All around the country, millions of Americans use buses as a comfortable and economical way to move from place to place. In lots of American cities and towns, buses aid people as they commute to different places. However, accidents in buses can make a once normal ride both dangerous and traumatic. If you’re injured in an accident with a public bus, you may have legal questions—especially about what you can do next.
Understanding your rights is critically important after an accident on a public bus. Any personal injury claim after a public bus accident is complex because of government rules, different guidelines, and important deadlines. This section outlines what you need to know if you have been hurt on a public bus.
COMMON CAUSES OF PUBLIC BUS ACCIDENTS
Public bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, and not obeying the law are all included in this.
- Poor bus maintenance: Buses with problems such as worn brakes and bald tires can cause major accidents.
- Improper training: A poorly trained or inexperienced bus driver may lack the skills to operate a large vehicle safely.
- Dangerous road conditions: Potholes, debris, or insufficient signage may contribute to accidents.
- Other drivers: Sometimes, drivers of other vehicles are at fault for causing collisions with buses.
Along with injuries from collisions, sudden stops, broken doors, or slips on wet floors may cause passengers injury while riding the bus and give rise to claims.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE?
Whether someone is liable after a public bus accident depends on several factors. Numerous people may share responsibility for accidents on public buses.
- The public transit authority or government entity that operates the bus
- A private company contracted to provide bus services
- The bus driver, if their negligence caused the accident
- A manufacturer, if a defective bus part contributed to the crash
- Other motorists, if their actions triggered the incident
When public buses are run by transit agencies from the government, claims need to be brought against government organizations. As a result, the process for making claims is different and becomes more challenging.
LEGAL CHALLENGES WITH SUING GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
When a city, county, or state agency runs a public bus, it is generally protected by the laws of sovereign immunity. Sovereign immunity usually protects government agencies from being sued; however, most states have laws that let people bring lawsuits for certain losses brought about by government workers’ negligence, such as those on a public bus.
In Florida, many people are allowed to sue transport agencies for damages from negligent workers, including bus drivers, under the Florida Tort Claims Act. Even so, there are clear guidelines and tight rules for making these claims.
- Notice Requirements
Before starting a lawsuit, you have to notify the proper government agency in writing about your claim within the specified period. Your notice to the agency needs to give a clear explanation of the incident and your injuries.
- Shorter Time Limits
You generally have less time to make a claim against a government agency than you would for a personal injury claim in Florida. You have three years in Florida to provide notice after an injury, and you can’t file a lawsuit until the agency has had at least 180 days to investigate.
- Damages Cap
There are usually limits on the compensation you are allowed to get. If your case is against a government entity in Florida, you may only get a maximum of $200,000 per person or $300,000 per incident, unless the legislature passes a special bill to increase it.
WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION CAN YOU RECOVER?
You may be eligible for compensation if you suffer an injury from a public bus accident.
- Medical expenses: Including hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and future care needs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working.
- Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: For physical injury that would make you unable to work.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was fatally injured, surviving family members may pursue compensation.
An experienced attorney for personal injuries can look at your situation and advise you about the types of damages you’re entitled to.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A PUBLIC BUS ACCIDENT
If you’re injured in a public bus accident, taking the following steps can strengthen your claim:
- Look for medical help as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you are hurt very badly. Not all injuries will show right away, so even small ones should be checked by a medical professional.
- Make sure to take pictures of the accident, your accident-related injuries, and any hazards for reference.
- Get names and contact details for each witness who can provide information about the incident.
- Report the incident to the bus driver, transit authority, or local police.
- Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in these cases due to notice requirements and filing deadlines.
HOW A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER CAN HELP
It is not easy for most people to bring a claim against a public transportation company on their own. You will likely need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to fight a claim against a public transportation business. A skilled personal injury lawyer can:
- Determine who is liable
- File the proper notices within required deadlines
- Gather evidence and build a strong case
- Negotiate with insurance companies and government agencies
- Represent you in court if necessary
If you want to have the best opportunity for a positive outcome, you should hire an attorney who specializes in public bus injury claims.
CONCLUSION
Being hurt on a public bus can be so hard that you’re left uncertain about what to do. Going through an injury and dealing with legal issues can make you uncertain about what is next. It is vital to protect your rights by acting fast after a public bus accident.
If you are hurt in a bus accident, contact a legal expert immediately. Get in touch with a good lawyer who can explain your rights and help you get appropriate compensation. Don’t hesitate and talk to a competent attorney to make sure you are aware of your rights and taken care of on your journey to recovery.