burned out frame of a city bus after a fiery accident

Are Bus Accidents Common?

In 2021, Texas was third in the nation for the highest number of bus crashes and second for fatalities in bus-involved crashes. Even though bus accidents are a tiny fraction of the motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. each year, the losses they can cause are still catastrophic to the survivors.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Crash Statistics uses information from the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) to report the number of bus crashes and fatalities annually in Texas.

In 2021, MCMIS reported:

1,039 bus-involved crashes
888 injuries
19 fatalities

From January 1st to August 31st of 2022, MCMIS reported:

740 bus-involved crashes
658 injuries
11 fatalities

The Texas Department of Transportation, however, reported the following bus crash and fatality statistics for 2021:

2,550 bus crashes total
1,187 school bus crashes
16 fatal injuries in bus crashes (698 injuries from possible to serious)
5 fatal injuries in school bus crashes (233 injuries from possible to serious)

The 2021–22 Bus Accident Report (BAR) details the state totals for the 1,066 districts that submitted data for the 2021–22 school year. They documented:

1,412 accidents involving school buses that were district-owned, contractor-owned, or chartered
272 student injuries
28 adult injuries
36 driver injuries
1 student killed
1 adult killed
7 pedestrian injuries

Of course, there were 143 districts that did not submit Bus Accident Reporting information to the Texas Education Agency for the 2021-2022 school year. Yet, the majority of those districts still received transportation funding for the next year.

The Houston Chronicle has reported on the unfortunate lack of data turned in by several school districts. For instance, the Houston ISD failed to report bus accident numbers for four out of five years. School buses must report precise statistics when transporting such precious cargo. That is the only way to ensure that people are held accountable and problems are addressed.

Causes of Bus Accidents

No matter how friendly we become with our local bus driver, transportation for a fee makes the exchange that of a business with a customer. The business must adhere to city, state, and federal regulations. And if there are any injuries related to the negligence of any part of that business, they can be held liable.

Driver Negligence

Distracted driving (texting, conversing with passengers, rubbernecking, etc.)
Drowsy driving (which can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Running red lights or stop signs
Driver error (speeding, tailgating, merging unsafely, etc.)

Bus Company Negligence

Forcing drivers to work too many hours behind the wheel
Failure to run proper background and qualification checks
Inadequate driver training
Insufficient maintenance of buses
Deficient policy enforcement regarding substance abuse, dangerous driving, etc.

Other Drivers’ Negligence

Sometimes the actions of another driver can cause an accident. Whether they are speeding, distracted, driving aggressively, etc., motorists—like bus drivers—can also be negligent. If this is the case, investigating negligence and properly assigning fault will be even more important in order to pursue compensation.

Bus Defects or Manufacturer Errors

Every component of a vehicle has the capability to cause harm when it is defective. If a defect or mechanical failure causes an accident, it could be the fault of the companies that designed, manufactured, or sold the bus or its parts. Mechanical issues that may lead to bus accidents include:

Engine failure
Transmission failure
Brake failure

Road Hazards

Potholes
Stalled vehicles blocking road
Narrow lanes
Sharp turns
Construction

Bad Weather

Inclement weather can make safe driving difficult. Wind, rain, fog, and other conditions can make it hard to stay in a lane, cause slick roads, and limit visibility, potentially leading to many accidents. Nevertheless, bus drivers are responsible for driving safely and making adjustments for adverse weather conditions.

Whatever the cause of the accident, retaining a Houston bus accident lawyer can help you to hold the negligent parties accountable for your injuries and losses.

Common Injuries Related to Bus Accidents

Bus accidents nearly always end up causing injuries to multiple parties. Due to a lack of seat belts and the tendency for passengers to stand during rides, even minor fender-benders can result in injury.

Injuries commonly seen in a bus accident may include:

Bone fractures
Lacerations
Muscle tears or dislocations
Burns
Internal injuries
Head & brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries

If your injuries result in a hospital stay, you may be dealing with overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even disability. A bus accident lawyer can help determine if negligence is the cause of the accident and if you are entitled to compensation for your losses.

Do You Need a Bus Accident Lawyer?

Bus drivers, companies, and manufacturers have a duty of care toward their passengers. We must hold them to a high standard when driving and maintaining their vehicles.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bus accident, it is in your best interest to contact a Houston bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. In some cases, you might have 90 days or less to file a claim against the negligent party or parties.

At Patrick Daniel Law, we are strategic, meticulous, and merciless in standing up for our clients’ best interests. Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation. We will help you pursue the compensation you deserve!

Bus Accident Statistics