Odessa Bus Accident Attorney
Injured In A Bus Crash In West Texas?
When a city bus, school bus, charter coach, or worker shuttle is involved in a crash, the injuries can be severe and the claim can get complicated quickly. If you were hurt in a bus accident in or around Odessa, you may already be facing medical bills, time off work, and confusing calls from insurance companies.
At KRW Lawyers, we help injured passengers and families stand up to bus companies, school districts, transit agencies, and insurers that often try to protect themselves first. Since 2006, we have recovered more than $1 billion for over 40,000 clients across Texas and the Gulf South. Our trial lawyers prepare serious cases from day one, and we treat the people we represent like family.
You do not have to sort this out alone. You can speak with a bus accident attorney from our team in a free, confidential consultation. Call (432) 223-9975 and we will listen to what happened, explain your options, and help you decide what comes next.
Common Types of Buses in Odessa
Odessa’s roadways are shared by a wide variety of buses, each presenting unique risks in the event of an accident. Common types of buses involved in crashes include:
- School buses transporting children to and from Odessa-area schools
- City and public transit buses operated by local or regional transit authorities
- Charter buses used for group travel, sporting events, and oilfield transportation
- Greyhound and intercity buses traveling through West Texas
- Church and private shuttle buses
- Employee and oilfield crew buses used by energy companies
Because buses are large, heavy vehicles, even low-speed crashes can cause serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of smaller vehicles.
Common Causes of Bus Crashes
Bus accidents can occur for many reasons, but they are often preventable. Some of the most common causes of bus crashes in Odessa include:
- Driver fatigue, especially on long routes or overnight trips
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use or onboard distractions
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Improper lane changes or wide turns
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Poor vehicle maintenance, such as faulty brakes or worn tires
- Dangerous road conditions or construction zones
Our Odessa bus accident lawyer can investigate the cause of the crash, review driver logs and maintenance records, and identify all responsible parties.
Texas Bus Driving Laws
Texas law imposes strict requirements on bus drivers and bus companies to promote public safety. These laws and regulations may include:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Hours-of-service rules to prevent driver fatigue
- Mandatory drug and alcohol testing
- Regular inspection and maintenance standards
When bus drivers or companies violate these laws, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries. A knowledgeable Odessa bus accident lawyer will analyze whether state or federal safety regulations were breached and use that evidence to strengthen your claim.
Liability for a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a bus accident can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
- The bus driver
- The bus company or operator
- A government entity (for public or school buses)
- A third-party maintenance provider
- Another negligent driver
Claims involving government-owned buses may be subject to special notice requirements and shorter deadlines under Texas law. Having an experienced legal team is critical to protecting your right to compensation.
Compensation from a Bus Accident Claim
Victims of bus accidents in Odessa may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
At KRW Lawyers, we fight to recover the full value of your losses and push back against insurance companies that try to minimize serious injuries.
They truly care and get results.
we're ready to help
backed by five-star reviews and over 20 years of experience
When your health and financial future are at stake, having confidence in your legal representation is essential
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Honesty & IntegrityWe believe in transparent communication, offering candid advice, and always putting your best interests at the forefront.
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Teamwork & CollaborationEvery case is a collective effort. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure the best strategy and outcome for you.
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Diversity & InclusionDiversity is our strength. We celebrate differences, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and represented.
Bus Accident Claim FAQs
Here are several frequently asked questions about bus accident claims:
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Texas?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years. Claims involving government entities may have much shorter notice deadlines.
What if I was injured as a bus passenger?
Passengers have the right to seek compensation, even if no other vehicle was involved.
Are bus accident claims different from car accident claims?
Yes. Bus accidents often involve higher insurance limits, commercial defendants, and additional regulations.
Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident case?
Because of the complexity and high stakes, working with an experienced Odessa bus accident lawyer is strongly recommended.
Why Injured Bus Riders Choose Our Team
After a bus crash, many people feel overwhelmed and outmatched. The company or public agency that operates the bus has lawyers, adjusters, and written procedures ready to go. You deserve a legal team that knows how to meet them on level ground and keep the focus on your recovery and your future.
Our firm was founded with a simple mission, to protect people who have been harmed by powerful corporations and insurers. That mission fits bus cases closely, because riders often have no control over the driver, the route, or the condition of the vehicle. When someone else’s choices put you in the hospital, we work to hold them accountable.
Firm President Douglas Ketterman is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This credential is held by fewer than two percent of attorneys in the state and reflects tested skill in handling serious injury cases in court. That kind of trial-focused leadership matters when a bus accident claim involves complex evidence, multiple defendants, or a public entity such as a transit authority or school district.
From the first meeting, you work directly with our attorneys, not just through staff. We keep you informed, answer your questions in plain language, and respect that it is your case and your life. Our motto, Your Voice, Your Choice, means we give candid advice and then support the decisions you make about settlement or trial.
We know that cost is a major concern after an injury. That is why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay us any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you, and we explain our fee agreement clearly before you decide to move forward.
Call (432) 223-9975 now to speak with our team about your potential bus accident claim.
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