Back to School in Wichita Falls: What Texas Law Requires When You Meet a School Bus Every August and September, North Texas roads fill back up with yellow buses, backpacks, and kids who are still learning to look both ways. For drivers, it's a good time for a refresher on exactly what Texas law requires when you approach a stopped school bus — because the penalties for getting it wrong are steep, and the consequences of a mistake can be permanent. The Basic Rule The rule requiring drivers to stop for a school bus lives in Texas Transportation Code Section 545.066. In plain terms: if a school bus ahead of you is flashing its red lights and has its stop-arm extended, you must stop, and this applies to traffic in both directions — not just the cars behind the bus. There's one exception: on a divided highway with a physical median or barrier separating the lanes, traffic on the opposite side of that barrier does not have to stop. On an undivided road, though, it doesn't matter which direction you're headed; if you see those red lights, you stop! How Close Can You Get? Texas law requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a stopped school bus that's displaying flashing red lights or an extended stop sign, giving children room to safely enter and exit. And once you're stopped, stay stopped — turning right on red while a school bus is stopped nearby is also against the law. Yellow flashing lights are your early warning. As the bus prepares to stop, it will typically switch on yellow lights first, then red — so if you see yellow up ahead, start slowing down now rather than trying to beat the bus through the stop. Railroad Crossings Add Another Wrinkle Something many North Texas drivers don't expect school buses carrying children are required to stop at every railroad crossing, even ones without an active signal. Because drivers don't always anticipate a bus stopping in the middle of the road, these crossings are a common source of rear-end and passing accidents. If you're behind a bus and you see tracks ahead, assume it's going to stop because it must. What It Costs You If You Get It Wrong Texas doesn't treat this as a minor traffic ticket. Illegally passing a stopped school bus is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense and up to $2,000 for a second or subsequent offense. If a child or anyone else is hurt because a driver failed to stop, the charge escalates to a Class A misdemeanor — and a repeat violation that causes bodily injury can be charged as a felony. Beyond the criminal penalties, a conviction can also mean license suspension. Why This Matters Beyond the Fine A big yellow bus blocks a driver's view of small children the way almost nothing else on the road does. A driver approaching the bus may assume no one is crossing simply because they can't see anyone, and a driver trying to pass from behind may not spot a child stepping out until it's too late. The few seconds saved by not waiting are never worth what's at stake. School Bus Safety for Children School bus drivers have a blind spot immediately in front of the bus. This means the school bus driver cannot always see a child cross in front of the bus. If your child has to cross in front of the bus, teach your child to cross a great enough distance in front of the bus so that the bus driver can see them, and they can see the bus driver. If You've Been Hurt in a School Bus Accident Whether you're a parent, a driver who was injured avoiding a bus stopped illegally, or a family dealing with the aftermath of a crash involving a school bus, these cases are rarely simple. They can involve a school district, a bus contractor, an insurance company, and more than one negligent driver — and government entities in Texas have their own special rules about how and when they can be sued. If your family has been affected by a school bus accident in Wichita Falls or the surrounding North Texas area, Carolyn Ostovich has spent nearly 38 years fighting for injury victims and their families — including cases against negligent drivers and, where the law allows it, against the entities responsible for keeping kids safe on their way to and from school. Call Ostovich & Associates, P.C. at (940) 761-2000 for a free consultation. No contact sign-up and consultations are also available through our website.

