Collisions involving large transit vehicles are traumatic experiences that often leave passengers and motorists with severe injuries. When a bus driver is drunk, the consequences can be devastating. If you sustained injuries in this type of crash, you may face substantial medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and significant physical pain. Dealing with the aftermath of the collision can be challenging, especially when you are trying to file insurance claims while you recuperate. You need dedicated legal support to help you pursue full compensation for your losses.
Our team understands the stress and confusion you may experience during this difficult time. With extensive experience handling claims involving drunk-driving bus accidents in Mount Dora, our lawyers are prepared to guide you through the legal process.
At Largey Law Firm, we believe you deserve direct communication and personalized attention from your lawyer. Unlike large personal injury firms that pass files to case managers, our seasoned bus accident attorneys could handle the entire legal process. We are prepared to work directly with you to investigate your claim and fight for the recovery you need to rebuild your life.
Strict Drunk Driving Limits for Commercial Operators
Under Florida Statute § 316.193, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense and is established by the impairment of normal faculties or a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. However, federal regulations and state standards impose a stricter blood-alcohol limit of 0.04 percent for commercial vehicle operators.
If the bus driver in your crash violated these strict safety rules, multiple corporate and governmental entities may share financial liability for your damages. Our skilled Mount Dora lawyers could work to identify all responsible parties in a DUI bus crash case, which may include the bus driver, the transit company, or a school district.
How Private Carrier and Public Transit Cases Differ
Pursuing a claim involving a mass transit vehicle requires a deep understanding of unique legal frameworks. If the collision involved a public transit vehicle operated by a government entity, sovereign immunity rules apply under Fla. Stat. § 768.28. This statute requires strict notification timelines and caps total damages at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
Conversely, the law classifies private carriers as common carriers that owe passengers the highest duty of care. Our Mount Dora attorneys could meticulously review the evidence in your DUI bus collision claim to establish negligence and help hold every liable party accountable.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Accident?
If you sustained harm because of an intoxicated driver, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. After a DUI bus crash, a Mount Dora attorney could help you seek damages for:
- The cost of emergency room visits and surgeries
- Expenses for future physical therapy, long-term nursing care, or assistive medical equipment
- Lost income and diminished future earning capacity
- Physical pain, suffering, and emotional distress
The damages available in a DUI bus accident claim depend on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your life. An attorney could evaluate your losses, gather supporting documentation, and help pursue the compensation the circumstances of your case may warrant.
The Statute of Limitations in Bus Accident Cases
The state enforces a strict statute of limitations under Fla. Stat. § 95.11, which generally provides two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this legal deadline will permanently bar you from recovering compensation. After a DUI bus collision, our Mount Dora team could help preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and build a robust strategy to pursue compensation.
Call Our Mount Dora Attorneys After a DUI Bus Crash
You should not have to pay for the reckless actions of an intoxicated driver. The attorneys at Largey Law Firm have considerable experience with cases involving drunk-driving bus accidents in Mount Dora. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in this type of crash, contact our firm today to discuss your legal options.
