Buses move thousands of Dallas residents every day across highways, school routes, and city streets. When one of these large vehicles is involved in a crash, the results can be catastrophic. Passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists can suffer severe injuries and face complicated liability questions.
At O’Hare and Koch, we help those injured in bus collisions seek accountability and full financial recovery. Our attorneys have decades of experience navigating complex claims against public agencies, school districts, and private transportation companies. We are familiar with these roads and the legal issues that distinguish these cases from ordinary car crashes.
Dangerous Dallas Intersections for Bus Accidents
Several Dallas intersections experience frequent bus collisions due to congestion, lane merging, and unpredictable traffic patterns. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Dallas consistently ranks among the state’s most active areas for roadway crashes, many involving large public and private buses.
Among the places where bus accidents commonly occur include:
- I-35E and Woodall Rodgers Freeway (Spur 366): This downtown interchange combines fast-moving traffic with constant lane changes, creating conditions where sideswipe and rear-end collisions often occur.
- US-75 (North Central Expressway) and Mockingbird Lane: Near Mockingbird Station, this intersection sees continuous DART and commuter traffic, with wide turns and pedestrian crossings that increase risk during rush hours.
- Harry Hines Boulevard and Royal Lane: Heavy commercial activity and inconsistent traffic flow in this area near Love Field contribute to side-impact and angle crashes involving buses and delivery vehicles.
- I-30 and Ferguson Road: Frequent freeway entries and short merge lanes make this corridor dangerous for slower-moving buses, often resulting in rear-end or sideswipe collisions.
- I-635 and Preston Road: A busy North Dallas interchange connecting multiple commuter routes and DART lines, where congestion and frequent lane weaving often lead to crashes during peak hours.
Each of these locations reflects the challenges of navigating large vehicles through one of Texas’s most heavily traveled metropolitan areas, where a single moment of inattention can cause serious harm.
Different Types of Bus Accidents Require Different Legal Strategies
Every bus accident case turns on who owns and operates the vehicle. The legal process, notice rules, and potential defendants vary depending on the type of bus involved.
- Public transit (DART) buses: Claims against city-run transportation services must follow the Texas Tort Claims Act, which limits liability and imposes shorter deadlines for filing claims.
- School buses: Public and private school operators must meet Department of Public Safety safety protocols under Education Code §34.002. Failures in driver supervision or equipment maintenance may justify a claim.
- Private or charter buses: These companies are bound by federal safety regulations governing driver qualifications and vehicle inspection schedules. Violations can serve as clear evidence of negligence.
We tailor our approach based on the operator involved and the laws that apply to that entity.
When Safety Standards Are Ignored
Under Texas law, bus companies are common carriers—a legal term meaning they owe a higher duty of care to passengers and others on the road. That standard demands more than ordinary caution. It requires routine vehicle maintenance, properly rested drivers, and safe operational practices.
When companies cut corners on inspections or allow fatigued operators behind the wheel, they breach that duty. At O’Hare and Koch, we investigate these safety lapses using records, witness accounts, and video evidence to show exactly how preventable negligence caused your injuries.
Common Causes of Bus Collisions in Dallas
Bus collisions are usually caused by some combination of the following:
- Driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to follow traffic laws can put passengers and others in danger.
- Fatigue and insufficient training: Long shifts or poor instruction can impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment.
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment: Brake, steering, or tire failures can result in catastrophic collisions.
- Negligent third-party drivers: Cars that cut off or tailgate buses often cause side-impact or rear-end crashes.
- Hazardous traffic conditions: Congested Dallas corridors where high speed and frequent merging create a greater risk of unintentional impacts.
- Adverse weather or road conditions: Rain, fog, or ice can make buses harder to control if safety procedures aren’t followed.
Who is Liable for Dallas Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents often involve a web of contributing factors rather than a single clear cause. Our investigation may reveal negligence by:
- A bus driver who was distracted, speeding, or impaired
- The transit company for hiring, training, or supervision failures
- A school district or private contractor overseeing student transport
- Maintenance providers that neglected repairs or inspections
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions
- Parts manufacturers whose mechanical defects caused the crash
- Other motorists who made unsafe maneuvers near the bus
We track down every potential source of recovery so you are not left relying on a single insurer or explanation.
Compensation Available for Bus Accident Victims
Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation for both financial losses and non-economic effects, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced enjoyment of life.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital care, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost income and earning potential: Missed pay and diminished capacity to work in the future.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement for vehicles or belongings.
- Physical pain and suffering: The physical discomfort, limitations, and ongoing pain that result from accident-related injuries, surgeries, or long-term recovery.
- Emotional distress: Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, fear of travel, or post-traumatic stress caused by the collision and its aftermath.
- Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or visible injury.
- Disabilities: Lasting physical limitations or mobility issues.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Activities and experiences you can no longer fully enjoy.
Each claim is unique, and even moderate injuries deserve careful attention. For examples of our past successes, view our case results.
How O’Hare and Koch Strengthen Bus Accident Claims
Our attorneys build every case on thorough preparation and detailed investigation. We gather evidence quickly and methodically to establish exactly how the crash occurred and who is responsible.
Our process includes:
- Collecting video footage, photographs, 911 recordings, driver logs, and GPS or telematics data
- Reviewing maintenance reports and driver qualification files
- Consulting with accident reconstruction and mechanical experts
- Applying Texas comparative fault law to allocate responsibility fairly among all parties
- Negotiating strategically with insurers for settlements that reflect the recovery of the full value of your claim
- Preparing every case for trial to ensure negligent companies take your claim seriously
With 25 years of experience and a deep understanding of Dallas roadways, our experienced attorneys are known for the precision and persistence needed to win complex transportation cases.
Texas Filing Deadlines and Why Timing Matters
Texas law limits the filing deadlines for all types of civil matters. Most personal injury cases must be filed within two years of the crash, but bus accident cases involving public entities may carry shorter notice requirements. For example, claims against DART or a local school district may require formal written notice within six months of the incident.
Quick legal action also helps preserve critical evidence such as surveillance video, maintenance records, and witness statements. Consulting a Dallas bus accident attorney as soon as possible ensures those details are not lost.
Speak With a Dallas Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a bus crash, contact O’Hare and Koch. We offer free, confidential consultations and charge no fees unless we recover compensation for you. You can also learn more about related cases by visiting our Dallas car accident lawyer page. Call today to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.