A driver in Texas bought a used car from a dealership, trusting that the vehicle had been made roadworthy before the sale. When he was involved in a crash in 2023, the air bag deployed — and instead of protecting him, it exploded, sending metal fragments into his face. The replacement air bag inflator installed in his Chevrolet Malibu was counterfeit. Aas reported by The Wall Street Journal , federal safety officials have since linked that same type of inflator to at least 10 deaths and three serious injuries across the United States since 2023. The incident that launched the investigation happened right here in Texas. What Federal Regulators Have Found The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified a dangerous pattern: defective air bag inflators bearing markings associated with Chinese manufacturer DTN Airbag are entering the U.S. market and being installed in American vehicles. The company denies that it sold the parts in the U.S., claiming the components are themselves counterfeits produced by an unknown third party. Whatever their true origin, the inflators are dangerous. Rather than cushioning occupants in a crash, they can rupture violently — turning what should be a life-saving device into a source of shrapnel. In April 2025, NHTSA banned the sale and import of inflators marked with DTN part numbers and ordered recalls. But as The Wall Street Journal reported, the agency has acknowledged a sobering limitation: tracing and removing these parts is extraordinarily difficult. Why This Problem Is So Hard to Contain Unlike a traditional manufacturer recall — where a vehicle identification number links a specific car to a known defective component — this situation involves replacement parts that entered the country through what regulators describe as an opaque gray-market supply chain. In some cases, the inflators were concealed inside shipments of unrelated goods, making them difficult to intercept. The practical consequence is significant: there is currently no reliable method to identify which vehicles contain these counterfeit inflators. Many owners may be driving with a potentially lethal component and have no way of knowing it. The parts were sold through online marketplaces, including eBay, and subsequently installed by repair shops and dealerships — often with no knowledge that the parts were counterfeit. Who in Texas Should Be Concerned Texas has one of the largest used vehicle markets in the country, and the gray-market supply chains that brought these inflators into circulation operated broadly across the U.S. Any Texas driver whose vehicle has had an air bag replaced — particularly through a used car purchase, an independent repair shop, or parts sourced online — may be at risk. This concern applies to: Buyers of used or pre-owned vehicles, especially those sold "as-is" or with recently replaced components Vehicles repaired after prior collisions where air bags deployed Cars that had service performed by shops sourcing parts from online suppliers or gray-market distributors If you are uncertain whether your vehicle's air bag components are original manufacturer parts, a qualified mechanic can inspect them. Given the risk, that inspection is worth making. Your Rights as an Injured Texan When a defective component causes serious injury or death, Texas personal injury law provides meaningful avenues for holding responsible parties accountable — and that accountability can extend across the entire supply chain. A personal injury claim arising from a counterfeit air bag inflator may be pursued against multiple parties depending on the specific circumstances: Importers and distributors who introduced the counterfeit parts into the U.S. supply chain Online marketplace sellers who sold the inflators to repair facilities Repair shops and dealerships that installed the components in customer vehicles Used car dealers who sold vehicles already containing the defective parts In many of these cases, an injured person does not need to prove that a company intended to cause harm — only that the dangerous component caused their injuries and that a responsible party placed it in the chain of commerce. Texas law also provides recourse even when the original foreign manufacturer cannot be reached through U.S. courts, allowing claims to be brought against domestic sellers and distributors. Compensation in a successful personal injury claim can cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and — in cases of wrongful death — the losses suffered by surviving family members. Texas law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. For families who have lost someone, that window begins at the time of death. Acting promptly preserves evidence and protects your legal options. If You or a Family Member Has Been Harmed The deaths and injuries linked to these counterfeit inflators represent real Texans — and real families navigating profound losses. If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a crash where a counterfeit or defective air bag may have been involved, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and determine who may be held responsible. Our firm represents injured Texans and the families of those who have been killed due to the negligence of others. If you are in need of a consultation, give our office a call at 940-761-2000 . Source: "Counterfeit Air-Bag Parts Are Killing U.S. Drivers," The Wall Street Journal . This post is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Personal injury claims involve complex legal and factual questions specific to each case. If you have questions about a particular situation, please contact our office directly.

