Florida is a no-fault state, which means you’ll usually seek compensation from your own insurance company when you’ve been involved in an accident. What happens when your accident occurred on a city bus, though? Who is liable for the financial losses you’ve endured, and how do you seek out compensation? Get all the answers below.
Potentially Liable Parties After a City Bus Accident
Collecting compensation after a city bus accident is complicated. One of the reasons it’s more challenging to seek out compensation after these types of accidents is because there are a lot of different parties that could potentially be held financially responsible. Here’s an overview of the different parties that you might be able to seek compensation from:
- The bus driver
- The city who owns the bus
- The union the bus driver works for
- The company that services the bus
- Your state’s Department of Transportation
It’s up to you (and your lawyer) to identify who was at fault and should bear the costs of the accident.
How Do I Seek Compensation After an Accident with a City Bus?
If you were injured in a Florida bus accident, then you’ll need to first seek out compensation from your own insurance company. While they’ll provide you with some reimbursement, they may not be equipped to handle all the losses you’ve suffered.
Do your total damages exceed the compensation offered by your insurance company? If so, then you’ll need to consider seeking out compensation through other means. You’ll have to take a look at the other potentially liable parties and file a claim against them.
File a Bus Accident Report and Claim with the Government
If you’re considering filing a claim against the state of Florida, then it’s advised you seek out advice from an attorney. The law protects the government of Florida, so the compensation you’ll be able to seek is limited. Again, you may need to identify another potentially liable party and file a claim against them as well. An attorney can help you pinpoint the best person or entity to file a lawsuit against, and they’ll help you strengthen your claim to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your City Bus Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a city bus accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of city bus accidents in Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.