There are regulations, statutes, and codes in Florida that establish how buses should operate. But a lot of buses are needed to transport over 16 million people in the service area of its fixed-route transit system. Though the population of riders has declined due to ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, taking the bus is still one of the most popular forms of mass transit in Florida.
While Florida’s bus system is one of the most efficient ways to get around, there is still a level of risk involved when taking the bus. The 2016 Annual Report published by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles pointed out that approximately 34,000 passengers were involved in bus accidents that year.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, immediately consult with a personal injury lawyer in Vero Beach who can help determine if you are entitled to any monetary awards.
Who is Responsible in a Bus Accident?
As with any other mishap on the road, a bus accident can happen in the blink of an eye. Negligence, carelessness or simple driver fatigue can change your life in an instant.
To best ensure you receive compensation for your injuries after an accident, you must ascertain who is responsible. Contingent upon the specifics of the accident, different parties may be held accountable.
Normally, the three parties below are liable for bus accidents in Florida:
- The bus driver– If the operator of the bus is distracted while driving, under the influence, has committed a traffic violation or has received poor training, that bus driver will be held accountable.
- Other drivers on the road– If vehicles other than the bus are involved in the accident, the other drivers can be held partially or completely liable.
- The bus company– Companies that operate buses in Florida are legally required to maintain their fleet on a routine basis. Also, they are required to follow federal guidelines and regulations about health and safety. The company must also train and hire drivers who are capable of adequately operating the bus. If the company fails in any of the preceding three areas, the company can be charged with negligence.
Experienced and Knowledgeable Double Board-Certified Bus Accident Attorney
People are killed or injured by the thousands every year due to accidents in which a bus was involved. Sadly, several of these types of accidents were preventable. Many negligent bus drivers and the companies that pay them do not have your best interests in mind. The accidents are a result of poor driving, inadequate maintenance, a lack of adherence to regulations or distracted driving.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, please contact one of our skillful bus accident attorneys for a free consultation. The Vero Beach bus accident attorneys at Vocelle & Berg, LLP are eager to assist you today.
Resource:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2016.pdf