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If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our North Fort Myers personal injury lawyer, who handles bus accident cases, can help you pursue a claim for financial compensation.
Contact Viles & Beckman to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.
What To Do After a North Fort Myers Bus Accident
Being involved in a bus accident can be traumatic. The adrenaline rush from the crash might prevent you from realizing that something is wrong until hours or even days later. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you are not experiencing any pain or noticing obvious injuries.
If someone you trust isn’t taking pictures and you are physically able to do so, snap photos of the involved vehicles and the surrounding area. Pictures will be a huge help for your attorney should you choose to file a claim against those responsible for the crash.
Be sure to get pictures from different angles, with close-up shots as well as wide-angle views, ensuring that nothing gets missed.
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Different Types of Bus Accident Cases
Bus accidents vary widely, with unique circumstances that call for specific legal considerations. Whether an incident involves public transportation, a school bus, or a private rental, understanding who to file a claim with is crucial.
School Buses
In cases involving public school buses in North Fort Myers, the situation can be particularly complex. These accidents may result in injuries to children and entail profound losses for their parents.
If the bus driver is found liable for the incident, you may pursue a legal claim against either the school system or the bus company they contracted with.
These are your options whether you are the parent of a student who was on the bus or you were injured while traveling in another involved vehicle.
Public Transportation Buses
When an accident involves public transportation, you can file a legal claim against the company employing the specific bus driver unless the parent company classifies the driver as an independent contractor. In that case, your claim should be directed towards the individual driver.
Please keep in mind that the situation changes if the incident involves a bus run by a city or state agency. That’s because, according to Florida Statutes 768.28, some government entities have qualified immunity.
In this situation, you can only file a claim if you believe that the government has violated your constitutional rights. However, rare exceptions may apply.
Private Buses
Private bus rentals, on the other hand, follow a more typical personal injury claim process. In these cases, you can pursue a claim against the bus’s owner, addressing the victim’s losses through a traditional legal approach.
Whichever type of bus was involved, an experienced bus accident lawyer from Viles & Beckman can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
(239) 334-3933
Identifying the Liable Party in a Florida Bus Accident
Holding the at-fault parties accountable for a bus accident is a complex process that requires a thorough examination of the evidence. To establish liability in your case, you must consider the bus driver and their parent company as potentially responsible.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that there may be other parties involved in your bus accident that can be held accountable for your losses. For instance, if the bus is defective, the manufacturer or mechanic can be accused of negligence.
The situation can also get complicated if the bus company attempts to evade responsibility by shifting it to its employees. In cases where a transit company employs independent contractors, they may force these contractors to bear the financial burden of your accident, which could mean less compensation for you.
Evidence
When determining liability for your bus accident, the evidence you have plays a pivotal role.
To establish responsibility, you can utilize various types of evidence, including the following:
- Witness accounts
- Crash reconstructions
- Physical evidence like skid marks and debris patterns
- Expert witness testimony
- Photographic or video evidence
Please understand that you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our bus accident lawyer in North Fort Myers is ready to assist and can revisit the crash scene as many times as necessary to gather the evidence required to support your case. We are committed to helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries.
Click To ContactTime Limit for Pursuing Damages in a North Fort Myers Case
Florida limits the time accident victims have to file personal injury claims. If you or a loved one sustains injuries in a bus accident, Florida law gives you two years to file a lawsuit. In most cases, the clock starts ticking on the accident date.
Barring unique circumstances, failing to take legal action within the allowable time frame could result in losing your right to seek compensation.
After the two years run out, bus companies, mechanics, manufacturers, or any other involved parties are typically relieved of their obligation to provide you with a settlement. Time is of the essence for other reasons, so it’s best to reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
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Free Consultation Regarding Your North Fort Myers Bus Accident
Navigating the intricacies of bus accidents, whether they involve public transportation, private rentals, or local school systems, can be challenging and time-consuming. Having a dedicated advocate by your side can make this journey easier. A Fort Myers bus accident lawyer from Viles & Beckman is ready to help with your insurance claim or lawsuit.
For further insight into pursuing compensation after a bus accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our personal injury team. We are ready to discuss your case via phone, online communication, or an in-person meeting. Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
