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Buses are an essential part of many people’s lives, providing them with much-needed transportation. These large vehicles help cut down on traffic, speed up commuting times, and are typically very convenient and economical. Buses are capable of causing serious injuries and damages, however, given their size, the routes they typically travel, and the fact that they typically carry many people, making it important those injured consult with an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible. Our Orlando bus accident lawyers are well-equipped to help you succeed in a civil lawsuit against a negligent bus driver or their employer.
Buses crash for many different reasons. Our team of well-versed attorneys will perform a thorough investigation of the accident to determine precisely what happened. Our lawyers will comb through all available evidence, including police reports, medical records, traffic camera footage, vehicle inspection reports, and eyewitness testimonials to pinpoint what caused the public transit vehicle collision.
As with all motor vehicle crashes, most buses crash because the driver made a careless or reckless driving mistake. Bus drivers sometimes drive aggressively or while under the influence and frequently work long hours, which can lead to driver fatigue or inattention. To ease their boredom, public transit vehicle operators might be tempted to use their cellphones while driving, which could increase the likelihood of a severe collision.
Bus companies could also be liable for their employees’ driving mistakes, particularly if they have unsafe driving policies or procedures. For example, if bus drivers feel pressured by their employers to adhere to unrealistic timetables, they might feel the need to speed or drive recklessly to arrive at their destinations on time. For this reason, bus companies are required to set reasonable schedules for their drivers and implement safety policies to ensure that drivers get adequate rest between their shifts.
Public transit companies are also obligated to to perform background checks to ensure that their new drivers do not have poor driving records. Because buses operate and stop differently than other vehicles, bus companies must also adequately train their drivers.
Sometimes, crashes happen because of problems with the buses themselves. If the bus had an inherent defect, a skilled attorney could help an injured claimant pursue a claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer. Public transit vehicles should receive regular inspections and maintenance to check for faulty parts. If an accident occurred due to a tire blowout or worn-out brakes, for example, an injured individual could seek damages from the bus company for its failure to keep the vehicle in safe working order.
There are four general parties involved in a bus accident claim: the plaintiff, their lawyer, the liable party, the liable party’s insurance company. You would be the plaintiff if you were hurt by someone else’s carelessness or negligence in a bus accident and would be entitled to compensation for your resulting damages.
The liable party is the person or entity responsible for your injuries and damages. If multiple factors contributed to the cause and severity of a bus collision, multiple parties may bear liability. As previously mentions, liability could belong to the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance companies in charge of the bus’s condition, or even a government entity in charge of keeping public roads safe.
The liable party is going to be represented by their insurance company, which is going to try to save money by reducing what they owe you or by throwing out your case altogether. Regardless, our team can help hold them accountable for the damages and injuries their insured has caused you. Our attorneys have the experience and the skills necessary to investigate the cause of a bus collision and identify responsible parties.
Due to their size and weight, buses often cause serious injuries to other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians. Bus accidents can also seriously injure passengers on the bus, because most public transit vehicles do not have seatbelts or other safety features to protect passengers in the event of a crash. Consequently, bus crashes often lead to the following injuries:
For those who do not survive their bus collision injuries, our firm can help their loved ones file a wrongful death claim. The Orlando lawyers on our team have secured millions of dollars for people who have lost loved ones or family members in bus accidents.
Bus accidents can involve both State and Federal Law violations depending on the bus company, where it travels, and where it is based out of. It is important to hire a lawyer who is familiar with these laws and regulations and how they may impact an individual case.
Litigation surrounding bus crashes is often complex, especially when more than one liable party is involved. Regardless of whether your case can be settled out of court or must proceed to trial, our lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation available to you.
Contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Orlando bus accident lawyers. We will answer any questions you have and explain your rights and legal options.
