Bus companies are held to a higher standard of care to protect the safety of their passengers. If you were hurt in an accident and can prove the driver or another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to file a claim by suing the responsible party. This also applies if you were injured as another motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist.
Our bus accident lawyers serving Sarasota can review the facts of your case during a free consultation and help you understand your legal options and next steps.
Who Could Be Liable for Injuries Caused in A Bus Accident?
Bus accidents are more complex than other types of road traffic collisions as there are often multiple parties involved which adds complexity to the legal process. Liable parties can include bus drivers, bus companies and employers, government agencies, other motorists, bus manufacturers, and part manufacturers. Here are a few examples of how bus accidents and injuries happen:
- Driver (the bus driver or other road users) distraction or negligence
- Poor road or weather conditions
- Faulty brakes, tires, or other defective vehicle parts or equipment defects
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Unsafe traffic maneuvers
- Reckless driving
- Insufficient driver training
- Poorly maintained buses
- Bus companies not adhering to proper safety policy, rules, or regulations
- Blind spots
- Bus companies who do not perform adequate background checks on drivers during the hiring process
If your injuries are serious, PIP coverage will likely not be enough to compensate you for all your medical expenses and other losses. Therefore it may be appropriate to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party, but you or your lawyer must prove the other party was negligent.
Serious injury claims tend to settle for larger amounts due to the amount of pain and suffering caused. As such, liable parties and their insurers will respond with solid opposition, so it can be beneficial to work with legal representation to protect your best interests and fight your corner.
Our Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help You Prove Your Case
The success of any personal injury lawsuit hinges on proving the liable party was negligent in some way that caused or contributed to the accident. Further, the accident resulted in your injuries, and you suffered physical, emotional, and financial loss.
As you can imagine, this can be a tough challenge to approach alone, especially while recovering from the accident. Our attorneys do everything they can to take the hassle out of the legal process by managing every aspect of your case. This could involve:
- Investigating the facts of the case to determine the cause of the accident
- Identifying liable parties
- Gathering and preserving evidence to support your case
- Assessing the full financial extent of your injuries and other related losses
- Negotiating for an appropriate settlement
- Taking your case to trial where necessary
We work closely with our clients and take the time to understand what they have been through. With us, you are not a number. We get to know you, and you get to know us and our passion and commitment to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can I Claim For As An Injured Party In A Bus Accident?
The facts and circumstances of your case will determine its value. However, as a general guide, compensation available in a bus injury lawsuit can be awarded in lieu of:
- Medical bills, treatment costs, and rehabilitation fees
- Lost income during your recovery and compensation if your injuries affect your employment in the future
- Pain and suffering for your physical pain and also any psychological harm caused by the accident such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, or PTSD
- Other related losses such as damaged property or travel costs to attend medical appointments, for example
If the accident caused the wrongful death of a loved one, we are deeply sorry for your loss. If you believe your loved one died due to the negligent behavior of another person or business, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible.
How Long Do I Have To Make My Bus Accident Claim?
People hurt in bus accidents caused through no fault of their own have four years to file an injury lawsuit, per Florida Statute § 95.11. However, depending on who is liable, this timeframe can become much shorter, for example, if the bus company is government-operated. If the motorists involved were uninsured, than the time limit is five years.
A good rule of thumb is to seek advice sooner rather than later. Not only does this mean you file within the appropriate deadlines, but it also helps preserve evidence. Early intervention means we can gather witness testimony while the memory is fresh and collect other evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
Is It Expensive To Hire A Bus Accident Lawyer in Sarasota?
We know being injured can bring financial worries about paying your medical bills and meeting other financial obligations while being unable to work due to your injuries. We do not want to add to these pressures, so our lawyers provide their legal services on a no-win no-fee payment structure. This means we cover the cost of building and pursuing your case, and you only pay us if we recover for you.
Find Out Whether You Can File a Compensation Claim Today
At GED Lawyers, we understand the impact a serious injury can have on your home, work, and family life. Since 1995, we have helped thousands of Floridians recover compensation, including an arbitration award of over one million dollars for wrongful death in a bus accident. We are keen to help you, too.
The first step on your journey to financial recovery for your injuries can begin with a simple call with our team, where you can learn about your legal options. To learn more, request a free case review with our Boca Raton personal injury lawyers today.
