Buses are a common sight on U.S. roads and highways. There are for-hire buses for companies and organizations, school buses, public transportation buses in large cities and suburbs, airport buses, and many more.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines a bus as any vehicle that transports more than nine people. These include a private bus, commercial bus, or public transportation bus in Jacksonville or the First Coast region. In general, a bus is a vehicle large enough to carry groups of people.
Persons involved in bus accidents might suffer traumatic personal injuries, whether as passengers on the bus or an occupant of another vehicle. When these crashes happen, victims might want to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney with experience in these types of accidents. They could help you seek financial compensation for damages from the at-fault parties in the accident.
If you or a family member suffered injuries in a bus accident, a Jacksonville bus accident lawyer could help you file a claim for these damages. You can call the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (800) 921-7227 to schedule a case review.
Bus Accident Data
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported that nearly 3,000 people suffered injuries statewide in bus accidents in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) found that the city of Jacksonville led all large cities statewide in 2018 for the number of serious injuries or deaths. Even amid these high numbers, there are likely more unreported injuries from people who get into vehicle accidents with buses. Some of these accidents and injuries go unreported for various reasons.
It is critical if you were in an accident with a bus, whether commercial or private, that you report the accident. A police report could become important evidence in a civil personal injury suit later.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Jacksonville, call 800-921-7227
What to Do After a Bus Accident
Becoming involved in a bus accident can be an alarming situation. Whether you are in a vehicle, on a motorcycle, or walking across the street, getting hit by a fast-moving bus can produce serious injuries in a crash.
Check for Injuries
If a bus collided with your car or motorcycle on the First Coast, look at your overall condition. Check for cuts, bruises, or other injuries. Evaluate yourself and your passengers to see if you should call for emergency medical help.
Next, if you can get out of your car, evaluate the overall scene. See if anyone in other cars needs help. The safety of those injured in the crash should be your primary concern.
Call 9-1-1
You should call the police or 9-1-1 to report the accident. Not only will police officers clear the scene, but you can use information compiled in a police report regarding the vehicles involved in the crash later in a personal injury claim.
While waiting for the police, take some notes on your phone or with a pen and paper to remember exactly what just happened. When the police come to take your statement, you’ll have clear thoughts written down as a reference.
Once county sheriff’s deputies or city police officers arrive, try to state the facts exactly how you remember, without speculating about what caused the crash. Do not elaborate on the “how” of the crash; instead, just recount what happened clearly. This factual statement will help you down the road if you file a civil suit to seek damages for personal injuries.
Gather Evidence
If you can, take pictures and video of the crash scene. If you have severe injuries while waiting for the ambulance, document those by capturing pictures of your broken arm or leg, lacerations, or any injuries you suffered because of the bus accident. Document with your phone any damage to your vehicle and the bus you can see from the accident.
Contact an Attorney
Finally, you might want to contact a Jacksonville bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after the collision. An attorney understands the state laws that govern lawsuits and insurance claims for bus accidents. They can help you navigate the legal steps and insurance processes to preserve your rights to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to learn more.
Jacksonville Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-921-7227
Bus Accident Liability
Determining liability for a bus crash can become a complicated process, and a Jacksonville bus accident lawyer can help you with this inquiry. For example, if the investigation finds the bus driver at fault for the accident, you could hold the bus company liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. Other parties could also have responsibility for the accident, including:
- A bus manufacturer
- A bus lessee
- A bus mechanic
Buses run by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority or a local school district make the process of filing a claim more complicated. You will have to follow the rules outlined by Florida Statutes §768.28 to claim against a local government agency. An attorney can work on your behalf to ensure you follow the correct procedures, so your claim has the best chance of acceptance and resolution.
Privately owned bus companies might have insurance policies and payout stipulations for dealing with bus accidents. Because these cases can get extremely complicated, working with a personal injury lawyer could benefit you if you have suffered injuries in an accident with an at-fault bus driver.
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Working with a Jacksonville Bus Accident Lawyer
When you contact a Jacksonville bus accident lawyer, you can rest easy knowing that you have a legal professional working on your behalf to support you. Whether you have minor injuries or serious trauma from the accident, they will support you by:
- Contacting insurance companies.
- Handling legal paperwork for your case.
- Interviewing witnesses.
- Performing their legal obligations to bring you to a place where you can seek damages against those responsible for your injuries from the bus accident.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, has built negotiation strategies on sound legal principles, and our track record is something we take pride in. We will work to help you achieve not only a fair settlement for the losses to your vehicle, but also to recoup your costs involved with hospitalization, surgeries, medical treatments, physical pain and suffering, and any other material losses or emotional damages. Call us today at (800) 921-7227 to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text 800-921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form