(561) 375-9500
Public transportation, like buses, is a dependable and often necessary mode of transportation for many people. They are convenient and affordable. People ride them to commute to work, shop, and socialize. However, a bus accident, whether caused by the bus driver’s negligence or another party, often leads to severe injuries and even wrongful death. Most passengers are not protected by seatbelts, and some may be standing in an aisle when a collision occurs. Finally, school bus crashes killed 108 people nationwide in 2021, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).
If you have been injured in a bus accident in Sarasota, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation for the losses you have suffered. Contact our team of Sarasota bus accident attorneys at Kogan & DiSalvo. We are passionate advocates for the injured.
Bus Accidents in Sarasota
According to research by the American Public Transportation Association, traveling by bus is safer than driving a car. Despite what the statistics say, a negligent bus driver, e.g., distracted or intoxicated, can seriously harm passengers by running a red light, going over the speed limit, or rear-ending another motorist.
Bus accidents in Sarasota may involve commercial bus lines such as Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway, chartered buses, casino buses, party buses, public buses on Sarasota County’s Breeze Route, and more. School bus crashes in Sarasota County are increasing steadily each year. In 2017, a bus crash occurred on average every 21 days. Trust a skilled Sarasota personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Who Is at Fault in a Bus Accident?
In any motor vehicle accident claim, your attorney must demonstrate that another party’s negligent actions caused an accident. In the case of a bus accident, fault may lie with several parties, including:
- The bus driver: While most Sarasota bus operators are skilled and responsible drivers, it only takes one driver’s reckless or negligent actions to cause an accident. As noted, when they drive over the speed limit, run right lights, or are intoxicated or distracted, they place the lives of passengers and other people on the road at risk.
- The bus company: The company that owns a bus line may share liability. For example, if they failed to screen their employees adequately and hired drivers with a history of motor vehicle violations.
- The bus manufacturer. They may be liable if the bus was built with poor or defective parts, e.g., the steering wheel, brakes, or tires, that resulted in a malfunction.
- A negligent motorist: The driver of another vehicle may be liable if they engaged in negligent behavior. They may be texting, adjusting their GPS or sound system and rear-end a bus.
Determining fault is a foundational element in a personal injury claim. An experienced Sarasota bus accident lawyer can assess the facts of your accident to determine who was at fault and how their negligence harmed you.
Additional Bus Accident Claims
Passenger injuries are one form of a personal injury claim. However, we are prepared to handle claims arising from a wide range of scenarios, including:
- Accidents in which another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist is struck by a bus.
- Slip-and-fall accidents on buses, bus platforms, bus stations, and other premises.
- Assaults on buses and other public transportation arising from negligent security.
Whatever the cause of your accident, our law firm has the experience and resources to identify the liable parties.
Potential Compensation in Bus Accidents
The injuries you suffer in a bus accident, such as whiplash, bone fractures, and concussions, may require extensive and ongoing medical treatment, including diagnostic tests, doctor’s visits, surgery, physical therapy, home health care, and pain medications. Further, your damages often go beyond medical bills. You may have missed out on work because you were at home recovering, or you sustained physical and emotional trauma.
You may face long-term disability and need modifications to your home for accessibility. Your relationships with your spouse, family and friends may be affected due to your injuries. An experienced lawyer can help you pursue compensation that covers all your economic and non-economic damages.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you have lost a loved one in a bus accident due to the negligence of another party, our team of attorneys can help you explore every legal avenue for compensation, including pursuing a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. While no legal action can ever make up for what happened, a wrongful death claim can help you obtain financial resources for final medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
You may hear from the bus company’s insurance company shortly after your accident. Be very careful what you say to an insurance adjuster. Their business model hinges on not paying the full value of claims. They may try to get you to sign a lowball settlement offer by minimizing your damages. Confer with your lawyer before you sign anything. Further, if settlement negotiations fail because they consistently refuse to offer a fair and reasonable amount, we are prepared to go to court.
Contact Kogan & DiSalvo for a Free Legal Consultation
If you have sustained severe injuries in a bus accident in Sarasota, we can help. Our award-winning team understands the gravity of your situation. As Florida’s premier personal injury law firm, we often see people at the most vulnerable and difficult times of their lives. However, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys are passionate about fighting on behalf of injury victims and their families. We know how difficult it can be when you’re unable to work to support your family because of your injuries. Contact us today to request your free case evaluation.
