If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, taking the right steps is crucial to protecting your health and strengthening your personal injury claim. Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath specialize in personal injury claims and are ready to help you secure fair compensation under Florida law.
Our Florida bus accident lawyers are here to help you through filing a claim for compensation and taking your case to trial, if necessary. Contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free consultation.
What to do immediately after being injured in a bus accident
Ensure your safety and health
Your immediate health and safety should be your top priority. If you’re physically able, move to a safe location away from traffic and dangerous conditions. Then, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable, and a prompt medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries, which is critical for your case.
Report the accident
If you are not in immediate danger, report the accident to the appropriate authorities. This could be the bus driver, transportation company, or the police. The accident report is an important document in establishing fault and providing details of the accident.
Gather evidence
Gather as much information as you can from the scene. This includes photos of the bus, your injuries, other involved vehicles, and the overall scene of the accident. Additionally, collect witness statements and contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
Obtain official reports
Request a copy of the police report and any documentation related to the accident. This includes the bus company’s incident report. These documents can support your claim and provide crucial information during the investigation.
Legal steps after being injured in a bus accident
Determine liability
Liability in a bus accident can be complex. Several parties may be responsible, including the bus driver, the bus company, government agencies, or even the manufacturer of the bus or its parts. Florida law requires thorough investigation to determine negligence, as outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 768 on negligence claims. A skilled personal injury attorney can help navigate this process.
File a claim promptly
Florida law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. Under Florida Statute 95.11, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, cases involving government entities may have shorter deadlines and additional requirements, so acting quickly is essential.
Dealing with insurance companies
Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, offering settlements that don’t fully cover your expenses. This is where working with an experienced attorney, like those at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, can make a significant difference. We can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that reflects your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Types of compensation you may be entitled to
If you were injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments related to your injury.
- Lost wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you may seek compensation for the income you lost and future earnings affected by long-term injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and any reduction in your quality of life as a result of the accident.
Hurt in a bus accident? We’re ready to help.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, acting quickly and securing the help of an experienced attorney is crucial to ensuring that you receive fair compensation. Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can provide the representation you need to navigate Florida’s legal landscape and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
With over 35 years of experience, we have successfully helped clients recover compensation for their injuries and can provide the guidance necessary to navigate the legal process. Contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 today.
