By: Ricardo A Garcia
Serving Residents Throughout Hidalgo County and all of Texas.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bus crash, the experienced McAllen bus accident attorneys at the Law Firm of Ricardo A. Garcia will fight to earn you maximum compensation. Contact our office today.
McAllen Bus Accident Lawyers
Bus accidents are relatively common and can cause serious injury and damages. If you have found your way to this page, you have most likely been injured in a bus accident. If your injuries need medical treatment, then you may be eligible to file a bus accident claim.
Our McAllen bus accident attorneys are here to guide you through the process of your claim while getting you the best results possible. After you read a little bit about your case, please call our office to set up a free case evaluation with Ricardo A. Garcia, a board certified personal injury attorney.
Bus Accident Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have two years starting from the date of your accident to do file a claim or obtain settlement in civil court. If you do not get your case brought by that time, you will no longer be eligible for compensation. If you want full and fair compensation, it is vital to hire an attorney right away so that you do not put them under an even tighter deadline. Two years is not a terribly long time in a bus accident claim. If you act quickly, there will be enough time to build a strong case for you and ensure you have the best chance at full compensation.
We always encourage potential clients to call us right away and never wait. When you hire an attorney, you are handing them the workload in obtaining compensation for you and your family. You are also hiring a team that understands how to obtain compensation for a bus accident, including the law, and insurance company negotiations.
Important Steps for a Successful Bus Accident Case
The ultimate, most important step for any personal injury case is to first seek competent medical attention.Your injuries need to be treated as soon as possible. You should never wait, as untreated injuries can become catastrophic.
Right after an accident, you probably have adrenaline running through your body, which can mute the pain. Waiting to see if they go away with some time is unwise and ill-advised. If you wait, there are two major consequences that may happen. One, you may be at risk of worsening your condition, which will prolong your recovery time. Second, if the insurance company wants to, they could look at that gap in treatment and avoid full compensation due to your injuries not being severe enough.
Avoiding treatment is the primary tactic insurance companies use to reduce or eliminate a claim. If you have been in any accident, we recommend you see a doctor, emergency room, or urgent care center right away to get treatment for your injuries.
Should I Speak to the Liable Party’s Insurance Company?
No you should not need to speak with the liable party’s insurance company. Your attorney should speak with them, ensuring nothing is said that could diminish the value of your claim.
Very shortly after your bus accident, you will most likely receive a call from the insurance company that represents the responsible party. This might be the driver of the bus, the bus company itself, or another vehicle operator on the road who caused your bus accident.
When the insurance adjuster calls, he or she will tell you that this is a routine call and they will help you resolve your case quickly. What they do not mention is that the questions they ask are geared toward getting you to say something wrong.
If they can get you to say one wrong thing, they will be able to reduce the amount of compensation they owe you or try to throw out your case altogether. When you get this call, it is best to avoid it. You are not obligated by law to take this call. You should have your personal injury attorney take over all communication with the insurance company as to protect your rights to full compensation.
Frequently Asked Bus Accident Questions
What should I do after being injured in a bus accident?
There are several things you should do after being injured in a bus accident to ensure you have a strong personal injury claim and that your rights are protected. First, report the accident to the bus driver, bus company, or a local government agency such as the police department, DPS, or sheriff’s office.
Next, seek immediate medical attention. This includes visiting the hospital and following up with your medical provider. Hospitals will often advise patients in writing to consult their doctor after the initial visit. Following up with your doctor ensures any missed or untreated injuries are identified and addressed. Ignoring this step can harm your health and your claim.
Lastly, hire an experienced personal injury attorney who has handled bus accident cases in Mcallen or the city where the accident occurred. Bus accident cases are different from car accidents due to specific regulations applying to bus companies and drivers. A knowledgeable lawyer can review these regulations and ensure compliance.
What mistakes should I avoid after a bus accident?
Mistakes people make after a bus accident include not calling an attorney for help, and not consulting attorneys who specialize in personal injury cases. Experienced and skilled attorneys have better strategies to advocate for your rights and they know how to obtain maximum settlement from the insurance company.
Another mistake is failing to report the accident by calling 911 or making an official claim. Without documentation, there is no official record, and you miss out on valuable evidence that police investigations provide.
How do I pick the best attorney for my bus accident claim?
When selecting an attorney for your bus accident case, ask the following questions:
- Are you a personal injury lawyer?
- Do you only handle personal injury cases?
- Are you a trial lawyer?
- Will you go to court to represent me in front of a judge and jury?
- Do you have experience and success in handling bus accident cases?
- Can you share your past results or verdicts?
- Are you board-certified? This is a prestigious honor, and only three percent of lawyers in Texas achieve this certification in personal injury law.
Give us a call and ask us these questions. We will be happy to answer them.
How is a bus accident claim different than a car accident claim?
Bus accident claims differ from car accident claims due to specific regulations that apply to bus companies, municipalities, and drivers. These regulations cover the maintenance of buses and the qualifications of drivers. Hiring an experienced lawyer who specializes in bus accident cases is crucial. They will investigate the safety of the bus and the driver involved.
Should I speak with the insurance company after a bus accident?
If you’ve been seriously injured in a bus accident, avoid making statements to insurance companies. They are not your friend. They want to minimize their liability and the value of your claim. Any statement you make can be recorded and used against you, potentially harming your claim.
We recommend seeking legal advice immediately from an experienced attorney and they will communicate with the insurance company.
Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?
We don’t recommend accepting the first settlement offer from an insurance company. These offers often undervalue your claim and fail to cover all your damages. Instead, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf. Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know there’s a risk of facing a skilled trial lawyer in court.
How much is my bus accident claim worth?
Several factors determine the value of a bus accident claim. These include the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident (e.g., stop sign violations or driver distractions), and whether the bus company or driver adhered to safety regulations. Examples of regulations: regular checks of tire tread, brakes, and driver health (e.g., vision and blood pressure).
The amount of insurance coverage the bus company carries will also play role in determining the claim’s value. An experienced attorney, like those at the Law Firm of Ricardo A. Garcia, can review these factors and provide you with maximum compensation and guidance.
Contact Us For A Free Consultation
If you are looking for dedicated, experienced, and skilled representation, please call us today to schedule a free consultation. We will go over the details of your accident, talk to your witnesses, and protect evidence to help you gain maximum compensation.
Our Mcallen Law Office Location
Mcallen Office
Address:
820 South Main St., McAllen, Texas 78501
Phone:
(956) 630-2882
Fax:
(956) 630-2882