Passengers and other drivers in Fort Pierce are at risk of suffering serious injuries in the event of a bus accident. Those who are impacted by such incidents could encounter challenges in obtaining compensation, as they might be unsure of their legal rights.
If you happen to be involved in a bus accident in Fort Pierce, it is crucial that you seek the assistance of a skilled attorney who can assist you in recovering damages for the injuries you have sustained. Bus accidents can be quite complex, as multiple parties might be deemed responsible for the injuries you have sustained. Generally speaking, the bus company is often responsible for the driver’s negligence. However, if you have been injured in a government-owned bus, filing a lawsuit can be quite challenging. Our team is here to help you navigate through these complexities and ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
Contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. today at (954) 751-4258 for a free case assessment with our bus accident lawyers.
Determining Who Can Be Sued After a Bus Accident in Fort Pierce
When it comes to handling bus accident cases in Fort Pierce, it can prove to be quite a complicated process. Unlike typical car accidents, determining who is at fault is not always straightforward. Luckily, our team of bus accident lawyers is here to offer their assistance. While the bus driver is usually held accountable, there are often other parties that share the responsibility. For example, in your case, you might be able to name additional parties, such as the bus company that employs the driver, which could be a local government agency, and other reckless drivers. The most commonly sued parties for bus accidents in Fort Pierce include the following parties:
Bus Driver
When a bus accident occurs in Fort Pierce, initial responsibility is usually placed on the bus driver. This is because the driver has the duty to ensure the safety of all passengers on board and might be held liable if they fail to exercise reasonable care while driving the bus.
Bus Company
If you were involved in an accident with a bus driver, you might have the option to pursue legal action against the company that employed them. This is due to the legal principle of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees. For example, if the bus driver caused the accident by exceeding the speed limit while driving between stops, you might be able to file a lawsuit against both the driver and the bus company.
Other Drivers
Accidents involving buses often include multiple vehicles, with various drivers involved. Despite their large size, buses can still be overlooked by drivers who are not paying attention. For instance, if driver A suddenly cuts off driver B, who was driving at a high speed, this might cause driver B to come to an abrupt stop. As a result, a bus traveling behind them might collide with their car. In this situation, both driver A and driver B would be responsible for the accident.
Municipal and State Government Companies
If you sustained an injury due to a bus owned by a local or state government agency, it might be possible to take legal action against them. It is important to be aware that these agencies have legal protection called “sovereign immunity,” which usually prevents lawsuits against them without their consent. Fortunately, there are exceptions that allow victims to seek compensation for personal injuries caused by a government vehicle. However, it is essential to provide written notice to the agency responsible for the bus before initiating any legal proceedings.
Evidence Used to Prove a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Fort Pierce
When dealing with a bus accident case in Fort Pierce, having the appropriate evidence can make all the difference in receiving the compensation you are entitled to. It is vital to understand the significance of each type of evidence that will be presented in your case. This will allow you to gather the necessary documentation to support your claims and establish the defendant’s liability. In addition, the evidence utilized in your case will narrate how the accident occurred and why the defendant is accountable for your losses.
Accident and Police Reports
Reports documenting accidents are commonly produced by law enforcement officials who attend to the incident. These reports consist of critical information, including the date, time, location, weather conditions, and other relevant factors that were discovered during the investigation. They are also helpful in determining the sequence of events leading up to the accident and establishing the circumstances surrounding it. It is important to keep in mind that not only police reports but also those generated by bus companies can be useful resources.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitness accounts of accidents can prove to be highly beneficial, as they offer valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Those who witnessed the accident can provide details about what they observed, heard, or experienced during the event. Such testimony can be presented in court to bolster your case and establish the defendant’s negligence.
Medical Records
Your medical records also hold a crucial place in your case. These records serve as documentation of any injuries sustained, treatments received, and medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident. They are instrumental in demonstrating the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, and any future medical needs that might arise from the incident. Without these records, it would be difficult to accurately calculate your financial losses. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek medical care immediately after a bus accident.
Photo and Video Evidence
It is important to have photographic and video evidence to demonstrate the severity of a bus accident and fully understand the situation during a trial. Your smartphone can be used to capture this evidence and keep it for future reference. If the other party involved in the case attempts to downplay the accident, these visual aids can effectively counter their arguments, bolstering your credibility in court and weakening theirs.
Statute of Limitations in a Bus Accident Case in Fort Pierce
The personal injury process in Florida was affected by a new law signed by the governor in 2023. One of the changes made was to the “statute of limitations,” which sets the time limit for filing a lawsuit. Before the law, victims of bus accidents had a four-year window for filing lawsuits, but the time limit in Fort Pierce and throughout Florida has been reduced to two years.
Thus, it is crucial to take prompt action. Delaying could have negative consequences, as there is a limited window of time to gather evidence and locate witnesses before potentially filing a lawsuit. If you have been injured, it is possible that you will not need to file a lawsuit, but if you do, keep in mind that you only have two years to do so. Once that time period has passed, the defense can request that the court dismiss your case, which it will.
Our Fort Pierce Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free case assessment with our bus accident attorneys, contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 today.