Various types of public transport are used on a daily basis across many cities in the country. In Florida, bus travel plays a significant role in the overall public transportation system. Bus transportation can be a faster, more convenient, and affordable mode of transport in comparison to car travel. Bus transportation is used across Florida by commuters, school children, and tourists on a daily basis.
However, just like trucks, motorbikes, and cars, buses can also be involved in accidents resulting in injury and sometimes wrongful death. Unfortunately, an alarming amount of reports are filed involving bus collisions. This tends to be the result of negligence and a lack of safety measures being in place. The outcomes of a bus accident tend to be far worse than a car collision. This is due to the size of the vehicle and the fact that it is transporting a greater number of passengers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Florida, you can file for compensation by filing a bus accident injury claim. If you are suffering any pain as a result of your injuries, you may recover damages such as your medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Call us for free at The Law Place. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you with your lawsuit.
Contact us now for a free consultation on (941) 444-4444.
In This Article
- Repercussions of Being Involved in a Bus Collision
- Reporting a Bus Accident
- Bus Accident Liability in The State of Florida
- The Law Place
Repercussions of Being Involved in a Bus Collision
Bus transportation is deemed a safe mode of travel; otherwise, it would not be used by millions of travelers, commuters, and school children. There are fewer reports of bus accidents than cars, trucks, and motorbike accidents.
Nonetheless, bus accidents can still occur and tend to result in far greater injuries. If you have ever used bus transportation, you will know that it is very different than traveling by car. Not only is the vehicle much larger, but its safety measures and standards are also different too. For example, most buses are not equipped with airbags and seat belts. Also, the construction of buses plays a part in the high risk of injury, as their center of gravity makes them more susceptible to rollovers. Therefore, although there may be far fewer incidents involving bus transportation, the injuries incurred may be far more severe than a standard car accident.
Furthermore, determining who is responsible becomes complicated as numerous parties may be involved. Although, the bus driver is likely to be primarily at fault for the accident, which means that the transportation company could be liable to numerous claims made by individuals.
Knowing what procedures to take after a bus accident can be unclear for the injured victim, which is why we recommend contacting an experienced bus accident lawyer to represent you. The experienced team at The Law Place can help answer any questions you may have.
For a free legal consultation, call 941-444-4444
Reporting a Bus Accident
Accidents can be the result of various reasons, a distracted driver, malfunction of the vehicle, another driver and/ or a pedestrian on the road, etc. Following any type of vehicle accident, including a bus accident, there are measures that need to be taken in order to report the incident. In order to submit a case, you will need to take these steps and provide the following information:
- Emergency response – Following a bus accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical advice. It is the responsibility of the bus staff to contact the emergency services if they are in the right state to do so. If not, you or another passenger should call 911.
- Law enforcement – Not only should you contact the emergency services, but you must also contact the police, in accordance with Florida Statute 316.062, so that a report can be documented.
- Documentation – If you are able to, it is advised to gather evidence at the scene by taking photographs.
- Witnesses – If you are fit to do so, you should get the names and contact details of other passengers on board, the driver, and anyone else who may have been a witness to the incident.
- Report – Whilst the information is still fresh; it is a good idea to write up a self-report to include any information you may remember from the accident, such as road and weather conditions.
In order to help your claim, it is important to collect as much information as possible, especially whilst it is still clear in your mind and those of any potential witnesses, as memories tend to fade with time. However, seeking medical attention before anything else is of the most importance. Medical aid must be taken after an accident even if you do not have any visible injuries, you may potentially have internal ones, or they may be masked by adrenaline. Furthermore, some injuries, such as ones to your back, spine, and brain, may develop over time. It is vital to get medical help and to keep any documentation to aid you in making a valid claim and receiving the full compensation you deserve. In order to file a lawsuit, you will be required to provide the above information. The lawyers at The Law Place will use this evidence to provide you with legal advice and produce a strong lawsuit.
Bus Accident Liability in The State of Florida
The rules that apply to a specific case will vary in each state depending on where the accident happened, and sometimes on the metropolis involved. In accordance with Florida Statute 627.7407, Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that before you can file an injury claim, you must first contact your own insurance company. If the monetary sum exceeds your policy, you may be able to make a claim for compensation against the government metropolis, the transportation company, or the bus driver.
If you wish to file a claim against a government body in Florida, there will be a time restraint, making it more of a challenge. Such claims may not be a necessity if you have suffered minor injuries. However, if you are suffering from serious injuries or ongoing repercussions as a result of a bus accident, then you should make a claim. By making a claim, you are holding someone accountable and should receive fair compensation for damages such as medical bills, loss of wages, and any mental trauma.
Under Florida law, drivers or passengers from another vehicle that have been severely injured in an accident with a bus can pursue damages against the bus driver or transportation company. Florida uses a relative negligence law, meaning that injured drivers or passengers are entitled to receive financial compensation even if they are partially to blame, but the compensation total will be deducted by the amount of their fault percentage.
As each state and metropolis may have slightly different rules of procedure when making such a claim. The only way to know for certain is to research the law and rules of procedure in your particular jurisdiction. This can be very confusing and stressful; we advise that you contact an attorney today. At The Law Place, we will be able to answer any queries you may have.
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The Law Place
If you or a loved one has been injured in a public transport accident, you may wish to consult with a personal injury lawyer experienced in public transport accidents. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer is expedient in understanding what rights are granted and what laws the state has in place.
The personal injury lawyers at The Law Place will discuss your options after reviewing the case of your bus accident. We can provide legal representation to ensure you receive a fair lawsuit.
Most cases never go to court, but if yours does, we will be prepared. We are unafraid to sue a bus company or government agency, and we will be ready for the legal battle ahead.
We completely understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed. That’s why we are open 24/7 so that you can schedule a consultation free of charge whenever it is convenient for you. When you have had your queries responded to, you may agree to legal representation, or you can walk away with free legal advice and a greater understanding of your case.
Don’t let pain and suffering sustained in a bus accident go uncompensated.
Call us now on (941) 444-4444.
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