On January 3, 2026, a Houston METRO Route 54 bus was involved in a serious crash on McGowen Street over State Highway 288, where it was struck from behind by another vehicle and slid down the embankment off the overpass before landing head-first onto a concrete divider. Emergency crews responded, and all passengers and the driver were removed from the bus without fatalities. Local authorities describe that the bus’s occupants were “safe and out of danger,” but many were transported to hospitals for evaluation and may still have serious injuries despite no reported life-threatening trauma. The incident remains under investigation.

Fortunately, none of the passengers in Saturday’s crash have life-threatening injuries, but it is unclear how seriously injured the passengers may be. Bus accidents are complicated, especially where liability is concerned. For more information about the kinds of injuries passengers suffer in these kinds of accidents and what you should do if you are ever in one, read the rest of this article.

Common Types of Passenger Injuries in Accidents

Even when passengers survive a crash without fatal injuries, they can still be seriously hurt. In bus incidents like the METRO crash on Saturday, forces from sudden deceleration, impacts, or rollovers can cause the following injuries:

1. Head and Brain Injuries
Passengers thrown forward, struck by objects, or jolted violently can suffer concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These can produce symptoms like confusion, memory loss, dizziness, or long-term cognitive issues.

2. Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash and spinal injuries are common when the body is rapidly accelerated or decelerated. Severe spinal cord trauma may lead to lasting pain or loss of function.

3. Broken Bones and Fractures
Collision forces can cause fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis when passengers are thrown against hard surfaces or other occupants.

4. Internal Injuries
Internal organ damage or bleeding may not be immediately obvious, yet these can become life-threatening without prompt medical care.

5. Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries
Broken glass or sharp edges can produce cuts, while muscle and ligament strains can cause persistent pain and disability.

6. Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The emotional impact of surviving a severe crash can include anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression, which often require professional support.

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Immediate Steps to Take If You Are in a Bus Crash

If you are ever in a serious accident as a passenger, including public transit crashes like the one in Houston, there are a few steps you can take to protect your health and legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you feel “fine,” you could have hidden injuries. Getting examined by a healthcare provider as soon as possible ensures any trauma is diagnosed early and documented. Delaying treatment can result in worse outcomes and a weaker legal claims.

Document What You Can
If you are able, take photos of the crash scene, your visible injuries, and any conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Collect contact information from other passengers and witnesses. This documentation can be invaluable later.

Report the Incident
While it is likely a bystander has already contacted the police, it doesn’t hurt to call. Ask for copies of official police reports or METRO incident reports.

Keep Detailed Records
Save all medical bills, prescriptions, receipts for related expenses, and records of lost income.

Consult a Qualified Attorney Early
A lawyer experienced in bus and public transit accidents can help clarify your rights, guide you through negotiation with insurers or government entities, and ensure you meet time limits for claims. In Texas, for many injury claims, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Knowing Your Rights as a Passenger

Passengers injured in the METRO bus accident are likely entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages, depending on the results of the Houston Police Department’s investigation. In such a case, liability would rest with the other driver, but compensation would be paid out by the driver’s insurance company.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a METRO bus crash, contact Hilda Sibrian today at 713-714-1414 or fill out our online contact form.