Personal Injury Attorney For Bus Accidents
Buses are a popular means of public transportation, and commuters have to trust that their drivers will deliver them safely to their destinations. However, on occasion, whether due to negligence from bus companies and their drivers or extenuating circumstances, bus accidents can occur. Moreover, injuries stemming from a bus crash can be severe and affect victims negatively for the rest of their lifetime.
In the unfortunate event of a bus accident, victims should have someone in their corner that is prepared to stand up for their rights. More often than not, swiftly acquiring legal counsel is key to increasing a survivor’s chances of receiving rightful compensation. If you or a loved one have suffered due to a bus accident, contact our bus accident attorney at Stout Defense, P.A., right away, and request a free case consultation!
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents
In truth, buses are a relatively safe means of transportation. Many bus drivers are highly-qualified, know their routes well, and have earned a commercial driver’s license. Not to mention, buses are designed with safety in mind, and when accidents do occur, they’re often at low speeds. However, the rarity of bus accidents only makes them that much more tragic when they do happen. So, why do they happen? The following are a few common causes of bus accidents:
- Driver negligence (speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, etc.)
- Bus company negligence (lack of proper maintenance, equipment defects, etc.)
- Road conditions
- Third-party negligence
- Blind spots
Bus Accident Liability
As opposed to car accidents, determining liability in bus accidents isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, a third party, such as other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and even pedestrians, may be deemed liable. For third party liability, victims must prove negligence that resulted in some form of personal harm.
In other instances, bus drivers may be deemed liable. Buses are considered to be “common carriers,” meaning that their drivers have a higher duty of care imposed upon them. Instead of simply being careful, bus operators must demonstrate the highest levels of vigilance and precaution, anything less and they will be considered negligent. In particular, these cases can be difficult for victims seeking compensation for damages — as many buses, such as school buses and city buses, are owned and operated by the government. Filing a claim against a government entity in Florida is tricky. There is a limited time-frame for doing so. However, with a knowledgeable and diligent personal injury attorney in a victim’s corner, all hope is not lost.
What Damages Can I Seek After A Bus Accident?
Because Florida is a no-fault state, victims must initially file an injury claim with their insurance companies. However, when damage costs exceed those allotted by their policies, victims may seek compensation from the liable party. Damages victims may seek include:
- Economic damages. Including costs of medical expenses, damaged property, lost income, loss of future wages due to catastrophic injury, rehabilitation costs, etc.
- Non-economic damages. These are damages sought for trauma with no specific monetary value, such as stress, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, or emotional traumas experienced following the wrongful death of a loved one.
- Punitive damages. If a liable party is proven to have committed gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded.
Get in touch with Adam Stout today for help determining which damages you can seek for rightful compensation!
How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Bus accident survivors may find themselves filing claims against government municipalities, and, depending on the incidents scale and severity, amid a sea of other claimants. For these reasons, having an expert personal injury attorney as a legal guide will become crucial to ensuring your voice is heard. Our team at Stout Defense, P.A., will dedicate themselves to helping you review and negotiate settlement claims, determine and sue for negligence, and put together an argument for maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered the trauma of a bus accident, call our law firm today and achieve the justice you deserve!