Florida is a no-fault automobile insurance state, requiring all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). That means, victims of drunk-driving bus accidents in Clermont must first file a claim with their insurance carrier. If their injury costs exceed their PIP coverage, they can pursue compensation from the impaired driver. They may even seek damages from other parties, such as a bus driver’s employer, a bus company, or a government entity.
Contact our talented bus accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Private vs Public Buses
Bus accidents may involve privately or publicly owned vehicles. In either situation, both the bus driver and the owner may bear liability for damages. The process for pursuing a claim differs based on the type of ownership.
Private Bus Companies
Bus companies must follow safety regulations and employ drivers with valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). When a company fails to maintain its vehicles or enforce driver requirements, it may be held accountable for a driver’s actions while on duty. This form of vicarious liability allows injured parties to pursue compensation from the company.
Public Buses
Government-owned buses and their drivers are also accountable for drunk driving accidents, including those involving school and public transportation vehicles. However, claims against a government entity follow different procedures and strict deadlines. Injured individuals must typically notify the government of their intent to file a claim within a set period, often six months. Missing this deadline may forfeit the right to pursue compensation.
Bus Drivers
Bus drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely. Driving under the influence in Clermont constitutes negligence. Injured individuals may file a claim with the intoxicated driver’s insurance provider and may also seek compensation from the driver’s employer if the company bears responsibility for the driver’s actions while on duty.
What Compensation is Available?
Injured parties may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. While Florida law does not cap damage awards, the amount may be reduced based on the injured party’s share of fault. Under the state’s comparative negligence rule, an individual found 25 percent responsible for a bus accident would receive $375,000 from a $500,000 award.
Economic Compensation
Economic compensation includes medical expenses such as emergency treatment, hospital care, surgeries, and physical therapy. It also covers medications, in-home assistance, and other out-of-pocket costs. Individuals with permanent injuries may recover compensation for future medical expenses as well as lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
Noneconomic Compensation
Non-economic compensation provides monetary recovery for emotional and psychological harm. Injured individuals may experience distress, loss of companionship, or lifestyle changes following an accident. Compensation may also account for trauma related to physical impairment or disfigurement.
Government Compensation
State law limits compensation for drunk driving bus accidents involving publicly owned vehicles to a maximum of $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.
Consulting a personal injury attorney can help accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve after a drunk driving bus accident in Clermont.
Contact a Lawyer for a Drunk-Driving Bus Accident in Clermont
Drunk driving bus accidents in Clermont often have life-altering consequences, leading to lasting impairments or loss of income. Pursuing compensation can be difficult, and managing a complex legal process while focusing on medical recovery can feel overwhelming.
Working with attorneys who understand the physical and emotional toll of drunk driving bus accidents can help reduce stress and provide peace of mind. Skilled legal counsel can handle the details of the case, allowing injured individuals to focus on recovery while pursuing fair compensation. If you or someone you know was involved in a drunk driving bus accident, contact us today to discuss your situation.
