Thousands of people throughout the state of Florida rely on buses as their primary mode of transportation, and though buses are generally safe, this is not always the case. If you were injured in a bus accident, you must retain the services of a knowledgeable Tampa personal injury lawyer today. Contact Merricks Law Group to learn more about bus accidents and how our firm can assist you if you’ve been hurt in one.
Do I Need a Tampa Bus Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Tampa, you need an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney who is familiar with the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, also known as HART. Bus accidents aren’t particularly common here in Florida, but if you’ve been hurt in one, you need an attorney who’s prepared to effectively handle your case.
Frequent Causes of Bus Accidents in Tampa
Bus accidents are often the result of negligence, either on the part of the bus driver, another negligent motorist, or as a result of defective bus parts. In most cases, bus accidents occur due to negligent bus drivers. Some of the most common types of bus driver negligence that our Tampa auto accident attorney sees are as follows:
- Operating a bus while under the influence of alcohol
- Unsafely discharging passengers
- Sudden stops and starts
- Failing to wait until all passengers are seated before driving
- Speeding
- Ignoring blind spots
- Failing to allow sufficient time to brake
After a Bus Accident
After a bus accident, it is critical that you take several steps to bolster your chances of winning a personal injury claim. To start, if you were injured as a passenger, you should call the police and ask all witnesses for their contact information so they can verify your claim at a later date.
You should also take pictures or videos of the accident and its aftermath, and you should ensure you seek medical treatment immediately. Finally, you must hire a seasoned Tampa bus accident lawyer who can work to obtain the compensation you deserve and need.
Statute of Limitations for Bus Accidents in Florida
With most personal injury claims in Florida, the statute of limitations is two years, meaning you’ll have two years from the date of your accident to sue the liable party for your injuries. However, when someone is injured while on a bus owned by a municipality, they will have less time to take legal action. Once you file your Notice of Claim, you must then wait 180 days before filing a lawsuit against the liable entity. The sooner you bring your claim to our firm’s attention, the better off you will be.
Contact Our Tampa Bus Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents are rare, but they still happen, and if you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you should hire an attorney who has the knowledge and dedication needed to effectively handle your claim. Contact Merricks Law Group today to schedule your initial consultation with our firm.