As a personal injury attorney in Wichita Falls, TX, the team at Ostovich & Associates has witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences when drivers fail to remain vigilant on the road. One crucial aspect of safe driving is consistently checking for external hazards, this includes cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. Why Checking for External Hazards Matters Wichita Falls is home to many cyclists and motorcyclists who rely on drivers’ attentiveness to stay safe. Because cyclists and motorcyclists are smaller and less visible than cars, failing to notice them can lead to serious accidents. Regular mirror and blind spot checks, adherence to speed limits, and cautious lane changes are essential habits every driver should practice. Bicycle Safety and Fatalities in Wichita Falls TXDOT “Share the Road” safety program studied bicycle-related crashes to identify patterns and make recommendations, focusing on road types and speed. Fatalities were disproportionately represented on US and state highways, compared to injuries (33% of bike fatalities vs. only 15% of total injuries occurring on highways). 2/3 of all crashes happened on city streets according to data from 2009 to 2014. In Wichita County, four bicyclists were killed in three separate collisions with automobiles between March and April 2026. Many of these tragic accidents are due to driver negligence—such as failing to yield right-of-way or improper lane changes. Protecting cyclists requires all drivers to remain alert, reduce distractions, and give adequate space and caution when sharing the roadway. How Ostovich Law Firm Can Help At Ostovich & Associates, the safety and rights of accident victims are our top priority. With extensive experience handling personal injury cases involving car, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents, the team is committed to securing fair compensation for those harmed by negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a car accident involving cyclists or motorcyclists, it’s important to consult with an attorney who understands the complexities of such cases. Ostovich Law’s knowledgeable attorneys provide compassionate support and aggressive representation to help you get the justice you deserve. Drive With Care Every driver has a responsibility to watch for external hazards and protect our community’s most vulnerable road users. Taking extra precautions to check blind spots and being patient with cyclists and motorcyclists can save lives. Together, we can make Wichita Falls’ roads safer for everyone. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a cyclist or motorcyclist, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and review your potential case.

Many critical decisions and actions affect whether you receive full compensation for your personal injury claim. The insurance company will not educate you about them until they make a low ball offer. Here are four essential things you must be aware of. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company until you consult with an attorney. For example, a casual comment about speed could wreck your case. You will be questioned about the speed you were going and if you know the speed limit. Any errors in your statement could later be used against you. Stating injuries not reflected in your medical records or concealing prior injuries. This affects your credibility and compromises your case. Delay seeking medical treatment. Many folks think they can work out a minor injury only to find that it worsens into a serious problem. A delay in treatment increases the chances your injury will not be attributed to the incident/accident. Not following your doctor’s treatment. The insurance company will assume you must not have been hurt very much if you don’t follow your doctor’s orders. If your case is significant the best thing you can do is hire, or at least, consult a board certified personal injury attorney. Without a lawyer you have little leverage against a big insurance company. A good attorney can help you do everything right from the beginning and take the risk out of fighting a battle you are not trained for or experienced in.

If you are injured by the fault of another, such as in a car accident, there are critical steps to take to ensure you are treated fairly by big insurance companies and receive full compensation. The most important step you can take in order to obtain the compensation you deserve is to fully and completely document your injury. If your injury is not verified by someone else the insurance company will act as if it never happened and you may not be able to adequately prove your case to a jury if necessary. Documentation concerns two elements: [a] proving fault of the party causing the event and [b] proving of the cause of your injury. If your case involves a traffic accident, it is important to notify the police so a report can be made of the circumstances surrounding the car accident. Be sure to get contact information for all witnesses and involved parties. If your injury was cased by slipping on a foreign substance at a business, immediately have a manager take your information and have an ambulance called if your injuries are serious. If you feel any pain or stiffness at all you should go to the hospital emergency room as soon as possible (preferably have an ambulance take you from the scene to the hospital. This provides early documentation of your injury and the early intervention hopefully will help the healing process. If your injury persists you should, within the next several days, follow up with your family doctor and seek early referral to a specialist who treats your type of injury. Ordinarily, an orthopedic specialist is the most competent doctor to treat your injury if it involves neck, back or extremity injury. The doctor will also be able to write a report explaining the nature and cause of your injury and explain this in court if needed. Your doctor’s advice regarding the treatment necessary for your injury should be followed. The insurance company will not respect your case if you do not follow doctor’s orders. They will assume you must not be very injured if you do not do what is necessary to try to get better. Document Your Injury! Report Your Accident or Injury Seek Competent Medical Attention Follow Medical Advice HIRE AN EXPERIENCED Personal Injury Trial Attorney Insurance companies are in business to charge premiums and pay out as little as possible on claims. You will be dealing with an experienced adjustor whose job is to do just that. Therefore, if you want to get the best result, you need someone on your side whose job is to get you full and complete recovery and who is experienced. You can obtain the services of an attorney on a contingency fee basis which means that their fee depends on how much they recover for you. Following these five steps will help you obtain the full and fair recovery you deserve.

