How Can I Receive Financial Compensation after a City Bus Accident?
City buses are a common mode of transit for many Central Florida residents and tourists. They’re faster, more convenient, and cheaper than owning or renting a car. However, just like cars, motorcycles, and trucks, buses can also be in accidents. When an accident does occur, riders can be tossed around and suffer severe injuries.
If you were on a city bus during an accident, you might be confused about how you can receive financial compensation for your losses. Your best bet is to partner with an Orlando personal injury attorney. They can bring a claim toward the negligent party and fight for you to receive proper compensation.
Common Injuries from a City Bus Crash
Bus travel usually is very safe. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported only 13 fatal intercity bus accidents in 2017. However, accidents can still occur, and victims might sustain:
- Head or spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Whiplash
After an accident, we always recommend scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Even if you feel fine, a doctor can diagnose any internal injuries. Seeking medical attention can also help your personal injury claim. If you don’t see a doctor. your insurance company may deny your request by saying your injuries were not severe enough for medical care.
Who Do I File a Claim against for a City Bus Accident in Florida?
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning bus accident passengers will first file a claim with their insurance company. If the cost of damages exceeds your policy, you might be able to pursue financial compensation for the rest of your accident-related expenses.
There may be different defendants for your Florida city bus accident claim, depending on the situation. You might be able to file a lawsuit against the bus driver, company, manufacturer, or local government municipality.
- Bus driver: If the driver was driving negligently (texting, excessive speeding, drinking, etc.), the bus driver might be the defendant.
- Bus manufacturer: There are times when the manufacturer could be held liable. This could be if there are faulty parts they knew about without notifying the company or proper government agency.
- Busing company/government agency: The company or government agency that employs bus drivers and manages city buses could be responsible for the accident in several ways. They might fail to adequately train their drivers or hire someone not experienced in driving commercial vehicles.
Remember that there are certain thresholds you must meet when filing a claim against the Florida government. An employee must have caused your injuries through negligence or a wrongful act. Also, the circumstances of the crash are that the driver would be liable as a private citizen.
However, under Florida Statute 768.28, there are limitations to the types of claims victims can bring. For example, you cannot sue a government employee for harm as long as they did not intend to inflict pain. The statute also limits damages in these cases to $200,000 to $300,000.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Bus Accident?
The compensation you receive following a city bus crash depends on the circumstances around the case. After reviewing your claim, your auto accident attorney might be able to secure funds for the following losses:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy
One thing you should never do is put your faith in the insurance company. Insurers will employ sneaky tactics to reduce or deny your claim. The best chance of securing proper financial compensation is to partner with a personal injury attorney in Orlando.
Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in Central Florida
If you’ve been involved in a city bus accident, reach out to the personal injury attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm. For more than 100 years, our attorneys have been providing the best legal representation for Orlando accident victims. We will thoroughly investigate the accident and determine who the at-fault party is.
To schedule a free consultation, call our office or complete our contact form today.
