request a consultation
Fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch with you right away.
Collisions that involve buses and other motor vehicles can have serious consequences. Buses are massive vehicles that significantly outweigh cars and other passenger vehicles. As a result, crashes can result in life-altering injuries that impact your physical health and your ability to enjoy life and earn a living.
Whether you were injured as a bus rider or as a driver or passenger in another vehicle, you deserve compensation for the harm caused by reckless bus drivers and their employers. Our Tampa, FL bus accident lawyer is ready to act on your behalf and hold negligent bus operators accountable for their actions. With our fee guarantee, clients never pay us out of pocket—we only get paid if we win, and we guarantee that your net recovery will always exceed our fee. Let our dedicated attorneys protect your legal rights in negotiations with insurance companies and in court if necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Proving Liability for a Bus Accident
Bus drivers have an absolute duty to protect everyone else on the road. This includes other drivers, pedestrians, people on bikes, and passengers on the bus.
To collect compensation for one’s losses after a collision, it is necessary to show that a bus driver was responsible for a crash.
Traffic Violations by Bus Operators
The most direct way to accomplish this is to show that a driver committed a traffic violation in the moments before the collision. This can include:
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
- Failing to yield
- Not stopping at a red light or stop sign
Our skilled attorney can research whether a bus driver received a ticket for a moving violation related to the collision and if that ticket resulted in a conviction in traffic court.
Careless Bus Drivers
It is also possible to prove fault due to a driver’s simple carelessness. This may result from fatigue, a distraction from a dispatcher’s radio call, or a lack of proper precautions during poor weather. These failures are a strong indicator of driver fault for a collision. Our Tampa bus accident attorneys work to collect evidence of liability and craft comprehensive demand packages on behalf of injured clients.
Seeking Full Compensation for a Bus Crash in Tampa
A bus accident can impact your life in many ways. The most obvious are the serious injuries that often results from these collisions. Bus crash injuries can require emergency room care, invasive surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. An at-fault bus driver and their employer must provide compensation for all necessary medical care related to these injuries.
Bus crashes can affect your life in other ways as well. The injury may result in an inability to return to work due to a temporary disability or a permanent loss of work capacity. In addition, these events may place significant strain on your life due to pain, suffering, or emotional trauma. Our local bus accident lawyers work to show how a collision has impacted your life and demands that liable parties provide all needed payments.
At the same time, we keep the state’s statute of limitations in mind when pursuing compensation. Florida Statute § 95.11 gives people no more than four years from the date of the crash to demand these payments. Talking with our bus collision lawyer now gives us the best opportunity to provide assistance.
Reach Out to a Tampa Bus Accident Attorney Immediately
The law never presumes fault for a traffic accident, and bus drivers and their employers may attempt to deny liability for a crash or even shift blame onto you. This could prevent you from collecting the compensation needed to cover your medical expenses or lost income.
A Tampa bus accident lawyer is dedicated to helping you to collect these payments. We could work to prove a bus driver’s blame for a collision and show how the event has impacted your past and future. Give us a call now to learn more about how we are ready to fight for you.
Long-Term Bus Accident Injuries
Our Tampa, FL bus accident lawyer knows that bus crashes can result in catastrophic injuries, and in some cases, those injuries can have long-term effects on your life. Approximately 51% of bus accidents cause injuries and up to 1.3% end in fatalities. Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a pedestrian, or another driver involved in the accident, long-term injuries can affect your ability to work, perform daily activities, and live the life you once knew. If you are dealing with long-term injuries after a bus accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to call us. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we are here to help guide you through the process of seeking fair compensation for your long-term injuries after a bus accident.
Types Of Long-Term Injuries From Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-term or even permanent effects. Common long-term injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and soft tissue damage. These types of injuries often require ongoing medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
In addition to physical injuries, long-term emotional and psychological effects are common after bus accidents. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression can all develop as a result of the trauma experienced in the accident. These emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, making it difficult to return to work or resume normal activities.
Compensation For Medical Care And Rehabilitation
When dealing with long-term injuries, one of the most important aspects of your compensation claim will be securing funds to cover your medical care and rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require treatment for months or even years. This can include hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics.
Our compassionate personal injury lawyer knows that the cost of these treatments can add up quickly, and your compensation must cover not just your immediate medical expenses, but also the future costs of your ongoing care. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you will afford the treatment you need to recover and regain your independence. We carefully calculate damages so that your personal injury settlement makes you financially whole.
Loss Of Income And Future Earnings
If your long-term injuries prevent you from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the wages you have already lost due to time missed from work, but also future earnings you may not be able to make if your injuries prevent you from performing your job in the long term.
In cases where your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work, you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity. This takes into account the difference in what you could have earned if you had not been injured and what you are able to earn now, considering your injuries.
Reach Out For Help With Your Bus Accident Claim
If you are dealing with long-term injuries after a bus accident, it’s essential to act quickly to pursue the compensation you deserve. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we are here to help you through this process and fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have been helping those who have been unjustly injured for a combined 80 years. Contact our bus accident lawyers in Tampa today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can support you during this challenging time.
