Contact our office for a free, confidential case review with a Houston bus accident lawyer.
If you have been injured in a bus accident in Houston, an attorney can help you determine who is liable and pursue compensation for your injuries. Bus accident cases involve unique legal considerations, including government immunity rules, common carrier duties, and the involvement of multiple potential defendants that make these claims different from a standard motor vehicle case.
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers represents bus accident victims on the plaintiff side throughout Texas. Our attorneys bring more than two decades of combined trial experience to personal injury litigation and handle bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis. If you need a Houston, TX bus accident lawyer, contact our firm for a free consultation.
Bus Accident Lawyer Houston, TX
A bus accident lawyer represents passengers, pedestrians, motorists, and others hurt in collisions involving public transit buses, school buses, charter buses, and commercial passenger carriers. What makes these cases different from a typical car wreck is the legal framework. Claims against METRO or a school district follow entirely different procedural rules than claims against a private charter company. The type of bus operator determines the rules your case must follow.
Houston runs one of the largest public transit systems in the South. METRO operates over 1,200 buses on 83 local routes, carrying close to 250,000 riders on a typical weekday. That volume of daily bus traffic, moving through the same congested intersections and highway corridors as cars, trucks, and pedestrians, produces a steady number of bus-related injury claims each year.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle in Houston
Bus accidents happen in settings that range from downtown intersections to suburban school zones, and the legal analysis changes depending on the type of bus and who operates it.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we handle bus accident cases including the following:
- METRO bus accidents. METRO is a government entity. That single fact changes everything about how the claim is handled. Specific notice requirements apply, and failure to comply with them can eliminate your right to pursue the case entirely, no matter how clear the fault.
- School bus accidents. When a child is injured in a school bus crash or while boarding or exiting, the potential defendants include the school district, the driver, and any third-party motorist whose negligence caused the collision. Like METRO claims, school district claims involve governmental notice rules.
- Charter and tour bus crashes. Private charter operators must carry commercial insurance and follow federal safety standards. Rollovers, highway collisions, and driver fatigue contribute to many of these incidents. Post-collision fires can cause burn injuries to passengers who are unable to exit quickly.
- Commercial shuttle accidents. Airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, employer-provided passenger vans. These operators owe a heightened duty of care to the people they carry.
- Pedestrian bus accidents. Pedestrians and motorcycle riders struck by buses sustain some of the most severe injuries in this area of litigation. A bus weighs 25,000 to 40,000 pounds. Even at low speed, the collision forces produce traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, and fatalities.
- Bus passenger injuries. A passenger does not need to be in a collision to be injured on a bus. Sudden stops, hard turns, and abrupt lane changes throw standing passengers into poles, grab bars, and other riders. The operator has a legal obligation to drive in a manner that protects the people on board.
- Multi-vehicle bus collisions. When a bus is involved in a crash with multiple vehicles, liability can extend to other motorists, commercial truck operators, and the bus driver simultaneously. These cases require sorting out fault among three, four, or more parties.
- Wrongful death. When a bus accident kills a passenger, pedestrian, or motorist, Texas law allows the surviving spouse, children, and parents to file wrongful death claims against the bus operator and other negligent parties.
Why Choose Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers as My Bus Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX?
Proven Results in Serious Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
Matt Greenberg is a Texas trial lawyer who has served as lead counsel in cases that produced record-setting verdicts and settlements. He earned his J.D. from Baylor Law School, is licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the National Trial Lawyers. Matt has tried cases in county, state, and federal courts across Texas.
Mike Streich graduated cum laude from the UH Law Center and spent years on the defense side representing corporations and insurance syndicates, including Lloyd’s of London, in catastrophic injury and death cases involving commercial motor vehicles. That defense background gives him working knowledge of how transit operators and their insurers evaluate bus accident claims and build their defense strategies. He has been named a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers in multiple years.
Together, our attorneys have recovered over $375 million for injured clients. Their bus accident results include an $11 million recovery and a $5 million recovery, both involving serious injuries sustained in bus-related incidents. As your personal injury lawyer in Houston, our firm handles every bus accident case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery.
What Is Important to Understand About a Bus Accident Case?
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Bus Accident Cases
What you can recover after a bus accident depends on two things: how badly you were hurt, and who caused the accident. Bus operators that carry passengers for hire are classified as common carriers under Texas law. That classification matters because it imposes a heightened duty of care, a standard more demanding than ordinary negligence.
Injured bus accident victims may recover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and projected future treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Disfigurement and permanent physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
If the bus was operated by METRO or a school district, the Texas Tort Claims Act applies. That statute imposes specific notice deadlines and limits certain categories of damages. Miss the governmental notice deadline and the claim is barred, even when the bus operator’s fault is obvious.
Texas uses modified comparative negligence. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If your fault exceeds 50 percent, you recover nothing.
What Are Important Aspects of a Bus Accident Case?
Bus accident claims do not work the same way as a standard car accident case. Several issues require attention from the start.
