What You Need To Know If You Are Hurt In A Bus Accident

With the improvements in today's public transportation, buses are becoming a more popular option for Florida commuters. Add to that, Florida’s high tourist population, buses are very prevalent on our streets. However, when you get into an accident with or on a bus, it can be very challenging to understand how to proceed. Here is what you need to know about Florida bus accidents.

Understanding Florida’s Legal Bus Classifications

In the state of Florida, commercial bus companies are considered common carriers and are divided into three categories: Long distance transportation buses, charter buses, and commuter buses. Long distance and charter bus accidents usually are high speed collisions and include multiple vehicles and often causing the bus to roll over. In contrast commuter buses usually travel at lower speeds and collisions are usually with another vehicle, pedestrian or a person who is injured as they enter or exit the bus. These differences also impact who to pursue in an accident.

Who Is Liable If You Are In A Bus Accident?

Buses are owned either by municipal or county governments or private companies. If the county or municipal government is involved, the accident will fall under the Florida Tort Claims Act. This act allows people to file a suit against the public transportation system, but certain protocols must be followed and the law restricts the amount of damages and costs you can recover. If the bus is owned by a private company, you will pursue that company and any related liable parties.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Bus Accident

There are several entities you can hold responsible for who can be held responsible, such as:

● The bus driver
● The private company that operates the bus
● The government agencies that are responsible for the operation of the bus
● Other motorists
● Bus Passengers
● The bus maintenance company
● The bus manufacturer
● The government agency responsible for maintaining the roadways

The entity responsible depends entirely on the classification and details of the accident. Often, victim pursue the wrong liable party and end up losing their case. So it is critical that you make sure that you are pursuing the right negligent party.

Can I Get Compensation For My Bus Accident?

You can seek compensation if you can prove that someone else's negligence caused the crash. Negligence is defined as a person failing to use caution that would be used by any reasonable person in the same situation. Examples of negligence include:

● Exceeding the speed limit
● Failure to yield the right of way
● Following to closely
● Distracted driving
● Unqualified drivers
● Impaired driving
● Failure to adjust for weather conditions.

Since determining negligence is a fairly difficult task, it is important you contact an experienced attorney right away.

Why You Almost Always Need An Attorney After A Bus Accident

If you suffered an injury in a bus accident there’s a chance that you are legally entitled to substantial compensation. However, bus accidents are very complicated. Without the counsel of a qualified personal injury attorney who knows the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies of not one but several entities, your chances of obtaining compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering are much lower.

Keep in mind that a bus accident case is hardly ever a simple process. With the possibility of multiple injured claimants and responsible parties, you need to be sure to consult a knowledgeable bus accident attorney, like the team at All Injuries Law Firm. With offices in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, we can help southern Florida bus accident victims. We have an excellent record of getting results and not letting our clients get short changed by the large insurance companies.