Catastrophic Injuries You Can Suffer From A Bus Accident
Our Tampa, FL bus accident lawyer knows that bus accidents can lead to life-altering injuries, often due to the size of the vehicles and the number of people involved. These injuries can have long-term effects on your health, ability to work, and overall quality of life. We help victims of bus accidents seek the compensation they need to recover and move forward. Attorney Alan Bulnes has been practicing in personal injury law for over 11 years. Below are some of the catastrophic injuries that can result from a bus accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when there’s a sudden impact to the head during a bus collision. TBIs range from concussions to more severe injuries that result in permanent brain damage. Symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, changes in behavior, or even loss of motor function. These injuries often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of a bus accident can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often result in a significant loss of mobility and independence, requiring lifelong medical support, physical therapy, or assistive devices. This type of injury can also affect bodily functions, such as bladder or bowel control, depending on the severity.
Severe Burns
Our Tampa vehicle accident lawyer knows that if a bus accident leads to a fire or explosion, passengers may suffer from severe burns. Burn injuries are not only painful but can also cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, or nerve damage. Victims often require surgeries, including skin grafts, and may endure emotional distress due to the visible impact of their injuries.
Amputations
The impact of a bus crash can lead to traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation is necessary. Losing a limb can have profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims may need prosthetics, extensive rehabilitation, and home modifications to adapt to their new circumstances.
Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
While fractures may seem less severe, certain breaks can lead to long-term complications, especially if they involve major bones or joints. Crush injuries, often seen in bus accidents, can cause extensive damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, making recovery more challenging.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, or spleen. These injuries may not always be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Internal bleeding or organ damage often requires emergency surgery and ongoing medical care.
Psychological Trauma
Although not a physical injury, psychological trauma can be equally debilitating. Survivors of bus accidents often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These emotional injuries can interfere with daily life and may require therapy to address.
Tampa Bus Accident Infographic
Call For Support
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury from a bus accident, it’s important to understand your rights. Our personal injury legal team is committed to helping victims pursue justice and fair compensation. We have locations throughout Florida so we can provide as much help as possible. Contact our Tampa bus accident lawyer today for a consultation, and let us assist you in taking the next steps toward recovery.
Bus Accident FAQs
Bus accidents can cause serious injuries and leave victims with ongoing, unexpected costs. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or in another vehicle, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Our Tampa bus accident attorney can help you understand your options. Below, we answer some common questions about bus accident claims and what you can do if you’ve been injured.
How Much Compensation Can You Get For A Bus Accident?
The amount of compensation available after an accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and other damages you suffered. You may be able to recover costs for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
If the accident caused long-term or permanent injuries, future medical expenses and lost earning potential may also be factored into your claim. Every case is different, so a legal review of your situation is the best way to determine the potential value of your case.
Can I Sue A Bus Company After Getting Injured In A Crash?
If a bus company or its driver was responsible for the accident, you may have the right to file a claim against them. Bus companies have a duty to operate safely, and failure to do so can make them liable for injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also have a claim against a government agency if the bus was publicly operated. These cases can involve strict deadlines and additional legal steps, so acting quickly is important.
Is It Worth It To Hire An Accident Attorney?
Yes. Even though a lawyer isn’t required to file a claim, having legal support can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
Bus accident claims can be complicated, especially when dealing with large transportation companies or government agencies. Our Tampa bus accident attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
Having representation often leads to better settlement offers and can help prevent insurance companies from undervaluing your claim. If you have medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, partnering with our legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Is Florida A No-Fault State?
Yes, when it comes to auto accidents, Florida is a no-fault state, which means drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. After a bus accident, PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault.
However, PIP coverage is limited, and if your injuries are serious, you may need to file a claim against the at-fault party to recover full compensation. A legal review with our firm can help determine whether you have a case beyond your PIP benefits.
What Happens If A Bus Hits My Car?
If a bus hits your car, the insurance process will depend on who was at fault. If the bus driver caused the crash, you may be able to file a claim against the bus company or their insurer.
If you were partially responsible, Florida’s comparative negligence laws may still allow you to recover compensation, but the amount may be reduced based on your share of fault. Since bus accident claims can involve multiple parties, legal guidance from our experienced Florida attorneys can help protect your rights.
Don’t Hesitate To Get Legal Help After a Bus Accident
You don’t have to handle the legal process alone. At Mickey Keenan P.A., it’s our mission to help accident victims recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Contact our Tampa bus accident lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case and options. Your fight is our fight. With decades of experience and access to critical resources, our personal injury team is uniquely qualified to assist with your personal injury claim. Our attorneys have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients and we are prepared to pursue your case with the same fierce advocacy. There are no fees unless we win you case so don’t wait to seek financial justice after a bus accident. Call now to get the legal guidance you need to get a positive outcome for your bus or car accident claim.