While no one wishes to get involved in a bus or train accident, the buses and trains ferrying citizens around Houston are not accident-proof. The drivers work long shifts, making them vulnerable to human error. At the same time, these automotives operate at extremes, exposing them to mechanical failures.
That is where bus and train accident lawyers come in. These legal experts help victims of these types of automotive accidents get fair compensation for the medical bills, lost wages, property loss, pain, and suffering incurred after a crash. Leo & Oginni, a team of experienced personal injury lawyers, is one of the best resources regarding how to get compensated after an accident.
Causes of Bus Accidents
Metro buses and trains serve thousands of travelers a day. That means drivers work long shifts to ensure that every passenger commutes smoothly. The exhaustion from long shifts makes drivers vulnerable to committing costly human errors — a leading cause of car accidents.
Besides human error, bus and train accidents can be the result of mechanical failure. For instance, the buses' brakes can malfunction, or the train can derail due to the company's negligence in carrying out routine maintenance on time.
Other common causes of bus accidents include:
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road maintenance
- Careless driving
- Speeding
- Third-party driver errors
Whatever the cause, when you get involved in an accident, it is essential to call 911 for emergency help. The first responders will evacuate you and other passengers for medical attention and will document the accident.
How Can a Houston Injury Lawyer Protect Your Rights After an Auto Accident?
Besides calling for emergency help, contact a good lawyer once you are in a position to do so. A bus and train accident lawyer will assist you through the process of claiming compensation. Some of the things that the attorney helps with include:
Gathering Evidence
A bus and train accident lawyer documents the accident scene and interviews witnesses to uncover the parties responsible for the accident. The lawyer can also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to identify the negligent parties that led to the accident.
Calculating the Losses Incurred
Fair compensation covers medical bills, property loss, pain, suffering, lost wages, and deformation. A lawyer can help you with the calculations to determine the fairest amount you deserve.
Negotiating for a Fair Settlement
After gathering evidence and determining the compensation you deserve, the lawyer can negotiate for a settlement from insurance providers. The lawyer will protect you from the insurance providers who could take advantage of or exploit you.
Filing a Lawsuit
Many compensation claims end in a settlement between the lawyer and the insurance company. However, the insurance provider and lawyer sometimes might not reach an agreement. In such a case, your lawyer may escalate the case to a court of law.
After escalation, the lawyer can prepare a strong defense to ensure you get the best outcome out of the court battle.
The Limit for Filing a Metro Bus or Train Accident Claim in Houston
Metro accident victims only have 180 days to file a claim and get a Metro claim number from the incident date. You must meet this 180-day requirement to preserve your claim with Metro.
After the initial notification claim with Metro is made, you will have up to two years from the date of the incident to file suit and preserve your claim under the Texas statute of limitation rules. However, for claims involving wrongful death, the two-year limitation starts from the day the accident victim died.
After the statute of limitations lapses, the Texas court will dismiss your claim no matter how
genuine the case is. To avoid any inconveniences, file accident claims as soon as possible to get
your compensation at the right time.
Contact Leo & Oginni Personal Injury Lawyers in Houston
When it comes to Metro bus & train accidents in Houston, TX, Leo & Oginni, Personal Injury Lawyers are your go-to legal team. Having worked on thousands of personal injury lawsuits, our team understands the ins and outs required to get you the best outcome.
We will collect evidence, determine the cost of your losses, and offer legal representation to help get you rightful compensation. Contact us for a free consultation.
