional distress, and changes to a victim’s quality of life. In many McAllen bus crash cases, damages involve both types of compensation, since injuries typically affect victims’ finances as well as their overall well-being.
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.001, damages may include recovery for future loss of earnings (including diminished earning capacity), and Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 18.091 requires that such losses be proved net of taxes and explained to the jury. These damages often require expert testimony and careful calculation.
Government Liability and Private Bus Operators
Bus wreck cases may involve either public transportation providers or private companies. Claims against public entities, such as Valley Metro, fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act. This law caps damages and requires formal notice within six months, as set out under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 101.101. Missing this deadline can prevent recovery of damages.
When a private carrier is responsible, liability is established under standard negligence principles. These claims often involve issues such as:
- Driver fatigue
- Negligent hiring
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Victims in McAllen bus wreck cases should understand that available damages can vary greatly depending on whether the at-fault party is a government agency or a private operator. At KGS Law PLLC, we examine accident reports, safety records, and industry standards to determine liability, whether the case involves a public transit system or a commercial operator.
How Does Fault Influence Damages in Bus Accident Cases?
The amount of recoverable damages in a McAllen bus crash case is not determined by losses alone. The state applies a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that if a victim is found partly responsible, their damages are reduced according to their share of fault. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001, recovery is barred if the fault exceeds 50 percent.
In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003.
Insurance companies often attempt to argue that the victim contributed to the crash. At KGS Law PLLC, we anticipate these tactics and prepare evidence to protect our clients’ rights. We approach each case with meticulous preparation to ensure that no detail is overlooked as we pursue fair compensation.
Call Our McAllen Lawyers About Damages in Bus Crash Cases
Securing fair compensation after a bus wreck involves more than proving you were injured—it requires showing the full extent of your damages. At KGS Law PLLC, we guide our clients through every step of the legal process, from documenting medical costs to challenging insurance company tactics. We pursue damages in McAllen bus accident cases with the goal of restoring financial stability to our clients’ lives and holding negligent parties accountable.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a bus accident, our team is prepared to help. Contact us today to discuss your options with an attorney who is committed to securing the recovery you deserve.
