Public transportation is a convenient aspect of our society that we often take for granted. Millions of people use buses every day to access school, work, social functions, and more. Sadly, we are not exactly the masters of our own lives and sometimes things do not work out as planned. Using public transportation is no exception to this.
Bus accidents, believe it or not, are more common than you may think. And to make matters worse, as a passenger you are always at the mercy of the driver. There is something understandably scary about that at a fundamental level. Every time you get on the bus, you are essentially putting your life in the hands of a stranger. Usually, we don't think about this as we go on about our lives, but it is technically the truth. All you can really do is hope that the operator of the bus is competent and well-trained.
Maybe you have recently been a passenger on a bus that was a part of a traffic collision. And, you didn't walk away unharmed. Instead, you sustained injuries, leaving you unsure as to how you should proceed. This is where enlisting The Ward Law Group comes in handy. With over a decade of experience, our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in a plethora of different compensation claims. In addition to this, we also serve both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Don't let the insurance adjusters use your language against you during your case. Contact The Ward Law Group today!
Personal Injury & Bus Accident Statistics for Kissimmee, FL
While bus accidents may not be as commonplace as regular automobile accidents, buses carry more passengers than ordinary vehicles. This creates opportunities for more potential injuries, considering the simple fact that more passengers are on board. According to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the following statistics were reported during 2016:
- There were 4 passenger fatalities
- 87 of the reported injuries were incapacitating
- 359 of the reported personal injuries were comparatively minor but caused major financial damages
- The remainder 32,328 passengers did not sustain any injuries
This last statistic is included here to provide you with a sense of scope. It is easy to think that bus accidents are not that common. (And, when compared to automobile accidents, this is certainly true.) However, the possibility of sustaining catastrophic injuries from a bus accident is definitely feasible. Especially in an area (like Kissimmee) that relies heavily on tourism (and on tour buses in particular) as a sizeable chunk of our economy and transportation.
Being a participant in any type of accident is scary, whether you sustain injuries or not. The Ward Law Group understands your hardships and is here to guide you through your legal journey. Our lawyers will work tirelessly to maneuver around the particulars of your case in order to maximize your claim. Don't hesitate to recruit our help - contact the Ward Law Group today!
Types of Bus Accident Injuries
According to Moovit Insights, the average commute time for bus riders in Florida is roughly 90 minutes. Additionally, roughly 39% of all transit riders have a commute of 2 hours or more every day. Naturally, the amount of time we spend on the bus also increases our risk of being involved in a bus accident. In turn, this also increases our chances of sustaining a personal injury.
When you become the victim of a bus accident, there is always the chance that you will walk away unscathed. Of course, the opposite is also true. Here is a list of some common (and not-so-common injuries) that may occur in conjunction with public transport accidents:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Disc herniations
- Lacerations or burns
- Deafness or blindness
- Disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Death
- ...and more.
Note that some of these injuries are much more serious than others. Remember, however, that no matter the seriousness of your condition, it is always important to seek out a medical evaluation. Doing so soon after your accident will help bolster your case and thus maximize your claim. Remember, The Ward Law Group is here to help you during this trying time. Our team of lawyers is here to take care of the legal particulars of your case so that you can have the chance to recover without worry. Don't hesitate, contact us today!
Kissimmee, FL Law & Bus Accident Compensation
If you sustain an injury from a bus accident, then you should pursue your lawsuit under the assumption of negligence. In the state of Florida, buses are "common carriers." Common carriers have many responsibilities that they owe to their passengers, such as the guarantee of safety during transport. They must operate under a certain level of "reasonableness" in order to avoid liability. For instance, if it is raining and road conditions are deemed poor, then bus drivers must proceed under the speed limit in order to exercise this reasonableness. If they fail to do so and it leads to an accident, the law considers this a liability. As such, the passengers have the right to pursue compensation against the driver for damages.
Proving negligence in the state of Florida is not always an easy task, but it is certainly possible. A skilled team of lawyers can help you file for the following forms of compensation:
- Loss of Consortium: If your injury affects your relationship with your spouse or family, including your ability to provide and care for them, then you may be able to receive this form of compensation.
- Medical Bills: Medical care for injuries-even for less serious ones-is expensive for those with and without medical insurance. This form of compensation helps to cover costs related to doctor's visits, prescribed medicines, emergency surgery, and more.
- Loss of Income: If your injuries put you out of work for an extended period of time, then this compensation covers missed payments from those absences. Additionally, if your injury is permanent and affects your ability to excel in your field, you may be able to receive even more compensation.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost of personal effects, such as clothing and handheld electronics.
Reach Out to the Ward Law Group
The Ward Law Group will work tirelessly to ensure that you are able to receive all of the viable forms of compensation on this list and beyond. You may be surprised to know just how much you are able to receive in return for your personal injuries. This is why enlisting an experienced team of lawyers behind you is important. Contact our Kissimmee, FL legal team today!
Maximizing Your Claim: Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident
The most important aspect after any accident is safeguarding your health. Always seek out medical attention immediately. Doing so is important for your well-being, but it is also vital for maximizing your claim. Many states require that you receive a medical evaluation within a certain period of time following the incident. So, don't hesitate! You may miss out on a portion of your compensation if you do not adhere to this timeframe.
In addition to seeking medical attention, get the police involved immediately. The police will generate a report documenting the details of the accident. This will eventually become a great advantage for you in your pursuit of compensation.
If you are able to at the time of the incident, then you should also record the details of the accident. These days, everyone has a portable camera in their front right pocket, so take advantage of it. This will only act as further evidence that your team of lawyers will be able to use in a court of law.
Lastly, make sure you contact a team of lawyers as soon as possible! The sooner you do this, the better your chances become. Doing so will give your legal team more time to gather evidence. And, time is always a valuable asset in cases such as these. You may not feel up to it immediately after a traumatic event, but the sooner you get this done, the better your compensation will be.
How The Ward Law Group Can Help
Usually, bus companies have their own insurance for their passengers. This may cover each passenger individually, or it may be a large sum to cover everyone aboard the bus. Either way, it may not be enough to cover the damages incurred. There is always a very good chance that you are entitled to more than you think. This is why contacting The Ward Law Group is always a great choice.
Remember, our personal injury lawyers advocate for both English- and Spanish-speaking accident victims. Don't let your language become an added barrier to your pursuit of reimbursement. The Ward Law Group is passionate about helping absolutely everyone. Contact our expert lawyers in Kissimmee, FL as soon as possible to get your case started off the right way. After all, you deserve the peace of mind.