Using public transportation is good for the environment and can help you save money on the cost of purchasing, insuring and parking a vehicle. Like any vehicle, though, public transportation buses, vans, etc. are subject to accidents, especially when negligence is involved. Accidents, of course, can cause injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida bus accident, you can file a lawsuit and get compensation for medical costs, lost wages, emotional suffering and more. Contact the experienced public transportation attorneys at Goldman Daszkal today at 954-428-9333 for a free consultation.
What to do after a bus accident
Accidents can happen for many reasons: vehicle malfunction, distracted driver, the fault of another driver, a pedestrian in the road, etc. If you are involved in a public transportation accident, be sure to do the following:
Emergency response: The first thing you need to do is seek medical advice. The bus staff should contact
emergency services if they are able. If not, you (or another passenger) should call 911.
Law enforcement: Per Florida law (Statute 316.062), a report must be filed with the police, so make sure law enforcement is called.
Documentation: If you can, gather evidence at the scene by taking photographs.
Witnesses: If you are fit to do so, get the names and contact details of other passengers on board, the driver, and anyone else who may have seen the incident.
Report: It is a good idea to write up a self-report that includes any information you remember from the accident. Be sure to include details such as road and weather conditions.
Who is liable for your bus accident?
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that before you can file an injury claim, you must contact your own insurance company. If the compensation you are claiming exceeds your policy, then you might be able to make a claim for compensation against the government metropolis, the bus driver and/or the transportation company.
If you plan to file a claim against a government entity in Florida, there will be a time restraint, so contact your attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Passengers on public transportation aren’t the only onnes who can file for compensation in an accident. If you are a driver or passenger in a vehicle that is hit by a bus, you can pursue damages against the bus driver or transportation company.
Each state and municipality has different rules for filing claims inn public transportation accidents. The best way to know is to let your experienced attorney handle your claim.
When you file a claim, you are holding someone accountable and should receive fair compensation for damages such as medical bills, loss of wages, and any mental trauma. The attorneys at Goldman Daszkal will fight to get you the compensation you deserve after a public transportation accident.