Public buses are an efficient, convenient, and popular way to commute and travel. However, using these vehicles is not without risk. Buses are large, heavy, and hard to stop, which means that any accident could leave you severely injured. Additionally, seeking justice after a bus collision can be challenging since determining who needs to assume responsibility is a bit more nuanced than with a standard vehicle accident claim. However, our hardworking personal injury representatives are up to the challenge.
When you retain a Mount Dora bus accident lawyer, you could boost your chances of seeking the justice and compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Common Injuries Associated with Bus Accidents
Due to the size and weight of the average bus, the injuries that people suffer in crashes are usually rather severe. Typical examples of injuries that a bus accident plaintiff might experience include but are not limited to:
After being involved in a bus accident, it is important for a plaintiff to seek medical attention immediately. Not only will this help them recover, but it will create records and evidence that our detail-oriented Mount Dora attorneys could factor into the resulting injury claim.
Who is Usually Responsible for a Bus Crash?
Since most bus collisions involve passengers, employees, and corporations, determining who is responsible can be a unique challenge. Depending on the case, multiple parties might face some blame.
Bus Drivers
Bus drivers are responsible for driving and operating their vehicle safely. They need to protect passengers from harm and uphold a duty of care. When they fail to do this, they will likely need to assume liability for any resulting injuries or losses.
Bus Companies
Meanwhile, the legal concept of “vicarious liability” establishes that companies that hire bus drivers are typically responsible for any negligent behavior. This means that after a crash, a claimant usually can also target a bus corporation. Pursing compensation from these companies is often a powerful strategy since they usually have more financial resources that can be factored into a settlement.
If someone involved in a bus accident needs help determining who to target with their injury claim, our knowledgeable lawyers in Mount Dora could assess the situation and figure out which strategy would result in the strongest case.
Proving Negligence After a Bus Crash
In order to target a bus company or an individual driver, a plaintiff needs to transparently demonstrate that negligent behavior undoubtedly led to the accident. From a legal standpoint, negligence refers to when a one individual causes an injury by failing to uphold a required duty of care. Proving these elements in court requires knowledge of legal procedures and the Florida Rules of Evidence.
Evidence that adheres to these standards, strengthens a case, and demonstrates the cause of a bus crash could include:
- Accident reconstruction reports from a qualified expert
- Hospital bills or official records of an injury
- Witness testimony
- Dash cam footage or other video recordings
- Police reports
- Concrete evidence collected at the site of a wreck
Making sure that this evidence adheres to the established standard can be challenging for an unrepresented plaintiff, but a diligent attorney in Mount Dora has experience with these regulations and could help assemble the strongest possible bus accident case.
Reach Out to a Mount Dora Bus Accident Attorney Today
After being hit by a bus or riding as a passenger at the time of a crash, you might be confused about what to do next. Concluding who to target with a civil claim can be challenging and your injuries might prevent you from collecting the evidence you need to get started.
However, our Mount Dora bus accident lawyers could help with all of these crucial steps. Our hardworking team members can exhaust all your legal options and fight to represent your rights in court. Call our practice today to get started on your case.
