Many people in St. Petersburg, Florida rely on buses to move from place to place. From public transportation operated by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to local school buses, this form of transit is often considered to be safe and effective. However, bus accidents can still occur, leading to serious injuries and damages.
If you are injured in a bus accident, the attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help. Our St. Petersburg bus accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Why Choose Us
Our personal injury attorneys hold over 60 years of experience representing injured Florida residents in their injury claims, including bus and car accident cases.
We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients and are dedicated to achieving maximum possible recovery.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Legal Options for St. Petersburg Bus Accident Victims
Florida is a no-fault accident state, which means that injured bus passengers and drivers involved in bus accidents are primarily responsible for their own damages. If you are injured in a bus accident, you will first need to file a claim with your insurance company. However, if the accident meets certain thresholds, you could file a claim against the responsible bus driver or the government agency that operates the bus.
You may be eligible to file a claim against a Florida government agency if your case meets the following criteria.
The personal injury was caused by negligence, such as a bus driver running a red light or driving under the influence.
Your losses can be compensated with monetary damages.
The at-fault party would have been liable as a private party if the accident did not involve any government vehicles.
It is important to remember that government claims in Florida can be very complex. There are several limitations placed on these cases. In these situations, it is important to speak to a St. Petersburg bus accident lawyer to identify your optimal legal pathway and initiate your first steps toward filing your claim.
If your injuries qualify as serious, you may also file a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit against the bus driver responsible for the crash. Under Florida law, serious injuries involve one or more of the following circumstances.
Bone fractures
Substantially full disability for at least 90 days
Significant limitation of a body function or system
Permanent limitation of use for a body organ or member
Significant disfigurement
Potential Compensation in a Florida Bus Accident Claim
A bus accident can lead to serious personal injuries, financial hardship, and psychological trauma. Through your bus accident claim, you may be eligible to recover compensation for the following collision-related losses.
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and loss of future earnings
Property damage
Disability accommodations
Mobility equipment
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Pain and suffering
Loss of quality of life
Your personal injury attorney from Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can identify the damages you may qualify for and will work to gather the evidence necessary to prove your right to compensation.
