Steps To Take After A Florida Bus Accident And Who Is Liable For A Bus Accident
Florida public transportation plays a crucial role in society. People use public transport to get to school, work, the grocery store, and many other destinations. Each time you board a bus, you expect to reach your destination safely. Unfortunately, bus accidents are quite common in Florida.
Bus accidents in Florida happen for various reasons. Some bus accidents are unpreventable, whereas others are caused by negligence, thus meaning they are preventable. When you get into a bus accident as a passenger because of another party’s negligence, you have the right to file a compensation claim against the negligent party. Below, we discuss steps to take after a Florida bus accident and who is responsible for a bus accident in Florida.
Steps To Take After a Florida Bus Accident
If you are in a bus accident, there are some crucial steps you need to take to help guarantee your safety and improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. The following are some of the steps to take after a Florida bus accident;
- Call 911 – It is crucial to call 911 after a bus accident, and you don’t have to wait for the bus staff to make the call. Not only does the accident need to be reported to the police so a report can be generated documenting the details of the accident, but there could also be a need for immediate medical attention.
- Document everything – If your condition allows you, take pictures at the accident scene using your phone. Take as many pictures as possible. Take pictures of your injuries, where you were seated, damage to the bus and any other vehicle involved, and anything else you deem important.
- Collect contact information from other passengers and the driver – If there are other passengers, try to get their contact information. Also, get the bus driver’s information.
- Seek medical attention – If you are not attended to at the accident scene because, for example, there is no sign of an injury or you think your injury is not severe, see a doctor as soon as possible after leaving the accident scene. You could have experienced an injury like whiplash that does not always become apparent immediately after an accident. Also, the injury you think is minor could be a severe injury.
- Contact an attorney – After a bus accident, it is vital that you contact a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help determine if you have a valid compensation claim. If you do, they can help you file and handle your claim. Bus accident claims can be complex. It is not advisable that you handle your case without legal help.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident in Florida?
After suffering injuries in a bus accident, you may wonder who is responsible for your injuries and damages. So, who is liable for a bus accident in Florida? The blame for a Florida bus accident can be put on several parties. Below are some of the parties you might be able to seek compensation from after a bus accident;
- The bus driver
- The bus company
- Another driver
- The company that services the bus
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been in a bus accident and need help seeking compensation, contact our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Ocala, Orlando, Melbourne, Naples, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, and West Palm Beach areas.