Can I Get Compensation If I Was Hit in a Texas School Zone?

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Key Takeaway:
You can seek compensation for injuries in a Texas school zone accident—even if a public school bus or employee was involved—because certain cases waive government immunity under the Texas Tort Claims Act.

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Accidents in Texas school zones are unfortunately common. With children crossing streets, buses making frequent stops, and drivers rushing to get through, crashes can happen quickly. When they do, victims often wonder: Can I pursue a claim if the accident involves a public school bus or employee, given that schools are government entities?

The answer is yes—but the process is more complicated.

How the Texas Tort Claims Act Applies

Texas law generally protects government entities from lawsuits through sovereign immunity. Public schools fall under this protection. However, the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) makes important exceptions that allow victims to file claims when negligence is involved.

Compensation may be available if:

• A public employee is negligent while performing job duties.

• A school bus accident causes injury.

• Dangerous conditions on public property contribute to the crash.

If the accident involves a private school bus, sovereign immunity does not apply, and claims are handled like any other personal injury case.

Challenges When Filing a Claim

Claims against public schools come with strict requirements. Victims must:

• File notice of the claim quickly (often within six months).

• Show that negligence directly caused their injuries.

• Stay within the damage caps set by law, which limit the amount that can be recovered from a government entity.

Because of these restrictions, many families find it helpful to work with an attorney familiar with TTCA claims.

What Compensation Can Cover

Even when a claim involves a public school district, compensation can cover many of the same losses as a regular injury case, such as:

• Emergency treatment

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

Injured in a School Zone? Call Shaw.

Dealing with the aftermath of a school zone accident can be overwhelming—especially when a public entity is involved. But you don’t have to face the process alone.

At Carabin Shaw, our attorneys know how to navigate the Texas Tort Claims Act and fight for fair compensation.

📞 Call us today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with a San Antonio personal injury attorney. No fees. No pressure. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.