Bus accidents are more common than you think
There are so many people on the road, that accidents happen daily. Whether they occur between cars, trucks, or buses, there are similarities. Property is damaged, and injuries are sustained. Accidents with buses are slightly more complicated than your average car accident. There are many different parties involved with buses, and you need to hold the right party accountable. Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers have experienced Pensacola Fl bus accident lawyers. They know how to efficiently build your case to get results. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a bus accident contact us today.
How do you know who is at fault?
With an accident, the first thing you want to determine is who is responsible. Every accident is different, and buses bring their own set of challenges. Ideally, one party breaking traffic laws would signal negligence. There are some cases where both parties are at fault, and these can be tricky. You need an experienced attorney to argue your case and prove that you had the little or no liability. In Florida, it is possible to get financial compensation even if you were partially at fault. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you build your case to get you the best results, and they’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
Determining negligence of the bus driver.
Once you’re involved in an accident an investigation will occur. Typically, law enforcement and the insurance company want to gather evidence from the scene. These investigations generally determine who is at fault. Your lawyer will also want to collect information to help establish negligence in your case. We recommend that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin gathering this information. Evidence can easily disappear, so it’s important to start your investigation right away.
Through investigating your case, we can determine exactly who was at fault in the accident. In the past, we have represented many victims of bus accidents where the bus driver, company, or even the manufacturer was held liable. Some of these cases included:
- Drivers operating buses while they were fatigued
- Drivers operating buses while distracted by cell phones and other devices
- Bus drivers operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Companies hiring poorly trained drivers
- Companies overscheduling drivers
- Buses that have been overloaded
- Buses that have not been properly maintained
- Companies providing defective parts for buses
There are some accidents that are the fault of other pedestrians and cars on the roadways. So, you really need to have someone in your corner that wants to frame out the exact events of the accident.
Bus accidents are more severe and have different risks.
Since buses are so much larger than cars, they can cause serious damages and injuries. Even passengers riding on the bus can sustain serious injuries. The main risk associated with a bus is the vehicle toppling over. The way that buses are designed, they have a higher risk of tipping over in the event of an accident or an obstruction on the road. When the bus rolls over the passengers have no seatbelts or safety gear inside the bus. These passengers are at a greater risk of serious injuries. We have represented both victims on the inside and outside of the bus. Whatever category you fall into, we have the experience to get you the settlement that you deserve.
Insurance companies can be the worst part of the process.
We deal with insurance companies on a daily basis, but your average victim does not. You might think that you’re a valued customer with your insurance company, but all they see are numbers. They want to settle with you for the least amount possible. Typically, the first offer will barely even cover your medical bills. When you have a serious injury, you could be out of work for months. You need a settlement that is going to give you peace of mind while you are recovering. Your health is more important than worrying about medical bills.
Filing a claim for bus accidents can be complicated.
If the insurance company doesn’t cover all of your damages what can you do? The next step would be to file a personal injury claim, and this is why you need an experienced attorney. There is a significant amount of red tape to get through when you are filing a personal injury lawsuit against negligent parties in a bus accident. First, you need to establish who is at fault. Then, you need to build a case against each of these parties. We have experience filing claims against:
- Insurance companies
- Government institutions
- Bus drivers
- Companies that own buses
- And more.
Once the liable party receives your claim they can approve or deny it. If they deny your claim, then we have to take your case to court. We have experience representing many clients in court through various types of bus accident cases. Make sure that you hire an attorney that has specific experience in the areas of bus accident claims.
Can I file a claim on my own?
The short answer to this is yes. You can pursue a claim on your own, but it can be difficult. You’re not used to talking to insurance companies, and they will try to take advantage of you because you don’t have adequate representation. We see victims accepting small settlements all the time because they need the money to cover their medical bills. You shouldn’t have to pick and choose what to pay after receiving your settlement. With the experience our personal injury lawyers bring to the table, you’ll have a stronger claim and a better settlement.
You have no time to lose.
Filing claims can take a long time, so we need to start as soon as possible. If you have been injured in a bus accident you need to act. Contact us today to set up an appointment to discuss the details of your case. We’re ready to fight for you and get you a proper settlement.