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Texas Bus Accident Claims in Brief Find a Local Bus Accident Lawyer Claims Against Government Buses Transit, Charter and School Buses Frequently Asked QuestionsTexas Bus Accident Claims in Brief
- Claims against public buses often require notice within six months. Some city charters set shorter deadlines.
- Government bus claims have damage caps. The cap depends on what kind of government runs the bus.
- Transit buses owe riders a high degree of care. The Supreme Court of Texas confirmed this in a San Antonio case.
- Private charter buses must carry large insurance policies. Federal rules require $5 million for most motorcoaches.
- School buses were in 1,648 Texas crashes in 2024. That count comes from TxDOT.
Find a Local Bus Accident Lawyer
Each city has its own transit system and school bus fleets. Our city pages cover the local agencies and recent crashes:
- Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin
- Laredo, McAllen, Harlingen and Brownsville
We also handle car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents and Uber and Lyft accidents.
Claims Against Government Buses
City transit systems and school districts are government units. The Texas Tort Claims Act waives their immunity for injuries caused by an employee’s negligent use of a motor vehicle, with limits:
- Notice: Written notice is generally due within six months under § 101.101, unless the government had actual notice. City charters can require notice sooner.
- Caps: Under § 101.023, cities are capped at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence. Other local governments, including school districts, are capped at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
- No punitive damages: The Act does not allow them.
- Who to sue: Under § 101.106, suing the government or the employee is an irrevocable choice, so it must be made carefully.
Transit, Charter and School Buses
Transit Riders
In VIA Metropolitan Transit v. Meck (2020), the Supreme Court of Texas held that a public transit operator is a common carrier that owes its passengers a high degree of care, even though it is a government entity.
Private Charter Buses
Interstate passenger carriers must follow federal hours-of-service limits, including 10 hours of driving after 8 hours off under 49 CFR 395.5. For-hire carriers with vehicles seating 16 or more must carry at least $5 million in coverage.
School Buses
TxDOT’s 2024 vehicle crash table counts 1,648 school buses in crashes, including 6 in fatal crashes. Nationally, FMCSA reports 213 buses in fatal crashes in 2022.
Call 956-982-1800 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Texas Bus Accident FAQs
Can I sue a city bus system in Texas?
Yes, in many cases. The Texas Tort Claims Act allows claims for injuries caused by a government employee’s negligent use of a motor vehicle, subject to notice deadlines and damage caps.
How soon do I need to give notice after a bus accident?
For a government bus, written notice is generally due within six months, and some city charters require it sooner. Claims against private bus companies generally have a two-year filing deadline.
How much can I recover from a public bus accident?
Caps apply. Cities are capped at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence. School districts and other local governments are capped at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
What if I was hurt on a charter or tour bus?
Private bus companies are not protected by the Tort Claims Act caps. Interstate carriers must follow federal safety rules and carry at least $5 million in coverage for larger buses.
Who is responsible for a school bus accident?
It may be the school district, a bus contractor, another driver or a vehicle manufacturer. School district claims are limited to injuries from motor vehicle use and are subject to caps.
AT THE LAW GIANT,
We Win Big!
A crash involving a city bus, a school bus and a private charter coach can look the same on the road. In court, they are very different. Government buses come with short notice deadlines and damage caps. Private carriers face federal safety rules and insurance minimums.
Call The Law Giant at 956-982-1800 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
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