What This Page Covers:
- Negligence: Bus drivers and operating companies must exercise care. When negligence causes an accident, injured passengers can seek legal recourse.
- Liability: Identifying the responsible party is complex, especially when public entities are involved.
- Legal Process: Claims against private companies are simpler, while those against public entities involve specific protocols and potential damage caps.
- Client Focus: Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law personally handles cases to secure fair compensation for victims of bus accidents.
- To schedule a free consultation and speak with Frank personally, complete our contact form or call (727) 800-5052.
Many people in St. Petersburg rely on buses and public transportation to go about their daily activities. This mode of transportation helps people commute everywhere, from work to the grocery store. These vehicles are designed to increase efficiency, so they are equipped to carry up from 50 to 100 people. Yet, due to their capacity, these methods of transportation can be extremely dangerous in the event of an accident.
Operating companies and bus drivers have a duty of care for all passengers on board. If an accident occurs due to the bus driver’s negligence or operating company, those passengers have every right to seek counsel from a personal injury attorney and seek compensation for their injuries. Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law is a bus accident lawyer who works with victims in St. Petersburg to investigate what caused the accident, apportion liability to the responsible parties, and fight for just compensation from private and public busing companies or other at-fault parties.
Identifying At-Fault Parties Is Essential
In most motor vehicle accidents involving two parties, determining which party is at fault is generally straightforward. Assigning blame on the defendants in bus accidents, however, are much more involved. Buses and public transportation are often owned by municipalities and cities. Sometimes, private companies own and operate them. Who you may be able to take legal action against dictates the legal process that follows.
How are Bus Accident Injury Claims Handled When Private Companies are Liable?
Bus accident personal injury lawsuits in St. Petersburg are simplest when private companies are liable, rather than the city. If a private company owns the bus, that company is solely responsible for its employees’ actions. This means that any claim for injuries will be against the bus driver who caused the accident and the private parent company. These claims are often resolved in a reasonable time through insurance policies.
It is important to note that there is a strict deadline for injured victims in a St. Petersburg bus or public transportation accident to file an injury claim. According to Florida’s Statutes of Limitations § 95.11, victims have four years starting from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit for compensation.
Steps to Take After a Bus or Public Transportation Accident
In the unsettling moments following a bus or public transportation accident in St Petersburg, knowing the immediate steps to take can significantly impact the outcome of any potential legal action or claim for compensation. Here is a succinct guide to help navigate the immediate aftermath of such an incident:
- Ensure Safety First: Before anything else, check yourself and those around you for injuries. If it is safe to do so, move to a secure location away from traffic. Remember, your health and safety are paramount.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical attention if there are any injuries. The presence of law enforcement is crucial for documenting the accident scene and providing an official report, which is essential for any legal proceedings or insurance claims.
- Document the Scene: If it is safe and you are able to do so, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions. This visual evidence can be invaluable.
- Exchange Information: Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well, as their statements could support your case later on.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel hurt, it is important to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could manifest later. Medical records will also serve as important evidence should you pursue compensation.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be factual in your report, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
- Consult an Accident Lawyer: Before accepting any settlement offers from insurance companies, it is advisable to speak with a specialized accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and advise on the best course of action.
By following these steps, you can protect your rights and set the groundwork for any necessary legal action. This guide is not exhaustive but provides a solid foundation on how to proceed immediately following a bus or public transportation accident.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents in St. Petersburg
Buses are enormous vehicles that can cause a lot of damage in the event of an accident. Any crash would move with a great deal of momentum and exert/wield acute forces when they crash with other vehicles or objects on the road. Consequently, bus passengers and people inside smaller vehicles can experience devastating injuries that include:
- Broken bones;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Disc herniations;
- Head trauma;
- Brain damage;
- Concussions;
- Broken teeth;
- Separated joints;
- Death;
Injured victims can seek compensation for their injuries, along with lost wages, property damage, and other damages. A knowledgeable bus accident attorney in St. Petersburg can work with prospective clients and offer more insight into the full value of their injury claim and fight for maximum compensation.
How a Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help You
When you find yourself or a loved one involved in a bus or public transportation accident in St Petersburg, the aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing. That is where a specialized public transport accident lawyer comes into play, offering essential support and guidance through these challenging times. But how exactly can such a lawyer assist you? Let us delve into the key ways:
- Navigating Legal Complexities: The legal framework surrounding public transportation accidents is intricate, with various federal and state laws in play. An experienced St Petersburg bus accident lawyer understands these complexities and can navigate the legal system on your behalf, ensuring your case is handled correctly from the start.
- Gathering Evidence: Building a strong case requires substantial evidence, from accident reports and witness statements to medical records and expert testimonies. Accident lawyers have the resources and knowledge to gather the necessary evidence, to bolster your claim.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A bus accident lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively with these companies, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to, rather than accepting a lowball offer.
- Representing You in Court: Should your case go to trial, having a skilled St Petersburg bus accident lawyer to represent you in court is invaluable. They will argue your case with precision, aiming for a favorable outcome.
- Providing Peace of Mind: Beyond the tangible legal assistance, having an accident lawyer by your side provides emotional support and peace of mind during a distressful period. Knowing that a professional is handling the legal aspects allows you to focus on recovery.
In essence, an accident lawyer serves as your advocate, guide, and protector, steering you through the legal maze and fighting for your rights every step of the way. Their expertise not only enhances your chances of receiving fair compensation but also alleviates the burden during a tumultuous time.
Finding the Right St Petersburg Bus and Public Transport Injury Lawyer
Choosing the right pedestrian accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Look for an attorney with experience handling bus accident cases and a proven track record of successful settlements or verdicts. Experience in this area ensures they are well-versed in the specifics of such cases and can navigate the legal system effectively.
Additionally, consider their reputation and client testimonials. An attorney with positive reviews and strong communication skills will be more likely to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Initial consultations can also give you a sense of their approach and compatibility.
Common Types of Compensation in A
Victims of bus or public transportation accidents in St Petersburg may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. These compensatory measures are designed to cover both economic and non-economic damages incurred due to the accident.
Economic damages refer to direct financial losses, such as medical expenses for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident, lost wages if the victim is unable to work, and the cost of any necessary rehabilitation or therapy. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, cover the more intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, if the conduct of the responsible party was particularly egregious, punitive damages might be awarded as a way to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future. A skilled St Petersburg bus accident lawyer can help assess your situation and advocate for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Turn to an Experienced Bus Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg
Bus drivers have a duty of care to drive carefully and be proactive to protect other motorists and passengers aboard, regardless of whether a private company or government entity owns the bus. If the bus driver violates this duty of care and others are injured in a bus accident, both the driver and parent entity in charge are liable for damages incurred. We have also asserted claims of negligent hiring against both public and private entities. This type of lawsuit can be brought when the bus driver responsible for the accident had a poor driving record, and the entity knew or should have done their due diligence to discover the poor driving history of the bus driver.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can assist you by proving fault and showing evidence of your resulting injuries, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and physical harm. Whether you were injured in an accident involving a city bus or a private bus, you deserve full and just compensation. At Marsalisi Law, Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi works personally with clients to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Frank has been awarded as St. Petersburg “Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyers” of 2019. To schedule a free consultation and speak with Frank personally, complete our contact form or call (727) 800-5052.
We also speak Spanish.