If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident, the Jacksonville bus lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. Our Jacksonville personal injury law firm offers free consultations so that we may discuss the circumstances involved in your claim. We can explain whether you have a viable claim and how we can help.
We Offer Free Case Reviews And Operate On A Contingency-Fee Basis
We want you to feel confident about partnering with our Jacksonville bus accident team. So, we offerfree case reviews where you can meet with our team. During our conversation, we’ll discuss your case’s possible outcome, among other related matters.
We can also talk about how we work on a contingency-fee basis. Unlike some law firms, we don’t charge hourly rates, retainers, and out-of-pocket fees. A portion of your settlement pays our attorney’s fees. You don’t pay anything if your case doesn’t succeed.
Every Bus Accident Lawsuit Must Abide By Florida’s Statute Of Limitations
Days and weeks can fly by after getting hurt in a bus accident. While you have unlimited time to focus on your recovery, the same does not apply to filing your lawsuit. According toFlorida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you generally have four years to file your civil lawsuit. You would have two years to file if you lost a loved one.
It’s imperative to file your lawsuit within the appropriate timeframe. If you don’t, you could lose the right to seek damages, and your injury-related losses would be your financial responsibility.
Compensable Losses Following A Bus Accident In Duval County, Florida
The aftermath of a bus accident can touch nearly every aspect of your life. So, your settlement or court award should reflect that. Recoverable damages in your case may include:
- Past and future healthcare expenses
- Lost income and other employee-related benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Funeral and burial costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses, such as childcare costs
Bus accident cases don’t have set values. Instead, various aspects of your situation will determine what you’re owed, such as your injuries’ severity and estimated recovery period.
Make Sure To See A Doctor After Your Accident
One way you can protect your case is by seeing a doctor and following through with your treatment plan. Our Jacksonville bus accident attorneys can use your medical bills and records to build your case. For example, if your injuries lead to permanent impairment, you will want your settlement offer to account for future medical expenses.
Additionally, an insurer can try to undervalue or deny your claim if you fail to follow through with your treatment plan. It can argue that you contributed to your losses. Don’t let a negligent party get away with causing your losses. Protect your health and your case by seeking medical attention as soon as possible.
Our Lawyers In Jacksonville, Florida, Will Prove Your Case’s Required Elements
After a bus accident, pursuing compensation is more than filing a claim with the insurance company; it requires proving negligence. This involves showing:
- Another party (such as a driver or bus company) owed you a duty of care. This means the other party should have taken reasonable precautions to avoid harming others.
- Another party violated their duty of care by acting recklessly or carelessly. For instance, a bus driver who speeds violates their duty of care.
- Another party caused you to get hurt. You could have suffered harm as a bus passenger, driver, or pedestrian.
- Because you suffered harm in the bus accident, you’ve incurred various financial losses, such as medical bills and lost income.
Proving these elements without legal aid can quickly overwhelm you. Yet, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. You can partner with a bus accident lawyer in Jacksonville from our team. Not only can they prove negligence, but they can also prove your case’s other required elements.
Your Lawyer Will Use Evidence To Build Your Case
To build the strongest possible case, your lawyer will gather:
- The accident report
- Testimony from witnesses
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Your medical records
- The bus’s black box data
- The bus driver’s driving record
- Your injury-related invoices and receipts
We encourage you to keep everything related to your case. Even the tiniest shred of evidence can support your right to damages.
Know Which Types Of Buses Are Most Often Involved In Bus Accidents
In its 2017 Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report, theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the following statistics about bus accidents:
- Intercity buses were responsible for 13 percent of fatal bus accidents between 2007 and 2017.
- Transit buses were responsible for 35 percent of fatal bus accidents between 2007 and 2017.
- School buses were responsible for 40 percent of fatal bus accidents between 2007 and 2017.
- Seventy-three school buses were involved in fatal bus crashes in 2017.
- Thirteen intercity buses were involved in fatal bus crashes in 2017.
Bus Accidents Have Several Potential Causes
Bus accidents may happen for a number of reasons. However, the most common reasons for collisions involving buses include:
- Negligence: Negligence is a catch-all phrase that holds certain parties legally responsible when their actions fall below a reasonable standard and cause damages. For example, a bus company may be negligent by not looking into a driver’s background before hiring them, and a bus driver may be negligent by running a stoplight.
- Driver fatigue: Bus drivers often drive long routes. They may get tired during the drive, which can delay their response time and impair their judgment.
- Inexperience: Sometimes, bus companies hire drivers who do not have much experience driving buses. Even if a driver has a commercial driver’s license (CDL), they might not be accustomed to the bus’s length or uneven weight. This might make it more difficult for the driver to maneuver the vehicle or account for potential hazards, such as slippery roads or sudden braking from other drivers.
- Blind spots: Large blind spots may prevent bus drivers from seeing other drivers behind or near their bus, which may cause a collision.
- Left turns: Buses must make very wide turns. If they do not turn properly, they might collide with vehicles in adjoining lanes.
Our Jacksonville bus lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine may investigate your claim and identify the underlying causes of your accident.
A Jacksonville Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help You With Your Case
Our lawyers know that bus accident claims are often complex, especially when a case involves potential liability from the government. According toFlorida Statutes § 768.28, your case might have different notice requirements than most situations.
The Jacksonville bus lawyers from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine may investigate your claim and identify all parties who may be held responsible for the injuries you sustained. You can speak to a member of our team to learn if you have the right to pursue compensation after your bus accident. Call us to get started.
We Can Help.
