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Buses are far larger than the average vehicle, making accidents involving them that much more dangerous. People injured in a bus crash should seek help from experienced bus accident lawyers in Cape Coral in order to get maximum compensation for the damages they have suffered.
While navigating a potential lawsuit can be frustrating, especially when you are dealing with a difficult injury recovery process, attorneys can take that burden from you. At Viles & Beckman, our Cape Coral personal injury lawyers help clients by gathering evidence, filing claims, negotiating settlements, and taking the case to court if necessary.
Determining Fault in a Cape Coral Bus Crash
One of the most important steps in filing a bus accident claim is determining who is responsible for causing the wreck and the injuries you’ve suffered. Establishing fault can be complex, but experienced attorneys have the resources to gather and analyze the necessary evidence. This evidence may include:
- Official police records of the crash
- Testimonies from eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen
- Expert analysis from accident reconstruction professionals
- Video footage from nearby surveillance cameras or traffic cameras
- Detailed documentation of your injuries, including medical reports and photos of the accident scene
Based on the strength of the evidence, you may be able to pursue compensation from multiple responsible parties. At-fault parties in a Cape Coral bus crash could include the bus driver, the bus company, manufacturers of defective auto parts, other drivers involved in the accident, or even a government entity responsible for road maintenance.
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Compensation You Can Get in a Cape Coral Bus Accident
To get compensation from the at-fault party, you will also need to show evidence of injuries and damages you have suffered. These are divided into two separate categories: economic and non-economic harms. Occasionally, a third additional category may be available: punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in a Cape Coral bus accident claim cover the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident and your injuries. These may include:
- Medical bills related to your treatment
- Future medical expenses, such as home modifications for disabilities
- Repair or replacement costs for your damaged vehicle
- Lost wages from missed work
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of your injuries. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium with your spouse. Since these damages are harder to quantify, working with Cape Coral bus accident attorneys can help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Punitive Damages
Though less commonly awarded, punitive damages are additional compensation for economic or non-economic damages. Designed to punish overly negligent or dangerous behavior, the court can award this additional compensation in cases involving drunk drivers or texting while driving.
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Time Limits for Bus Accident Cases in Cape Coral
Florida state law places a time limit, called a statute of limitations, on the amount of time you can wait to file your claim before you lose the right to pursue compensation in court. For bus accidents and other personal injury claims in Florida, this deadline is two years, per Florida Statute § 95.11.
If you intend to file a bus accident claim against a government entity, local municipality, or school district, there may be further restrictions. Your time limit may be reduced, and you may have to contend with sovereign immunity laws that protect them.
Two years may seem like a lot of time, but there is much work that must be done in order to have a successful claim. It’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your crash so that they can start working toward the compensation you deserve.
Click To ContactHow Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Case
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which directly affects the compensation you can recover in a bus accident case. Under this law, each party is assigned a percentage of fault, and your percentage of responsibility reduces your damages. For example, if you are found 20% at fault in a Cape Coral bus accident and your total damages are $100,000, you would still receive $80,000.
Understanding Florida’s comparative negligence law is essential to knowing how your role in the accident could affect your final compensation. A skilled attorney will navigate these complexities and work to secure the maximum amount for your injuries and damages.
Why Bus Accident Claims Involving Public Buses Are More Complex
When a public bus is involved in an accident, the claims process becomes more complicated due to the involvement of government or city agencies that manage the bus system. Public buses are operated by local governments, which often means stricter rules and shorter deadlines for filing a claim. Sovereign immunity laws can also limit your ability to sue these entities.
Additionally, dealing with a government agency might be up against a more robust defense, as they have access to significant legal resources. Working with a Cape Coral bus accident lawyer familiar with public transit cases can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and within the proper deadlines, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Common Bus Crash Injuries
Bus accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which can have long-lasting effects on your health and well-being. Due to the size and weight of buses, the impact of a crash can be particularly severe, leading to both physical and emotional trauma. Some of the most common injuries in bus accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A TBI can occur when the head is struck or jolted during the crash, leading to anything from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage and psychological issues. These cases can require a Cape Coral traumatic brain injury lawyer.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury and its location on the spine.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a bus accident can cause broken bones in areas like the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, leading to painful recovery times and potential long-term mobility issues.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Passengers and drivers alike may experience whiplash, which can cause ongoing neck and shoulder pain after the accident.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or spleen can occur due to the strong impact during a collision, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often suffer emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a bus crash.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and may lead to long-term or permanent disability. If you’ve experienced any of these injuries in a bus accident, working with a Cape Coral bus accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care.
What Cape Coral Bus Crash Lawyers Do for You
We’ve covered some of the major ways that bus accident attorneys in Cape Coral can help you build a successful claim, but there’s much more to consider. In addition to gathering crucial information about your accident and the resulting injuries, your lawyer can:
- Negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company and attorneys
- File your claim correctly and within Florida’s legal deadlines
- Identify all responsible parties to help maximize your compensation
- Argue your case in court, if necessary, to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to
Studies consistently show that plaintiffs represented by personal injury attorneys tend to receive more financial compensation than those who represent themselves, even after legal fees are considered. Having an experienced law firm on your side is a major advantage, especially when going up against a well-funded bus company or insurance provider.
Our Bus Accident Attorneys in Cape Coral Work on a Contingency Basis
You are the only one who can decide if it’s “worth it” to hire an attorney for your Cape Coral bus accident case, but it almost always is. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive. This means you can focus on your recovery without the worry of paying legal fees out of pocket.
Get a FREE Consultation With Cape Coral Bus Accident Lawyers Today
At Viles & Beckman, we offer all our clients a free consultation to explore how we can assist you in achieving a successful outcome in your case. Our dedicated team will help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, seeking the right legal counsel is crucial. Our Cape Coral bus accident attorneys are here to provide the guidance you need every step of the way. Don’t wait—reach out to us today to begin your fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