Liability Insurance companies are fond of telling injury victims that here is our take it or leave it offer, you won’t get anymore. They may tell you not to hire an attorney because they will take a third, so you better take our offer. Don’t fall for tha, at least consult with an attorney to determine if that is even remotely close to the truth. The insurance company on your side; their loyalty is to their shareholders. The more premiums they take in and the less they pay out in claims the better off they are - NOT YOU. I welcome people with offers to contact me for a free consultation. The next time big insurance companies try to bully you into taking their offer call an experienced personal injury trial attorney and see if she thinks you are being treated fairly. If you live in the North Texas area, I invite you to call me for a free consultation. What have you got to lose? You might be surprised to end up with more than the insurance company offered. 

Winning an auto collision case or any personal injury case (getting fully compensated for your injury) is not easy. However, there are 7 things you can do to help ensure you receive fair compensation. Do not delay seeking medical attention. When someone is horribly injured in a car crash the injuries are usually clearly documented from the time the life squad arrives to the time you are taken to the hospital. But once people are released from the hospital and attempt the recovery process documentation slacks off. Gaps in medical treatment or cancellation of appointments can come back to haunt you. Cancellations will be recorded in your records and gaps are holes in your case. This allows the seeds of doubt to be sown regarding how serious your injury is. A good defense attorney will try arguing that either you weren’t hurt very bad or had you followed your doctors advice you would have recovered sooner or there is another bad explanation for why you did not go to the doctor. Listen closely to your body and let it guide you when you see your doctor. Serious initial injuries often mask less severe injuries which ultimately linger. It is important to tell your doctor as soon as possible what else is bothering you that might not have seemed important. Document your injuries with photographs. Pictures graphically depict the suffering and seriousness of an injury. Don’t sign the insurance company's blanket authorizations. You can never be sure know what they will ask for that isn’t their business. Do not conceal prior injuries from your doctor or your attorney. Your doctor’s opinion of the case of your injuries is based on an accurate history. Give the doctor a complete history of past medical problems, but if they have healed be sure to make clear that they had not been bothering you since your new injury. Give yourself the benefit of an early consultation with a good car accident attorney. You may find the lawyer can provide services which will increase the value of your case, give you peace of mind and allow you to concentrate on recovery, rather than fighting big insurance companies. At least find out the compensation you are entitled to and if you have a fair case. Also, a lawyer can help preserve evidence that might otherwise be ignored.

If you are hurt in a car accident as a result of the fault of another, chances are the insurance company will contact you and convince you they will take care of you, so you do not need an attorney who will charge out of your recovery. Consider that the adjustor has a job to do. His/her job is to pay out as little money on your personal injury claim as possible. Why do you think they try to persuade you not to get an attorney? Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee so the incentive is for them to get you as much as possible. Even considering an attorney’s percentage being deducted, you get more than without an attorney. An experienced personal injury trial attorney should be able to determine they can add value to your claim. For instance, if you just went to the emergency room or your family doctor one time for your injury,the attorney may not be able to justify taking your case. However, if you have a significant injury with ongoing treatment, you should consider hiring an attorney to protect your rights and fight for what is fair. Often it is a benefit to let an attorney take the hassle out of dealing with the insurance company. Don’t be bullied or sweet talked into taking less than you deserve by big insurance companies.

If you suffered an injury through the fault of another and are trying to deal with the insurance company by yourself, good luck. In some cases this is fine. In fact, in minor injury cases with minimal treatment I may not be able to be of benefit to you. However, in larger cases how do you know if the offer is fair if you are handling your case without any experience like a board certified personal injury trial attorney has? You may worry that even if the offer is not fair, it’s better than paying an attorney a percentage of your recovery. Experienced personal injury trial attorneys can evaluate the fault of the other party and damages you suffer from and the evidence that supports both. They can use their experience and research similar settlements and verdicts to give you a fair idea of what range your case is worth. My suggestion is at least consult with an experienced trial attorney. For instance, I have had clients come to me with a low ball offer and I have been able to help them. Unfortunately, there are also cases that I have turned down because the client has already ruined their chances of getting more than lowball offer by making critical mistakes. Don’t let big insurance companies scare you into taking a low ball offer. In serious cases a good personal injury trial lawyer not only may be able to get you more money, but will take the frustration out of dealing with the insurance company.