Bus Accident
In Fort Lauderdale, the city bus is the most available method of public transportation. These large vehicles clog up long stretches of congested streets and make frequent stops, disturbing the flow of traffic. Downtown commuters can spot buses around-the-clock on the city’s main arteries, performing an essential service that also introduces the risk of a car-on-bus accident. Those who rely on the bus must take for granted that the bus is properly maintained and the driver is alert. Otherwise, they too can become victims.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a bus crash, whether as a passenger on the bus or a driver, you should know that you have the right to seek compensation from the entity responsible for the accident. Allow a Fort Lauderdale bus accident and public transportation lawyer to help you along the path to recovery.
A number of situations can lead to a bus crash in a thriving city like Fort Lauderdale. A bus driver can face the same obstacles as any other driver on the road, with additional challenges related to the unique qualities of maneuvering a bus. Common causes of bus accidents may include:
- Driver error
- Mechanical issues
- Other vehicles
A bus driver routinely faces distractions like passengers, pedestrians, traffic, road conditions, and more. These distractions can quickly take the driver’s attention off of immediate dangers. Drivers who lack training or experience are also more likely to trigger a crash than confident and experienced drivers. A driver who relies on medications or shows up to work intoxicated can also be responsible for a serious collision.
On the flip side, a bus driver who is alert and engaged can be let down by a vehicle that is not properly maintained. A bus can succumb to failures of their steering, braking, fuel delivery, and suspension systems. Additionally, buses with worn tires can cause tragic accidents on slippery roads. Bus companies that do not conduct regular checks on their buses may be liable for bus accidents in Fort Lauderdale.
Modern buses do not take extensive measures to ensure passenger safety. In fact, most buses lack safety belts or other methods to restrain passengers while the bus is in motion. Passengers can easily be jerked around in a collision, especially if they are standing upright at the time of the crash.
Therefore, passengers are prone to injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma/ traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations, sprains, strains, and bruises
- Spinal cord damage
Several parties may be responsible for a devastating bus crash, especially if a city or public bus is involved. Generally, government entities and private bus companies own buses. These companies have powerful legal teams at their disposal to fight back against legitimate claims. For the best chance of receiving the compensation you need for your injuries, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident, get an attorney involved as soon as possible.
An attorney with decades of experience handling personal injury claims is an essential component of any bus accident case. An attorney can use a vast array of resources to investigate the accident to accumulate evidence and determine fault. The following are just a few examples of what an attorney can look into in these cases:
- The bus company’s maintenance and repair record
- The bus company’s hiring practices, including examining logbooks, background checks, and training procedures
- Recreating the accident scene with an accident reconstruction specialist
Don’t hesitate to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. As members of the Florida Justice Association and Florida Legal Elite, we are trusted by accident victims throughout South Florida in search of comprehensive legal counsel. Contact the Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyers at Salpeter Gitkin, LLP by contacting us today at (954) 467-8622 for a free case evaluation.
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