Many Floridians rely on public transit, such as buses, to commute from place to place. Buses are not necessarily considered a dangerous form of transportation. However, when the proper safety measures are not taken, devastating accidents, injuries, and damages can occur. Continue reading to learn the most common causes of bus accidents and how an experienced Pasco County, Florida bus accident lawyer at Wendy Doyle-Palumbo, Esq., can help you build a legal strategy if need be.
What are the common causes of bus accidents in the state of Florida?
As insinuated above, bus accidents frequently occur when the proper safety measures are not enforced or followed. And this usually falls under the responsibility of the bus driver. With that being said, below are common examples of how bus drivers may exhibit negligence:
- Your bus driver prematurely closes the bus door on passengers.
- Your bus driver makes sudden stops or starts.
- Your bus driver takes off before passengers have a chance to get seated.
- Your bus driver discharges passengers unsafely or in an unsafe area.
- Your bus driver fails to ensure that all proper safety equipment is on board.
- Your bus driver fails to account for the bus size and large blind spots when braking, turning, or changing lanes.
- Your bus driver drives recklessly:
- Drives while intoxicated.
- Drives while fatigued.
- Drives while looking at a map or GPS.
- Speeds.
What evidence do I need of my bus accident?
If you were, unfortunately, involved in a bus accident due to the negligence of a bus driver, then it may be best to file a personal injury claim. With a successful claim, you may receive financial compensation for any of the damages you may have incurred (i.e., medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc),
But to recover such damages, you must collect the following pieces of evidence after your accident occurs:
- The police report recorded at the scene.
- Photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and the scene.
- The bus driver’s contact information.
- Any present witnesses’ contact information.
- Your medical documents and bills.
Do I also have to file a Notice of Claim?
If your accident occurred on a public bus, then yes, you will most likely have to file a Notice of Claim in addition to your personal injury claim. For example, a Notice of Claim will inform the Florida Public Transportation Association that you intend to take legal action against them.
It is important to note that you will have to file your Notice of Claim within three years of the date of your accident to initiate your personal injury claim. Then you will have to file your personal injury claim within Florida’s statute of limitations, which is generally four years from the date of your accident. If you do not meet these deadlines, you will be permanently barred from suing.
You must not miss out on the financial compensation that you require to heal from your injuries and damages. So, you must not hesitate in reaching out to a skilled Pasco County, Florida auto accident lawyer today.