Houston Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Joe Stephens is a double board-certified personal injury attorney with over 40 years of experience representing accident victims across Houston.
“No Legal Fees Until Joe Wins Your Case”
Content Reviewed by: Joe Stephens
Bus accidents can be more devastating than typical car crashes. Passengers are often injured, and smaller vehicles can suffer severe damage when a bus is involved. In Houston, METRO buses share heavy commuter corridors like I-10 and Loop 610 with everyday traffic, and if you’ve been hurt in a crash involving one, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and questions about who is responsible.
Joe Stephens has practiced law for over 40 years and represents people injured in bus accidents in Houston. Contact us for a free consultation to learn about your options and what the claims process involves.
Why Bus Accident Victims Choose The Stephens Law Firm
Bus crashes call for experienced representation. Joe Stephens has practiced law for over 40 years and has tried more than 150 cases. As a small firm, we give you personal attention: you work directly with Joe from your first call through resolution.
Joe is compassionate with clients and firm with insurance companies. He holds dual board certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Board certification requires trial experience and peer endorsements, so it reflects courtroom work, not just years in practice. As Joe puts it, “I get to know my clients, so that I can speak from the heart for them.”
Our case preparation includes:
- Accident investigation
- Evidence collection
- Eyewitness interviews
- Consultations with medical experts
We prepare every case as though it may go to trial.
What you can expect from our firm:
- Experience with METRO and private bus cases
- Personalized representation
- No legal fees unless you win
- Statewide reputation for results
- Trusted local advocate for serious injury victims
- Willingness to go to trial
The Stephens Law Firm has extensive experience in helping bus accident victims throughout the state of Texas.
“Mr. Stephens is the best attorney in Houston! His team is excellent at communicating with their clients, and I highly recommend them to anyone with a personal injury legal issue!” – Matt F.
Joe Stephens’ Experience With Houston Bus Accident Cases
Our compassionate legal team handles numerous types of bus accident cases in the Houston area, including those involving:
- METRO buses – In 2024, a five-vehicle METRO bus crash in Houston led to one fatality.
- School buses – There is a national average of 111 fatalities per year involving school buses.
- Charter and tour buses – Recently, a charter bus with nearly 60 on board crashed into a semi-truck in North Texas.
- Airport and hotel shuttles – Data shows that in a 10-year period, more than 1,000 15-passenger vans were involved in fatal collisions; among them, an average of 64 percent flipped.
- Interstate buses, like Greyhound or Megabus – In recent news, two people died and a dozen more were injured after a car collided with a Greyhound bus.
Joe Stephens understands local roads, traffic patterns, and how they contribute to Houston bus accidents and can utilize this knowledge while navigating your case for compensation.
What To Expect When Filing a Bus Accident Claim in Houston
| Private Carriers | Private Carriers(METRO) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who to Sue | The private bus company, the bus driver, maintenance contractors, parts or bus manufacturers; third-party drivers who contributed to the crash. | METRO as a government entity, sometimes the bus driver (in limited situations), parts/manufacturers for defect-based claims, third-party drivers. |
| Deadline to File | Typically 2 years from the date of the accident under Texas personal injury law. | Requires a formal notice of claim within 6 months under the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA). Lawsuit must still follow the general 2-year deadline, but missing the notice window can bar the claim. |
| Damages Cap | No special damages cap beyond general Texas personal-injury law. For bus injury compensation. Full compensatory damages may still be recoverable. | Damages are capped under the TTCA: up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident for bodily injury when suing a local government entity like METRO. |
| Investigation process | It often involves corporate attorneys, insurance carriers, black-box data, driver logs, and internal company policies. | METRO accidents require requests through the government, public records processes, and compliance with strict administrative rules. |
Who Are the Legally Liable Parties After a Bus Accident in Houston, Texas?
Several parties may be potentially responsible in the aftermath of a bus accident in Houston, such as:
- The bus driver – Negligent operation, fatigue, or distracted driving
- Transit agency or private operator – Poor hiring or lack of training
- Bus maintenance company – Failure to inspect or fix defects
- Manufacturer, If a defective part contributed to the crash
- Other negligent drivers on the road
Joe Stephens can investigate all liable parties and pursue claims against public or private entities. Call our law office today to speak with a seasoned bus accident attorney in Houston.
“The staff at the Stephens Law Firm have been good to work with. They answer all of your questions and really work for you to try to lower your medical expenses. It was a pleasure to work with Joe Stephens and I like the fact that he cares about his clients. If I ever need an attorney again, I will call the Stephens Law Firm.” – (Carlos Ramirez)
Case Study: $7,011,000 Verdict Against Houston Yellow Cab for Its Negligent Driver
In a case handled by Joe Stephens, Diane Perez was injured in a two-car accident with a Yellow Cab. At trial, the defense argued that the cab driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee. A Texas jury rejected that defense, found the cab driver negligent and acting as an employee of Yellow Cab, and awarded $7.11 million in damages, as detailed in our write-up of the verdict against Houston Yellow Cab. Client collection is pending.
Recoverable Compensation After a Bus Accident in Houston
Compensation for a bus accident injury claim may vary depending on the severity of your injuries in a bus crash. These typically fall into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are the tangible losses you experience from a personal injury and can cover the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time off work and reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
Non-economic damages are more subjective, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
In cases of particularly egregious behavior, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant. We have extensive experience negotiating with insurers and litigating claims involving serious injuries. If you need assistance with a case, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
“Very knowledgeable, honest, responsive, and dedicated to your case. They did an excellent job in getting my case settled.” –Greg Griffith
Crashes involving buses often leave behind serious injuries and big questions. We know how to take on bus companies and their insurers, and we won’t back down until you get the compensation you deserve.
Houston Bus Accident FAQs
Can I File a Lawsuit Against Metro or the City of Houston Following a Bus Crash?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit directly against METRO or the City of Houston after a bus accident. However, government claims come with unique challenges such as specific filing deadlines. Joe Stephens has experience filing injury claims against public agencies and could help with your case.
When Is the Deadline To File a Bus Accident Claim in Houston, Texas?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Houston is two years. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in being barred from recovering compensation. It’s important to note that shorter deadlines may apply to claims against public entities. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys could review your claim and determine the applicable filing deadlines.
What Should I Do if My Child Is Injured in a School Bus Accident in Houston?
If your child is hurt in a Houston bus crash, you may be able to file a claim directly against the school district or private contractors. Our team knows how to help families through these sensitive cases and could take on yours while your family focuses on recovery.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Suffered Minor Injuries in a Houston Bus Accident?
Even minor injuries can have lasting effects. Additionally, insurance companies often undervalue these claims, and without legal help, you could end up receiving less compensation than required for your recovery. An early legal consultation with our lawyers can protect your best interests and ensure you secure a fair damages award.
Contact a Houston Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash due to someone’s negligent actions, do not wait to get the help you deserve. You can reach us by calling 281-201-0035 or by visiting our Houston office at 9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 332, Houston, TX 77024.
We encourage you to contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. We also offer a 30-day no-obligation period, so you can feel confident in your decision to work with us. The Stephens Law Firm is committed to utilizing our local knowledge and is dedicated to supporting Houston bus accident victims during their recovery.