A bus accident is indeed a terrifying incident. If you or your loved one have been injured in a Tampa bus accident, then the foremost thing to know is that you can claim compensation for the injuries, be they physical, mental, or both. However, a bus accident is slightly different from other road accidents because it will require you to deal with the bus company instead of an individual. Therefore, it can be somewhat challenging to claim compensation for your bus injury or overall harm that you faced due to the accident. You will want to hire a Tampa bus accident lawyer.
An experienced Tampa bus accident lawyer at The Coleman Law Group can assist you in fighting to claim compensation for your lost wages, medical treatment, mental and physical suffering, and more. Our legal group has assisted Tampa bus accident victims in recovering rightful compensation for their suffering. Our fierce procedure is what keep client’s hiring us to represent them and get them the maximum compensation for their injuries.  Â
Have you or your loved one been injured in a bus accident in Tampa? Contact experts today at (877) 822-9292 for a free case consultation.
Essential Facts About Bus Accidents
Tampa residents have various public transportation modes to get around the town. Bus transport is one of the safest options, but sometimes traffic congestion, improper and aggressive driving, and poor maintenance can lead to hazardous circumstances for bus drivers. As per FMCSA‘s 2018 estimation, nearly 234 disastrous accidents involving buses in the U.S. Some unbelievable facts include:Â
- 35% of transit fatalities.
- Intercity buses accounted for approximately 12% of bus deaths.
- School buses accounted for nearly 40% of all fatal bus accidents between 2008-2018.
- According to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles data, Florida bus accidents harmed nearly 386 individuals in 2018. More than 300 injured people were bus passengers.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in Tampa?
Sometimes the bus drivers are overworked and inexperienced, or a few other reasons may result in accidents. If you meet with a Tampa bus accident, here are a few things to do immediately:
Seek immediate medical assistance
Your health must be your key priority. Call the medical helpline and let an expert doctor provide proper treatment. Remember, some injuries may not be instantly visible. The symptoms may take hours, days, or even weeks to show up. Therefore, you should take the proper tests to determine any injuries. Also, when claiming compensation, your medical reports are an essential piece of evidence.
Notify the police
Bus drivers must report to the police authorities about bus accidents. However, it would help if you also informed the authorities. We suggest providing all the crucial details without admitting guilt.
Collect all possible evidence
You could take pictures of your physical injuries, the location, personal property damage, the position of the surrounding vehicles, etc. The crucial evidence helps illustrate how the accident happened.Â
Exchange contact information Â
Get the contact details of any witnesses. Also, exchange contact info with the bus driver. In addition, write down the license plate numbers of all involved vehicles and note every possible detail.
What Are The Common Reasons For Bus Accidents in Tampa?
Tampa bus accidents generally result from the below-mentioned reasons:Â
1. Mechanical failure:Â Â
Regular servicing and maintenance are critical requirements of operating a bus. If the bus owners/operators fail to service the vehicle and fix internal parts can easily lead to a fatal accident. Therefore, routine inspection and service of some particular parts are required:Â
- Lights
- SuspensionÂ
- BrakesÂ
- Warning signalsÂ
- Safety equipmentÂ
- Wheels
- Steering mechanismsÂ
Bus owners and operators in Tampa who fail to properly service and maintain their automobiles may be held responsible for any consequential accident and the pain and suffering of involved parties.Â
2. Driver’s mistake
If the drivers fail to follow road safety regulations: speeding, inattention to roadway signs, passing safety, etc., can all lead to bus accidents.
3. Distracted driving
A lack of concentration on the road by the drivers is a significant cause of bus accidents, whether due to an unruly bus passenger, wandering mind, or using a cell phone while driving.
4. Driving under the influence
Some bus drivers may consume alcohol or drugs to deal with on-job stresses of severe traffic and extended shifts. Â
5. Tiredness
Fatigue from overwork and lack of sleep can significantly decrease a bus driver’s attention and reaction time, resulting in accidents.Â
6. Environmental aspects
Bad climate and poor roadway conditions can also cause fatal bus accidents. Fog and downpour can decrease driver visibility and increase the chance of slippery roads and other obstructions.Â
7. Poorly maintained roads
Poorly maintained roads can also contribute to unfavorable conditions such as bus accidents in Tampa. Potholes, unmarked turns, absence of guard rails, and accumulated sand and debris are significant threats that can negatively impact bus safety.Â
Expert bus accident attorneys can help determine the cause of the accident. In addition, we will be able to work with accident reconstruction specialists who can discover the actual reason.Â
Your attorney will ultimately prove invaluable in your bus accident case.
What Are Some Common Injuries Resulting from Bus Accidents?
1. Neck injury
Typically bus accident victims experience the sudden impact of the crash, which leads to a neck injury. The symptoms include severe pain in the neck, swelling, tenderness, and muscle cramps. To avoid serious health issues, get proper treatment for neck issues. So, it’s essential to seek medical care immediately.
2. Broken bones Â
In case of a mighty bus crash, passengers can collide against the automobile’s interior, resulting in broken bones and bruises. Also, medical treatment for broken bones can be expensive, and victims may need prolonged physical therapy for proper movement.Â
3. Lacerations and deep cuts Â
Since buses have a significant number of glass windows and other breakable components, the risk of victims sustaining severe lacerations and deep cuts increases if a crash happens, some injuries can also lead to tough skin and nerve damage.