- Government entity claims come with short notice deadlines. If METRO or a school district operates the bus, formal notice must be filed within a specific period. This deadline takes priority over every other step in the case.
- The common carrier classification changes the legal standard. Common carriers owe the highest degree of care to their passengers. What might be acceptable conduct from an ordinary driver may constitute negligence from a bus operator.
- Multiple defendants are common. The bus operator, the driver, a maintenance contractor, a product manufacturer, and other motorists on the road may each bear some share of fault.
- Onboard camera footage is critical and temporary. Many bus operators overwrite their surveillance recordings within days. If your attorney does not issue a formal preservation demand quickly, that evidence may be gone.
What Is the Bus Accident Case Timeline?
How long the case takes depends on whether a government entity is involved, how severe the injuries are, and how many parties share liability.
- Investigation starts immediately. The attorney identifies the bus operator, sends evidence preservation demands for camera footage and maintenance logs, and determines whether governmental notice rules apply.
- Medical treatment continues until your condition stabilizes. For serious injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, that may take a year or more.
- Governmental notice compliance cannot wait. If the claim involves METRO or a school district, the notice must be filed within the required window. No exceptions.
- Once the medical picture is clear, the firm prepares a demand and begins negotiating with the bus operator’s insurer or legal department.
- If fair terms are not offered, suit is filed. Bus accident cases in Harris County generally take one to three years from filing to resolution.
What Should You Bring to Your Bus Accident Consultation?
Having your documentation organized before the meeting helps the attorneys evaluate your claim more efficiently. You may not have every item listed below at this stage. Bring whatever documentation is available:
- Any police report or incident report from the bus operator
- Medical records and bills from treatment received so far
- Photographs of the accident scene, the bus, your injuries, or the intersection
- The bus route number, time of the incident, and location
- Names and contact information for other passengers or witnesses
During the consultation, we review the facts, determine whether the claim involves a government entity, and explain how Texas law applies to your specific circumstances. There is no charge for this meeting.
What Are Important Texas Legal Resources for Bus Accident Cases?
Texas law provides the legal framework for bus accident claims, though the applicable rules depend on whether the bus is operated by a private company or a government entity. The following resources help injured individuals and their families locate relevant statutes.
- The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of injury under Chapter 16 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Claims against government entities may be subject to shorter notice deadlines under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
- Texas negligence law follows a proportionate responsibility framework. An injured person’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault, and recovery is barred if the plaintiff bears more than 50 percent of the responsibility.
- Common carrier liability imposes a higher standard of care on bus operators that transport passengers for hire.
- The Texas Legislature website provides the full text of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and other current statutes.
- Our firm monitors Texas legal changes that may affect bus accident claims, governmental immunity rules, and negligence standards.
Reach Out to Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation
If you or a family member has been injured in a bus accident in Houston, TX, our attorneys are available for a free and confidential case review. We handle bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation at a time that works for you.
Bus Accident Statistics in Houston
Bus accidents in Texas result in hundreds of injuries each year. According to TxDOT crash data, the state recorded 540 bus crashes in 2021, resulting in 931 suspected injuries and 21 fatalities. In 2020, Texas recorded over 2,000 bus crashes, including 1,398 involving commercial buses and 472 involving school buses. The majority of these crashes occurred in urban areas.
Houston’s bus accident volume is driven in part by the scale of the METRO system, which operates over 1,200 buses and serves approximately 78 million riders per year. Recent incidents include a METRO bus that fell from a Highway 288 overpass in January 2026 after being rear-ended, injuring 15 people. In 2024, a five-vehicle crash involving a METRO bus in southwest Houston resulted in one fatality. These incidents highlight the serious injury risks that bus passengers and other road users face in the Houston area.
What Should I Expect During a Bus Accident Case?
Knowing what happens at each stage removes some of the uncertainty that comes with a legal claim. Bus accident cases follow a general sequence, though no two move at exactly the same pace.
1. Initial case evaluation. The attorney reviews the facts, identifies the bus operator, and determines whether the claim involves a government entity. If it does, that finding shapes every procedural step that follows. Preparing consultation questions beforehand helps you assess whether the firm is right for your case.
2. Evidence preservation. This step is time-sensitive. Onboard camera footage may be overwritten within days. Your attorney issues formal preservation demands to the bus company, the transit authority, and any nearby businesses with surveillance cameras. Traffic camera footage from the city is also requested.
3. Medical treatment and documentation. Treatment does not pause for the legal case. Your medical records, diagnostic imaging, and treatment notes build the evidentiary foundation for damages. Gaps in your treatment create problems; defense attorneys will argue that missing appointments means the injuries are not as severe as claimed.
4. Investigation and liability analysis. The attorney examines the bus operator’s safety record, the driver’s qualifications and training, and the vehicle’s maintenance history. Government entity claims add another layer: compliance with federal transit safety requirements.
5. Governmental notice compliance. For METRO, school district, or other government-operated buses, formal notice must be filed within the applicable deadline. There is no flexibility on this point.
