If you or a loved one were injured in a bus accident caused by the negligence of another person or organization, you may be able to claim compensation. To be successful in your claim, you will need to prove a third party was responsible for causing your injuries because they did (or failed to do) something they should have in order to protect your safety.
Initially, our Naples bus accident lawyers will provide advice about your legal options for pursuing compensation during a free initial consultation. Then, if we discover evidence showing third-party negligence, we take care of everything you need to seek financial compensation for your injuries and other losses related to the accident. Meanwhile, this guide provides an overview of your legal options and answers some of the questions we are commonly asked about bus accidents.
How to File a Bus Accident Injury Claim
Bus accidents can cause life-changing injuries, so you must be appropriately compensated for your current and ongoing medical needs and other associated losses. As Florida is a no-fault state, you will usually start by filing a claim under your PIP coverage (although this coverage only extends to private and school bus accidents).
Otherwise, if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence and your injuries are severe, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible. Before filing a claim, it can be beneficial to review the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately if you are injured.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Gather photographic evidence at the scene.
- Consult with a bus accident attorney to learn about your legal options.
- Notify your insurance company.
Injury lawsuits include financial damages beyond those available under PIP coverage; however, these claims tend to be more challenging from a legal standpoint. Firstly, it can be difficult to determine who is financially liable for your injuries as several parties may have caused or contributed to the accident. While Florida law allows injured victims to pursue compensation from all responsible parties, doing so adds complexity to the legal process.
Additionally, you will need to prove that your injuries were caused by third-party negligence and show that you suffered physical, emotional, and financial loss. Managing a complex injury claim can be a daunting task to face alone, especially while you are recovering from your injuries. However, this is where our bus accident lawyers can step in and manage the legal process on your behalf.
Who Can File a Bus Accident Compensation Lawsuit?
Anyone injured in a bus accident and with evidence to prove someone else’s negligence caused their injuries could have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If the victim is a minor – for example, a child injured in a bus accident on the way to school – the parents or legal guardian could pursue the claim on their behalf. In a fatal bus accident, the surviving family could pursue a wrongful death action against the person or organization responsible for their loved one’s demise.
What Types of Damages Are Included in Bus Accident Injury Lawsuits?
If your injuries are serious, it is unlikely that PIP coverage will be enough to provide the compensation required for your current and ongoing needs. However, a personal injury lawsuit can compensate for the shortfall in accidents caused by negligence.
Financial damages awarded in this type of legal action vary, as no two accidents are the same. Therefore, we work with you to build a clear picture of every way your injuries affect your life and what this means for your future before aggressively pursuing compensation on your behalf for:
- Lost wages
- Compensation if your ability to work or return to work is impaired
- Pain and suffering damages, which cover emotional trauma and physical pain
- The cost of your medical bills, treatment, and rehabilitation
- Diminished quality of life
- Lost or damaged personal property
- Wrongful death
Our Naples bus accident attorneys can help in accident cases involving school bus transportation, interstate carriers, shuttle buses, coaches, minibuses, private charter buses, and city buses.
Who Can Be Liable in a Bus Accident in Florida?
The following parties can be liable in a bus accident injury case:
- The bus driver
- The bus company
- A government entity
- Another motorist
- A parts or vehicle manufacturer
We investigate the accident’s cause to get to the root of what happened and who is financially responsible for your injuries. This can involve gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, expert testimony, witness statements, CCTV footage, income reports, and other supporting documents.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Bus Accident Injury?
Depending on the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries, a lawyer can be beneficial in the following situations:
- You are unsure about the value of your claim.
- You sustained serious injuries.
- The accident involved multiple parties.
- Your injuries make it difficult to manage the legal process alone.
Whatever your needs, we are here to help you by managing every aspect of your case and supporting you through every stage of the claims process. Additionally, we provide our legal services on a contingency fee arrangement. This way, there are no upfront or hidden costs, and we only take our fees if we recover financial damages for you.
How Long Do I Have to File My Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, injured people have four years from the date of the bus accident to file a lawsuit. Similarly, bereaved families have two years to file a wrongful death action after a fatal bus accident per the same statute. Other time limits could apply to your case, so contact our team if you have any questions. We are always on hand to help.
Benefit from a Free Consultation with Our Team Today
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, our Naples bus accident lawyer always puts your needs and well-being first while guiding you through each stage of pursuing the compensation you deserve. We want you to feel heard and supported, safe in the knowledge that our team is fighting in your corner to help you get your life back on track.
Contact our team for a free case review today to learn more about your legal options for bus accident compensation claims.
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