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Helping Injured Victims Receive Compensation
Taking a public or private bus is an excellent way to get around without a car. But unfortunately, buses still have the potential to get into accidents with other motorists. Bus accident victims can suffer from severe injuries, causing expensive medical bills, property damage, and lost wages due to time off work.
If you are the victim of a bus accident, you deserve to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. Filing a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced bus accident attorney is the best way to recover your losses and get the payout you deserve.
Our team at The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A. has extensive experience representing clients in personal injury cases. We can help you recover compensation for any expenses you have accrued because of the accident or your injuries. To learn more about our services and receive a free initial consultation, contact our law offices by calling 407-573-7483.
Who is Liable for a Bus Accident?
Establishing liability is the first step in submitting a bus accident claim. However, bus accidents are complicated, and most accident victims find multiple parties could be responsible for their injuries.
The following parties may be responsible for your auto accident:
- The bus driver. If an operator makes a mistake, a bus crash can happen. The driver may have been fatigued or used poor judgment on the road.
- The bus company. Bus companies are required to maintain their vehicles. If the bus crashed because of a poorly maintained vehicle, the bus company may be liable.
- The bus manufacturer. The manufacturer could have used defective parts for the bus.
- Another motorist or reckless driver. Other drivers on the road could have caused the bus to crash.
Unless the bus driver is an independent contractor, the bus company is typically liable for any accidents caused by the driver. However, the bus company could face significant financial losses from a settlement. If you are pursuing a bus accident case, be prepared for the bus company and its legal team to fight to avoid paying you the fair compensation you deserve.
Determining who is at fault for your injuries is essential when seeking compensation. Because bus accidents are so complex, it is recommended you seek assistance from a personal injury attorney. Contact our team today to learn more about your bus accident case.
What Kind of Damages Can You Seek in a Bus Accident Claim?
There are many damages you can seek in personal injury cases. Generally, any expenses you accrue because of the accident are damages you can request compensation for. Your specific damages will depend on the severity of the accident and your injuries.
The most common damages victims seek compensation for include:
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage repairs
If your loved one was injured and killed in a bus accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death case on their behalf. In a wrongful death case, the surviving family members of the deceased individual can seek compensation for loss of companionship and pain and suffering. While this legal process won’t bring your loved one back, it can help pay for funeral expenses, burial plots, and more.
To learn more about wrongful death cases and determine if you have a claim, contact our law firm today.
What Are the Most Common Injuries After a Bus Accident?
Public buses and school buses don’t have seat belts and other safety restraints like passenger cars do. Because of this, many victims suffer severe injuries with symptoms that last a lifetime.
Potential injuries after a bus accident include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Amputation or loss of limbs
- Head and neck injuries
The medical expenses for these injuries can quickly add up, leaving you and your family members in debt for an accident that wasn’t your fault. By pursuing a personal injury case, you can seek compensation for your medical bills currently and in the future.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Like other auto accidents, bus accidents happen for a wide variety of reasons. Understanding why your bus accident happened can help determine who is liable for your injuries. A bus accident attorney on our team can help you collect evidence and determine what the leading cause of your accident was.
In Florida, the most common causes of bus accidents are:
- Fatigued drivers
- Drivers under the influence of stimulants, intoxicants, or narcotics
- Buses that have been improperly loaded
- Buses that are in poor condition
- Untrained or inappropriately trained drivers
Other motorists or pedestrians could also be at fault for your bus collision. Our team will use photos, videos, eyewitness testimonies, and the police report to determine the leading cause of the accident before pursuing your case.
Should I Consult a Bus Accident Lawyer?
All auto accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. Bus accidents, in particular, can cause catastrophic injuries that leave victims with life-long symptoms. Accidents like these quickly become complicated, as the liable party could be the driver, the bus company, the bus manufacturer, or other drivers on the road. Working with a bus accident attorney on our team dramatically increases your chances of receiving the financial compensation you deserve.
Many bus companies have vast financial resources they will use to fight against your personal injury claim. At The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A., our attorneys will fight for your right to compensation, using our legal experience and background to create a winning strategy for you. For more information about our team, call us today at 407-573-7483.