Buses accidents are no different from any other motor vehicle accident, in the sense that their operators could be responsible for a collision. Accidents involving public or private buses often result in severe injuries, given the force that comes with such a large vehicle. We have all seen the Lynx buses driving around Central Florida, but did you ever consider that they get in accidents too?
If you sustained injuries in a bus accident, a driven personal injury attorney could help you pursue monetary compensation. Dealing with debilitating injuries is never easy, but monetary damages from the negligent bus driver or their insurance company could ease the stress of your recovery. An Orlando bus accident lawyer could evaluate your case and give insight into your chances of recovery.
An important step for an Orlando bus accident attorney is to identify the person or entity that caused the crash. These accidents can occur based on many factors, each of which could result in a claim against a different defendant.
The operator of a commercial bus could be directly responsible for a crash. These large vehicles can be difficult to navigate, particularly on tight two-lane streets. These challenges, combined with driver negligence, could result in a bus accident. Some examples of bus driver negligence could include failing to yield the right of way, running a stop sign, or driving while intoxicated.
The employer of the bus driver could face liability in some cases, too. If the bus driver was negligent while operating within the scope of their employment, the bus company could be held responsible for damages following a crash. Keep in mind there are unique challenges pursuing compensation in a collision with a public bus. The government often claims immunity from these bus accidents, but an Orlando attorney might be able to hold them accountable despite this.
In some cases, a defective part will cause a bus crash. A defective braking system could make it difficult for a bus operator to avoid a crash. Also, a faulty transmission could make a bus come to a sudden, unexpected stop. It could be possible to seek compensation from the manufacturer for a defective part that resulted in a bus crash.
There is a time limit to file any lawsuit in Orlando. This is commonly known as the statute of limitations. Not only does the statute of limitations for each lawsuit vary across jurisdictions, but it also varies from one type of claim to another. For a bus accident injury claim, victims have four years to file suit, and the countdown for this statute begins the day the accident occurred.
The consequences of non-compliance with the statute are steep. The court has the power to bar a claim forever if it is filed after the deadline expires. Typically, the defense will move to dismiss a case based on the statute of limitations shortly after it is filed.
The injuries resulting from a bus crash can be traumatic. Even after the injuries fade, the mental and financial impact could remain. While financial compensation cannot erase these effects, it could serve as a valuable resource during the recovery process.
Prepared to move forward with your Orlando bus accident claim? If so, speaking with an attorney is a good first step. Schedule an initial consultation with Sam Dunaway, your Orlando bus accident attorney as soon as possible.
