Were you in a collision involving a bus? No matter if you were a passenger on the bus, a pedestrian strolling along the sidewalk, or another driver on the road at the time of the crash, a Fort Myers bus accident lawyer is the one to call.
At Viles & Beckman, we know that bus accidents are often confusing and complicated legal matters that create a lot of stressors for victims. But with a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer from our law firm by your side, you can rest assured that someone is advocating for you.
With over 40 years of combined experience, we’ve secured more than $100 million—and counting—in compensation since 1995. Reach out to us for help pursuing compensation and seeking the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Various factors can cause bus accidents, some of which are unique to bus-related crashes due to their size and weight. However, in general, many bus collisions stem from driver errors.
Bus drivers—like all commercial vehicle operators—must adhere to strict regulations and training requirements. However, they are not immune to distractions or fatigue.
Also, in some cases, bus drivers choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This behavior is considered negligent. Let’s look at other potential causes of bus crashes:
- Failing to follow traffic laws
- Operating the vehicle recklessly
- Driving poorly maintained buses
- Being behind the wheel of a bus with defective parts
- Failing to ensure regular maintenance
- Ignoring issues with faulty equipment
- Facing mechanical failures or brake malfunctions
- Finding it hard to break or stop the bus
- Running into dangerous weather and roads
As part of our mission & values, we make it a point to advocate for you as if you were part of our family. Known as the 5-Star Mission™, you can trust us to fight for you no matter the cause of the bus accident.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Legal Issues that Could Arise When Filing Bus Accident Claims
One of the main challenges that your Fort Myers bus accident attorney could run into when pursuing a personal injury claim is determining liability. This process is even more difficult when more than one party may be at fault.
For example, if you get in a collision with a public bus, then the government entity that operates the bus may be responsible for compensating victims like you. However, filing a claim against a government agency involves strict procedural requirements.
Not only that, but the statute of limitations is often shorter than cases involving non-public vehicles. Speaking of which, here’s what you should know about crashes involving private or charter buses:
- Insurance policies: The bus company’s insurance policy might cover the damages that you experienced as a result of the collision.
- Disputes: Charter and private bus companies alike may attempt to argue their liability or dispute the severity of your injuries.
Types of Compensation You Might Be Eligible for as a Bus Accident Victim
Your compensation opportunities as the victim of a bus crash will often depend on the severity of your injuries.
For now, to give you an idea of what you might be able to recover, here are two categories of compensation that could be available:
- Economic
- Non-economic
Economic
Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation, are often the largest part of a personal injury claim following a bus accident. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also be able to seek compensation for lost wages and future loss of earning capacity.
Non-Economic
In addition to economic damages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages aim to compensate you for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the bus company or driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness.
The only way to know for certain which types of compensation you can pursue is by connecting with a bus accident lawyer in Fort Myers. Your attorney will know what your options are based on the details of your case.
Reach Out to a Fort Myers Bus Accident Attorney for Legal Advice Today
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a bus-related crash, don’t wait to call Viles & Beckman. You should take immediate action to protect your legal rights, and we’re here to advocate for you.
While it can be tempting to try to figure things out on your own, we want you to set yourself up for success by contacting our Fort Myers bus accident lawyers as soon as possible. That way, we can build a case and work towards a favorable outcome on your behalf.
By reaching out to our law firm, we can tell you more about Viles & Beckman and how we can apply our legal knowledge to your case. With us, you can trust that your case will be handled with urgency and care.
Viles & Beckman, LLC
6350 Presidential Court
Fort Myers, FL 33919
T: (239) 334-3933
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form