Home » Boca Raton Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in a bus crash in Boca Raton, Florida, we can help. The bus accident lawyers from Accident Attorneys Boca Raton will dedicate their efforts to upholding and defending your rights as an injured victim. Thanks to our years of experience, we have developed the necessary skills to bring the liable parties to justice.

To learn more about all of our services and how we can help you with your particular case, schedule a free, confidential consultation by contacting us.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Boca Raton, FL

Going through an accident involving a bus can be a scary experience. The size and weight of these large vehicles can cause devastating injuries and property damage. Every year, thousands of people are injured in bus accidents in the United States. Boca Raton, FL, is no stranger to this unfortunate situation. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2017, 4,899 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in the U.S. Many different things can lead to bus accidents; some of the most common causes of bus accidents are:

Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of bus accidents in the U.S. Many bus drivers work long shifts throughout the day. In some cases, these drivers may work overtime, which means piling up extra hours behind the wheel. As the day progresses, bus drivers may feel more tired and fatigued. A fatigued or drowsy driver can be hazardous to other drivers on the road. If you have been injured by a tired bus driver, there are ways you can obtain compensation from the liable parties. Our Boca Raton bus accident attorneys can help.

Distracted Driving

Distractions are more common today than ever before. Technology has made it especially easy to get distracted behind the wheel. For instance, smartphones are common electronic devices. These devices, as you may know, are capable of sharing different types of content instantly between users. Texting and sending images and videos have proven particularly enticing for users. Many bus drivers may be tempted to send messages or browse the Internet when they are behind the wheel. These actions can lead to dangerous distractions. Driving while distracted can cause a driver to lose control over their bus, creating the potential for an accident.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence is another cause of bus accidents in the U.S. Bus drivers have an enormous responsibility when sitting behind the steering wheel. All their actions are particularly important because a mistake on their part can result in devastating consequences. Driving under the influence is strictly prohibited by law. However, negligent, careless drivers sometimes decide to ignore the law and risk driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Bus Accident

If you were involved in a bus accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for your injuries and losses. Generally, personal injury claims after a crash follow a straightforward path. As the plaintiff, you would need to establish the defendant’s duty of care, their breach of such duty, causation, and proof that you suffered losses as a consequence of their actions. In many instances, you may be offered a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which you can take or refuse.

However, bus accidents are more complicated, because buses usually belong to public entities or government agencies. In other words, you would need to file a claim against the government to obtain compensation. There is a legal principle that states the sovereign (government) and its agencies cannot be sued unless permission is given.

Nonetheless, Florida Statute 768.28 states the instances where the sovereign’s immunity can be waived. This may seem like a great way to recover compensation from the government in cases such as a bus crash. However, there is a caveat. While it is true the government can be sued (if allowed), the law sets a limit on the amount of compensation you can obtain. For instance, an individual claim has a cap of $200,000 in recoverable damages. If multiple lawsuits stem from a single event, the cap is set at $300,000 for all claims.

Additionally, claimants must follow specific requirements to petition their claims successfully. Claimants will need to provide notification in a particular format, which must include the claimant’s Social Security number, name, date of birth, place of birth, and other relevant information. Once your letter has been properly filed following the rules set forth under the law, the implicated agency will determine whether to honor your claim or settle your case after six months have passed.

Our Boca Raton bus accident lawyers can help you determine the best course of action and whether you can sue the government after a bus accident.