Most people have a general understanding of the best steps to take after a car accident with another individual, but what happens when you suffer injuries and damages in an accident with a bus? It can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a bus crash, it’s important to know your rights, especially if the government operates the carrier. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. has over a three decades of experience handling a diverse array of legal disputes, and we have the resources and experience to help navigate our clients through any lawsuit, even those against government entities. a Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you figure out the best next steps, so get started today.
What to Know about Commercial Bus Accidents
Commercial busses fall under common carrier law because they provide transportation to the public for a fee. Common carriers may be public entities or privately owned and operated companies. It’s crucial for anyone who has been in an accident with a bus to understand their options for legal recourse.
Proving Negligence in Bus Accident Claims
Just like with any personal injury claim, bus accident lawsuits hinge on the concept of negligence. A plaintiff must prove that a defendant had a duty to act with reasonable care, breached this duty in some way, and this breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s losses. This may seem straightforward in most cases, but common carriers are beholden to a higher duty of care since they provide transportation to the public as part of their business model. Failing to adhere to the highest standards of safety constitutes negligence.
Driver errors like speeding, mechanical failures, and poor driver training place liability on the shoulders of the carrier company. If the common carrier is a public entity, special rules for filing a complaint apply, and it’s very important to act quickly or you could miss the window for filing suit. A proactive Fort Lauderdale attorney could help you respect this statute of limitations and preserve your right to collect compensation for a bus crash.
Who Should you Target with a Bus Crash Claim?
Depending on the type of bus that caused the accident, your resulting lawsuit could take many forms. For example, if another driver caused the bus you were riding to crash, you may need to file a lawsuit against that driver. If the bus driver is at fault, you will need to file a claim against the carrier company. However, if the carrier is government-operated, the claim process is much more complex.
Filing a claim against the government requires meeting specific procedural rules, and these rules can vary greatly from state to state. Failing to meet the deadlines or making any errors on your claim could cause you to lose your right to file a lawsuit. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to file a claim against a government-operated carrier, meet with an attorney as soon as possible. A Fort Lauderdale lawyer is familiar with the procedural rules for filing claims against government agencies and working with one will greatly improve your chances of success in your bus accident claim.
Damages in Bus Accident Lawsuits
If you are filing a claim against a government entity, remember that most states place limits on how much compensation you can win from such a case. However, if your lawsuit is against a privately owned and operated common carrier or an individual driver, you have a bit more flexibility. Compensation in personal injury lawsuits for bus accidents can include:
- Lost income. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work for an extended time you can sue for the wages you would have earned during that time. If your injuries prohibit you from resuming your job, you may be able to sue for the income you would have reasonably expected to earn in the future.
- Medical expenses. You can sue for your hospital bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation costs, fees for any necessary surgeries or procedures, medical devices, and any other expenses resulting from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering. If your injuries were particularly painful, your attorney can call on expert witnesses to testify in court on your behalf. Medical experts can explain how painful a plaintiff’s injuries were so a judge can award an appropriate amount.
- Property damage. You can also sue for the cost of repairing or replacing any personal property damaged or destroyed in the accident.
Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident Attorney for Best Results
David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. has over three decades of experience representing local clients, so reach out to a Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyer about how we can help. Bus accident cases can be complicated, especially when a government entity is involved. Call us today to schedule your consultation
