Although school and city buses are safe transportation, accidents happen every day nationwide. The amount of damages you are eligible to collect will depend on the circumstances of the case, such as the actions leading to the collision and the extent of injuries.
When crashes and injuries happen because of negligence, injury laws allow you to seek payment from the liable party. Speak to a knowledgeable attorney about damages in Inverness bus accident cases if you need help with a lawsuit.
Determining Liability for a Bus Collision
Determining the liable party is the first step to recovering damages after a bus crash in Inverness. If the wreck happened because the bus driver was texting or operating the vehicle with other distractions, they could be listed as the defendant.
When they occur because of inadequate training, their employer could be responsible. It is also typical for third-party driver negligence to cause collisions. Depending on the unique case details, the lawsuit may name one or many defendants.
Recoverable Damages in Bus Crash Lawsuits
After establishing fault to the civil court successfully, the court may award a settlement to cover the following:
- Current and future healthcare costs and bills related to the collision, including physical therapy and surgeries
- Current and future lost salary, benefits, and earning potential
- Mental and emotional distress and trauma, such as post-traumatic stress or anxiety disorders
- Prescriptions, medical devices, and equipment
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
An attorney in Inverness who understands damages in bus crash cases could help gather the crucial evidence to collect the maximum potential compensation amount.
Statute of Limitations for Actions Against Government Agencies
Because government agencies operate public buses, the timeline and steps needed to file a lawsuit differ from the requirements when suits involve private parties. The Florida Statutes § 768.28 allow people to bring civil lawsuits against state government agencies when an employee’s negligent actions cause harm to others. However, the claimant must consider additional limitations and steps. One significant difference is that the legislation limits the damages the injured person in Inverness can recover after a bus crash from one agency to $200,000 or $300,000 when more than one organization is involved.
There is also an additional step to complete before having the legal right to file the case. The injured person and their lawyer must send notice to the state agency to let them know they are preparing to file a lawsuit. The petitioner cannot move forward with filing the action for 180 days after serving the agency with the notice.
If the case involves a private bus company, an injured person has two years to file the lawsuit and may proceed as they would with other personal injury cases.
Call an Inverness Attorney to Discuss Damages in Bus Accident Cases
When parents put their children on school buses or a person uses public transportation, they trust the driver, and everyone involved will keep them safe. When accidents occur because of carelessness, an injured person has every right to hold the liable party financially responsible.
Filing a civil claim could result in a settlement to cover your financial losses and other damages, such as pain and suffering. Schedule a meeting with a lawyer knowledgeable about damages in Inverness bus accident cases to review your case and options. Call soon to begin an investigation immediately.
