Who Bears Liability in a Bus Accident Case in Tampa?

Image source

Understanding who’s to be held liable when a bus accident happens in Tampa plays a huge role when it comes to helping victims get the financial justice they rightfully deserve. Bus accidents in Tampa typically have serious consequences for the parties involved, including severe injuries and sometimes even death.

An experienced Tampa bus accident lawyer will know all about this and will properly handle any legal claims you may want to initiate.

That said, from looking at the common injuries usually sustained in such scenarios to examining a few shocking statistics, understanding the intricacies that form these kinds of claims might prove crucial to recovering from the injuries you’ve sustained and eventually moving forward.

Florida has numerous bustling urban centers and an extensive network of roadways, so it’s no surprise when you hear the number of bus accidents that occur every year. Over 4000 bus-related incidents happen in Florida annually, and the causes of such incidents usually vary widely.

Who Bears Liability?

After a bus accident, it is important to determine who should be held liable for the incident. Figuring out liability requires a comprehensive and thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the accident, as more than one party to the incident can potentially bear some percentage of the fault.

The Bus Driver

In most scenarios, the bus driver might have to bear some of the fault. This could be because of several factors, including negligence, driver error, or even impairment. You must conduct a thorough review and investigation into how the driver was acting leading up to the incident.

The Bus Company

The company that operates the bus service that caused the accident can also be held responsible. Bus operators and companies might be held liable because of things like inadequate vehicle maintenance, insufficient training of their drivers, or the failure to abide by state safety rules and regulations.

Repair and Maintenance Entities

If faulty equipment or a mechanical failure caused the accident, then liability can even extend to the organizations responsible for repairing and maintaining the buses. Regular inspections and proper upkeep are important in preventing such occurrences.

Government Entities

Suppose inadequate signage or a road defect is what caused the bus accident to happen. In that case, you can extend liability up to the government body responsible for the maintenance of the roads in that area. If the bus operator or company that caused the accident is either operated by or owned by a local government body, you can also hold the local government liable.

Other Negligent Drivers

In some scenarios, the actions or inactions of other road users might have contributed to causing the bus accident. This usually involves failure to yield, reckless driving, or other kinds of negligence.

Statute of Limitations

Image source

When it comes to filing bus accident claims in Florida, one of the most time-sensitive factors is the state’s statute of limitations. In this state, you have a specific amount of time in which you can bring forth legal proceedings.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a wrongful death occurred because of the accident, then the statute of limitations may be impacted. However, if you fail to file your legal claim within the specified timeframe, know that there’s a possibility you may severely hurt your chances of getting a decent compensation package.

Who’s Liable in a Tampa Bus Accident? | Guide for Victims

Navigating a bus accident claim can be quite hard. There are many rules you need to know about to successfully secure compensation. This is why hiring a lawyer is important. Bus accident lawyers will know about the laws that may affect your claim and can act accordingly. They are the key to fair compensation.