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When buses are involved in accidents, the consequences can be devastating. Understanding how liability is determined in a bus collision is essential if you or a loved one has been injured.
Bus collisions present unique challenges when determining liability. Unlike standard car accidents, several parties could potentially share responsibility. These may include bus drivers and bus companies.
If you or a loved one has been in a Florida bus crash, experienced Florida bus accident lawyers at The Morgan Law Group can help you navigate complex liability laws and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Liability Laws in Florida Bus Collisions
Florida’s approach to determining liability in bus collisions is based on the concept of “pure comparative negligence.” In a bus accident, there might be multiple parties responsible to varying degrees. Comparative negligence examines the actions of everyone involved, including the bus driver and the bus company.
The percentage of fault assigned to you directly reduces the compensation you can receive. If the investigation finds you 20% at fault and the bus company 80% at fault, your maximum compensation would be 80% of the total damages calculated for your injuries and losses.
Insurance companies will try to increase the percentage of fault assigned to you to minimize their payout. An experienced bus accident lawyer in Florida can help protect your rights and argue for a fairer distribution of liability.
When Can Drivers Be Held Accountable?
While common negligent acts like distracted driving and speeding are obvious dangers, bus driver accountability goes further. They might be liable for tailgating, making unsafe turns without proper signaling, or failing to properly assess blind spots due to the bus’s size.
Bus drivers often work long shifts. Emphasize that fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy; it severely impacts judgment, reflexes, and the ability to perceive hazards on the road
A bus driver’s license is the minimum requirement. Bus companies should ensure drivers are trained in defensive driving techniques, passenger safety procedures, and how to handle the unique challenges of operating large vehicles.
A bus driver’s actions are a major factor in determining liability after a bus collision in Florida. An experienced Florida bus accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate all potential instances of driver negligence to build the strongest possible case for you.
When Can Bus Companies Be Held Accountable?
The bus company’s duty to the public goes beyond simply hiring drivers. They have a multi-faceted responsibility to ensure safety.
A company putting an unqualified or unsafe driver behind the wheel sets the stage for disaster. Emphasize the importance of thorough background checks (including driving records) and ongoing drug and alcohol testing.
Buses undergo heavy use. Strict maintenance schedules are not just about keeping the bus running, they’re about preventing catastrophic accidents caused by worn brakes, faulty steering, or tires prone to blowouts.
Companies can’t turn a blind eye to how their drivers operate. They should have systems for tracking driver behavior (harsh braking, speeding incidents, complaints) and address issues before they result in accidents.
When it comes to the vicarious liability principle, the company is deeply connected to its employees’ actions on the job. If their bus driver causes an accident due to negligence, the company shares a significant portion of the responsibility.
Bus companies have a vast network of obligations aimed at preventing accidents. If they breach these duties, victims may have a strong claim against the company itself in addition to seeking compensation from the driver.
Your Florida Bus Accident Claim for Damages
A bus accident doesn’t just leave you with physical injuries; it can upend your entire life. Florida bus accident laws recognize this, and you may pursue compensation for a wide range of losses:
- Medical Expenses: Bus collisions often result in severe injuries. Your compensation should cover immediate costs like emergency care, hospital stays, and surgeries. Crucially, it should also address future medical needs: ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, specialist appointments, and any necessary assistive devices or home modifications.
- Lost Wages: Your injuries might prevent you from working entirely during your recovery. Additionally, if your injuries create permanent limitations, it could impact your ability to earn the same income as before the accident. Your claim should address both current and potential future lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain of injuries is undeniable, but bus accidents also cause significant emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering can include things like anxiety, depression, fear of traveling, and diminished quality of life due to your injuries.
- Wrongful Death: The loss of a loved one in a bus accident is a devastating tragedy. Wrongful death damages can help families with financial burdens like funeral costs and loss of the deceased person’s income. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, these damages aim to provide some measure of support and justice during an unimaginable time.
Bus accident injuries can have long-lasting, life-altering repercussions. Don’t underestimate the true cost of what you’ve endured. Bus accident lawyers in Florida can assess the full extent of your losses – both economic and personal.
Let Us Help You Identify the Liable Party for Your Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accident claims are notoriously complex. Insurance companies and bus companies often work heavily to minimize their own liability.
Our experienced bus accident lawyers at The Morgan Law Group understand the strategies used to limit your compensation. We’ll stand by your side, investigating the accident, meticulously building your case, and fighting for maximum compensation.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a bus accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Florida bus accident lawyers offer compassionate representation and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and financial support you deserve.