4. Spinal cord and head injury
When a bus stops suddenly and forcefully, the chances are high that a passenger’s head hits a seat or window. This sharp force trauma to the head can lead to catastrophic consequences for a bus collision victim.Â
The victims may also experience spinal cord injuries, which can cause immobility/paralysis or even death if serious.
Who is Responsible for a Tampa Bus Accident?
Bus accident cases are so complicated that more than one party can be held responsible. They may include:
·     Bus driver: Depending on the circumstances, the driver’s negligence, fatigue, or intoxication may be the primary reason for the bus collision, and he may be held liable in court.
·     Vehicle manufacturers/repairing firms: In some cases, a bus’s flawed manufacturing or configuration may cause accidents. Inaccurately installed or maintained parts, such as accelerators, brakes, and wheels, can cause bus drivers to lose control, resulting in collisions. In addition, the carelessness of a repair facility or bus manufacturer can make them responsible for your injuries.
·     Bus operator company: In some cases, the bus companies may also be held accountable or at least partially liable for the conduct of their drivers. For instance, if a company forces drivers to overwork, fails to train them adequately, or hires untrustworthy individuals as their staff members, the company can be held responsible for its shoddy practices.
·     Unruly passengers: If a bus driver has to deal with difficult or unruly passengers while driving, the possibility of a fatal bus accident increases. In some cases, such disruptive passengers have been found guilty of assaulting the motorist while the bus was in motion.
What Damage Can I Claim as a Victim of The Accident?
Due to the enormous size of buses, accidents happen to be worse than other vehicle accidents. Also, the claimed compensation for damages is significantly higher. The most common damages include:
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of wages due to fracture or other health conditions
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Demise loved ones
If you have dealt with any of the damages mentioned above, tell your Tampa Bus Accident Lawyer. An experienced accident attorney will work diligently to prove your suffering and help you receive fair compensation.
How Much Will I be Able to Recover?
Each case of a bus accident is different. So, the monetary compensation will ultimately depend on the type of damage and injuries you have. Feel free to call The Coleman Law Group for a free consultation at any time. And our team will be upfront and honest regarding the injury compensation you may receive. Generally, the estimate will comprise medical bills, lost earnings, property damage, pain, suffering, etc.
Do I Need Any Evidence for Filing a Bus Accident in Tampa?
You won’t be able to sue successfully for pain, suffering, and other personal damages if you have no evidence to support your accident claims. Solid evidence will make your case strong. However, victims generally do not know how to collect proper evidence for the lawsuit.Â
However, it is normal for victims to remember specific accident details. Also, there can be several sources for evidence in your accident’s case, such as proof of your injuries, medical records, statements, and doctor bills.
In addition, you can take the help of an experienced Tampa Bus Accident Lawyer to track down vital evidence for your case. The lawyer may help accumulate surveillance camera recordings to support your case if possible.
How Much Time is There to File a Lawsuit?
In the case of most personal injuries in Florida, the victims have four years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. However, if you are injured while commuting via a bus operated by a municipality, you will only have three years to take legal action. Therefore, it’s best to bring your claim to our law firm as soon as possible.
Should I Expect a Call From The Company’s Insurance Partner? What Should I Do if They Call Me?
Avoid making any statement to the insurance representatives of the bus company. Instead, it would help if you asked them to contact your accident lawyer, but don’t forget to call our office to inform us that the insurance company has contacted you. Also, you must never sign any legal documents from the insurance company or any other third party without your attorney present.Â
Remember, those insurance representatives of the bus company do not have your best interests in mind. Therefore, please reach us anytime for a free consultation at (877) 822-9292.
What Is The Advantage If You Hire a Tampa bus accident lawyer?
There are several benefits of hiring a top-rated Tampa bus accident injury attorney. First and foremost, an attorney understands the law and can proficiently cover all legal aspects of your bus accident case.Â
Once you hire us, we will help strengthen your claim by helping you collect relevant evidence. For example, and the case of physical suffering, we will help you gather the necessary medical documents, assess any physical proof left from your claim, and even interview bystanders or other individuals involved in the bus accident. All these actions will move toward strengthening your case and increasing the chances of receiving fair compensation.
We will assess the circumstances from a legal viewpoint. Moreover, we will present your bus accident case in a suitable format according to the court’s criteria. Ultimately, hiring a skilled bus accident attorney in Tampa will save you significant time. For example, suppose you are trying to handle your bus accident claim alone. In that case, it may be hard for you to learn the process of making a claim quickly enough and do the needful appropriately. In addition, hiring a skilled attorney will make the process more straightforward during traumatic times after an accident.Â
Contact Our Expert Bus Accident Lawyers
Each bus accident case is unique, and the probable causes of damage are practically limitless. Our experienced accident attorney can assist you in finding your way through the facts, evidence, and the law to reach a fair outcome.
Are you looking for an expert lawyer to present and win your bus accident in Tampa? Call us at (877) 822-9292 to discuss your rights and course of action.
