If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, it is imperative to speak to an experienced Miami motor vehicle collision attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we can investigate the accident and provide you with an honest assessment of your claim. You can rest assured that we are committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve for your harm.
Earlier this month, a school bus in Highlands County flipped on its side after a crash with a semi truck, which smashed into pieces. Fortunately, all 39 of the students on the bus made it out of the accident alive, although at least 22 people were taken to the hospital following the wreck. The school bus was traveling north on US 27 in the right lane just before 8 a.m., and the tractor-trailer was traveling north on US 27 in the right lane as well, some distance behind the bus. At one point, the bus came to a stop at Lake Ridge Drive to permit students to load the bus. Even though the bus had its flashing lights on, warning other drivers that it was stopped, the truck failed to stop in time and hit the bus.
A number of parties may be liable for a bus accident. In the case at hand, the truck driver who hit the bus would likely be considered negligent and be liable for the crash and any resulting injuries. Negligence occurs when an injury or death occurs due to a person or entity’s failure to use reasonable care. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would act in the same or similar circumstances. Here, a truck driver using reasonable care would have been more vigilant in maintaining a reasonable speed and braking distance and thus would have been able to come to a complete stop when the bus stopped. It is important to note that under Florida law, in some cases, the truck driver’s employer may be liable for the truck driver’s negligence as well.
In the Highlands County bus accident case, some of the students had broken bones and had to be airlifted to the hospital. In the upcoming weeks, more injuries will likely become apparent and may be extremely costly to treat. Fortunately, victims of Florida bus accidents may be able to recover a variety of economic and non-economic damages, such as medical costs, future medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other damages arising from the accident. Each case is unique, and the exact amount a plaintiff will be able to recover will depend on the nature and extent of his or her injury.
While buses are a relatively safe mode of transportation, when these vehicles are involved in crashes, the consequences can be devastating for everyone involved. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our diligent Miami bus accident attorneys understand how to navigate these complex cases. For more information about your case, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or reach out to us online today.
More Blog Posts:
Summary Judgment in Florida Personal Injury Cases, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017
Crush Injuries Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017
Preponderance of the Evidence Standard in Florida Civil Cases, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017