The injuries sustained in a bus accident are typically much more severe than those that result from other types of automobile accidents. When bus accidents happen, the consequences can be extremely severe. If you or someone you know has been injured in a bus accident, we can help you take legal action against the at-fault party and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We understand that this is a stressful time for your family, which is why you can expect the utmost compassion from our entire team.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 11,616,105 vehicles were registered as large trucks and buses across the United States in 2010. Approximately 70,000 of those vehicles were involved in wrecks that same year, which caused injuries to about 106,000 people. On top of that, the FMCSA estimates that almost 4,000 deaths that year were due to large truck and bus accidents. The FMCSA defines a bus as a vehicle that can transport 10 or more passengers at one time.
There are a number of reasons why bus accidents can happen. In some cases, bus accidents are a result of driver negligence. This refers to the failure to take proper care in doing something. Put another way, negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care in one’s actions or omissions. Reasonable care is defined as how a typically pragmatic person would act in similar circumstances. Thus, what is considered ‘reasonable’ will vary depending on the situation.
Bus drivers should have the proper training and skill required to operate a large vehicle like a bus. In some cases, however, drivers act recklessly or carelessly while driving a bus, which leads to an accident. Some of these careless actions include speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving, poor vehicle maintenance, visual distractions, tailgating, and more.
An individual who has been injured due to bus driver negligence can take legal action to recover damages for his or her injuries. The injured victim has to establish that the bus driver owed the plaintiff a duty to drive using reasonable care, the bus driver breached the duty to drive using reasonable care, and the bus driver’s breach caused the accident and the plaintiff’s resulting injuries.
Once negligence is established, the plaintiff may be able to seek compensation for his or her medical expenses, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, therapy costs, property damage, and any other costs arising from the accident. The payment can come in the form of one large settlement, or it can be split into installments over time.
When an accident involves a school as opposed to a regular car, the factors that have to be considered are very different. Bus accidents are much more complicated than other types of automobile accidents. If you or someone close to you has been harmed in a bus accident, we can help. Robert Dixon is a dedicated Miami injury attorney who will try to help you recover the damages you deserve for your injuries. We proudly represent clients throughout South Florida. For a free and confidential initial consultation, contact us online or call us today at 1-877-499-HURT (4878).
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