How Bus Accident Lawsuits Differ from Car Accident Cases in Temple, TX 

While car accidents are unfortunately common in Temple, bus accidents are less frequent and bring a unique set of legal and emotional challenges. These cases often involve larger vehicles, multiple injured parties, and, in many cases, government-operated entities like school districts or city transportation services. That makes them very different from standard car accident claims, both in complexity and in how they must be handled. 

   

Whether your child was injured in a Temple school bus accident or you were involved in a crash with a city-operated or private charter bus, it’s crucial to understand the special legal procedures, shorter filing deadlines, and additional layers of liability that may apply. 

   

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, we have the experience and resources to handle these complicated cases. Our team knows how to navigate the legal hurdles specific to public and private bus accident claims in Central Texas. We work quickly to investigate the facts, preserve evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable, whether that's a negligent driver, a school district, or a private bus company. 

 

How Common Are Bus Accidents in Texas? 

Bus accidents can involve school buses, public transit, or private charter services, and they occur more often than most people realize in Central Texas. With Texas being one of the most heavily traveled states in the country, and home to large metro areas as well as growing mid-sized cities like Temple, the volume of bus traffic is significant. These vehicles regularly share the road with passenger cars, commercial trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of collisions. While buses are generally considered a safe mode of transportation, their size and limited maneuverability can contribute to serious accidents when things go wrong. 

   

Among the various types of buses on Texas roads, school buses account for a notable percentage of reported crashes. Texas operates one of the largest public school transportation systems in the country. To monitor safety, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) maintains the Bus Accident Reporting System (BARS). Through this system, all school districts across the state are required to report any bus accident that results in vehicle damage, injuries, or fatalities, as well as minor incidents. According to data from BARS in the 2021–22 school year, 1,066 districts reported 1,412 school bus collisions alone. 

   

While the vast majority of school bus trips are completed safely, hundreds to thousands of school bus accidents are reported in Texas each year, some of which occur in Central Texas communities like Temple. These accidents can involve not only the students on board, but also bus drivers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. Because children are often involved, these cases are taken very seriously under both state and federal law, and frequently require more thorough investigation and legal attention than standard car crashes. 

 

Who Is at Fault If My Child Is Injured in a School Bus Accident? 

Determining liability in a school bus crash is far more complex than in a regular car accident. In Temple, school buses are usually operated by Temple Independent School District (TISD) or a contracted private transportation provider. In either case, the responsible party could include the bus driver, the school district, the bus company, another driver on the road, or even the bus manufacturer if mechanical failure was a factor. 

   

For example, if the school bus driver was speeding or distracted, the district or private operator may be held liable under the legal concept of vicarious liability. But if another vehicle caused the collision, say a driver ran a red light and struck the bus, then that driver and their insurance company could be held responsible. These cases often require a complete and thorough investigation, including bus surveillance footage, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction experts. 

   

At SYT, we work to uncover all possible sources of liability by coordinating with experts and building a strong case to ensure your child’s rights are fully protected. We’re here to guide you through every step, fight for maximum compensation, and hold the responsible parties accountable. 

   

How Bus Accidents Differ from Regular Car Accidents 

Bus accidents differ from car crashes in several critical ways. First and foremost, buses are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, similar in weight and impact force to 18-wheelers. This makes collisions involving buses significantly more dangerous, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles. 

   

Additionally, the legal process differs because government entities, such as school districts or city transportation departments operate many buses. Filing a lawsuit against a public entity in Texas is not as straightforward as suing a private driver. You must follow strict notice requirements, sometimes as short as six months, and damages may be capped depending on the government’s liability limits. 

   

Additionally, buses carry multiple passengers, meaning multiple injury claims may be filed from a single crash. This increases the complexity of the case, particularly when it comes to dividing insurance coverage and establishing the sequence of events. 

 

Legal Challenges Unique to Bus Accident Lawsuits 

One of the most significant differences in bus accident lawsuits, particularly those involving public school buses, is the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity. In Texas, government entities like school districts are typically protected from lawsuits unless specific criteria are met. Fortunately, the Texas Tort Claims Act allows for injury claims in particular circumstances, such as when a government employee operating a motor vehicle causes harm through negligence. 

   

But, you must act quickly. These claims often require you to file a formal notice of claim within a short period, sometimes within just 180 days of the accident. Miss the deadline, and you may lose your right to sue entirely. Our team of experienced attorneys at SYT can help you navigate this process and ensure you comply with all legal requirements and deadlines. It is essential to reach out as soon as possible to ensure you can receive compensation. 

 

Why Do Bus Accidents Happen? 

Bus accidents in Temple can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Common causes include: 

   

• Driver negligence includes distracted driving, fatigue, or failing to follow traffic signals. 
• Improper training or supervision. School bus drivers must meet strict safety standards, but sometimes employers fail to enforce them. 
• Mechanical failure, including tire blowouts, brake failure, or steering issues, due to poor maintenance or manufacturer defects. 
• Dangerous road conditions, such as construction zones or poorly marked intersections, are especially prevalent during early morning or late afternoon bus routes. 
• Negligence by other drivers who fail to stop for school buses or drive recklessly around them puts children at serious risk. 

   

Injuries Commonly Seen in Bus Accidents 

Because of their size and structure, buses do not always come equipped with seat belts or advanced safety features like airbags, especially in older school buses. As a result, when an accident happens, injuries can be severe for both bus passengers and occupants of other vehicles. Common injuries include: 

 

• Head trauma and concussions 
• Broken bones and fractures 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations 
• Psychological trauma, particularly for young children 

   

In multi-vehicle collisions involving a bus, injuries can also occur from being thrown within the vehicle, being struck by loose objects, or being ejected. Emergency medical treatment, long-term care, and emotional support may all be necessary in the aftermath. 

 

Protect Your Rights with Scanes Yelverton Talbert 

Bus accidents are frightening and often life-changing, especially when they involve children. Whether your child was injured on a Temple Independent School District (TISD) school bus or you were struck by a charter or city bus, the legal path forward is much more complex than in a typical car crash. 

   

With multiple parties potentially liable and strict deadlines for filing claims against public entities, acting quickly is critical. In Texas, there are often short, non-negotiable deadlines to file government claims or lawsuits, and missing them can prevent you from recovering compensation entirely. 

   

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, we specialize in representing families in Temple through every stage of these complex cases. Our team will investigate the accident thoroughly, identify all responsible parties, and handle communications with insurance companies and government agencies on your behalf. We fight to secure the maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.   

 

Don’t risk losing your rights by waiting or going it alone. Start your free case review today by filling out our online form, and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.