6. Demand and negotiation. Once your medical condition has stabilized, the firm puts together a demand package and enters negotiations with the bus operator’s insurer or legal department.
7. Filing suit. If negotiations do not produce a fair offer, the firm files a lawsuit. Discovery, depositions, and pre-trial motions follow.
8. Trial preparation. The case is prepared for trial if settlement remains out of reach. Witness preparation, demonstrative exhibits, and pre-trial filings are completed.
9. Resolution. The case ends through a negotiated settlement, mediation, or a jury verdict. Timeline depends on injury severity, the number of defendants, and whether governmental immunity is raised as a defense.
Houston Bus Accident Lawyer FAQs
Can I sue METRO if I was injured on a Houston bus?
Yes. But the process is different from suing a private company. METRO is a government entity, so your claim falls under the Texas Tort Claims Act. That means specific notice requirements apply, and certain damage categories are limited. The governmental notice deadline is shorter than the standard two-year statute of limitations, and missing it bars the claim.
What is the common carrier duty, and how does it apply to bus accidents?
A common carrier transports passengers for hire. Texas law holds common carriers to the highest degree of care, a standard that goes beyond ordinary negligence. In practical terms, that means a bus operator can be found liable for conduct that would not constitute negligence if a regular driver did the same thing.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Texas?
Two years for most personal injury claims. But if the bus was operated by METRO or a school district, you must file formal notice within a shorter period. Talk to an attorney quickly to make sure you do not miss the applicable deadline.
Who can be held liable in a bus accident?
It depends on the facts. Possible defendants include the bus operator, the driver, a maintenance company, the bus manufacturer, and other motorists on the road. Bus accidents frequently involve shared liability among multiple parties.
What types of injuries are common in bus accidents?
Bus passengers usually do not have seatbelts and are often standing. Falls inside the bus cause traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord damage. Passengers struck by other riders or thrown into poles sustain soft tissue injuries and lacerations. Pedestrians hit by buses sustain the most severe injuries due to the vehicle’s size.
Should I accept a settlement offer from the bus company’s insurer?
Not without having an attorney review it. Early offers are calculated to close the file before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting one waives your right to pursue additional compensation later, even if your condition worsens.
What evidence is important in a bus accident case?
Onboard camera footage is often the most valuable piece of evidence, and it is also the most time-sensitive. Traffic camera recordings, the police report, witness statements, the bus maintenance log, and the driver’s training records all matter. Failing to preserve this evidence is among the critical mistakes that weaken bus accident claims.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?
We handle bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis. No upfront attorney fees, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
What if the bus driver was not at fault for the collision?
The bus operator may still bear liability. If the vehicle was poorly maintained, the driver lacked proper qualifications, or safety protocols were violated, those failures can create liability even when the initial collision was caused by someone else.
What should I do immediately after a bus accident?
Medical attention first. Then report the incident to the bus driver or the transit authority. Photograph the scene, the bus number, and the route sign. Get contact information from other passengers and witnesses. If the at-fault driver left the scene, follow the procedures for a hit-and-run incident and preserve whatever bus route information is available. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Local Information for Houston Bus Accident Cases
Most Dangerous Locations for Bus Accidents in Houston
Bus accident risk in Houston concentrates along high-traffic transit corridors and at congested intersections.
- Downtown Houston transit corridors along Main Street, Fannin Street, and Smith Street carry heavy bus traffic alongside pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles.
- Westheimer Road and Richmond Avenue serve multiple METRO routes through densely commercial areas with frequent stops and heavy pedestrian activity.
- Bellaire Boulevard and Hillcroft Avenue in southwest Houston are high-ridership corridors with elevated crash rates at intersections.
- Highway 288 and the Midtown/Third Ward area was the site of a METRO bus overpass incident in January 2026 and carries substantial transit traffic.
- The Texas Medical Center area generates significant bus and shuttle traffic as passengers travel to and from one of the largest medical complexes in the world.
What Are Important Local Resources for Houston Bus Accident Cases?
Individuals involved in bus accidents in Houston may need to contact the following agencies and facilities. These are listed for reference purposes only.
- Houston Police Department for accident reports and non-emergency inquiries: (713) 884-3131
- METRO Customer Service for incident reports and route information: (713) 635-4000
- Memorial Hermann, a Level I trauma center for critical injuries: (713) 704-4000
- Harris Health System (Ben Taub Hospital), a Level I trauma center serving Harris County: (713) 873-2000
Listing these resources does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers.
About Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers is a Houston-based injury law firm that concentrates on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Texas. Matt Greenberg holds the largest recorded personal injury settlement in Tarrant County and the largest recorded personal injury verdict in Montgomery County. Mike Streich is a member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and previously represented defendants in commercial motor vehicle injury and death cases, giving him perspective on how transit operators and their insurers approach bus accident litigation.
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Contact Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Bus accident cases involve government entities, common carrier liability, and procedural requirements that differ from standard motor vehicle claims. At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we provide free consultations for Houston bus accident cases. Our contingency fee structure means no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule your free case review with a Houston, TX bus accident attorney.
