FLORIDA BUS ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Lake Mary Bus Accident Attorney
Being involved in a bus accident can be a terrifying experience, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and many unanswered questions. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle, you deserve justice and full compensation for your pain and suffering. Our Florida personal injury attorneys at Chubb Law are ready to stand up for your rights and navigate the complex legal landscape on your behalf.
Our trusted Lake Mary bus accident attorneys have years of experience and a track record of successful cases. We know what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal stress so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Bus Accident Statistics
While bus accidents might not happen as frequently as car accidents, they still pose a significant risk. Nationwide statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that bus accidents account for thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths each year. With its large population and tourism industry, Florida sees its fair share of bus-related crashes.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 1,258 bus-involved crashes in Florida in 2023. These accidents resulted in 1,066 injuries and 33 fatalities. If you were injured in a bus accident in Lake Mary or anywhere else in Florida, our bus accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation from the liable parties.
What You Need to Know About Bus Accidents
Due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved, bus accidents, whether involving public transportation, school buses, or private charters, can lead to severe injuries. Victims can include passengers on the bus, pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. Understanding the unique factors involved in these cases is key to successfully navigating the legal process.
While bus accidents are less frequent than typical car accidents, when they do occur, they tend to be more severe due to the sheer size and force of a bus. Knowing the key steps to take following a bus accident and recognizing how bus companies, insurers, and government entities may complicate your claim is essential.
Understanding Bus Accidents in Seminole County
Seminole County is a hub of activity, with numerous buses on the road daily, including school buses, city buses, and private shuttles. The proximity to major highways like I-4 increases the risk of accidents, especially during peak traffic hours. Accidents in this area often involve multiple parties, making the claims process particularly challenging.
At Chubb Law, we have extensive experience dealing with local authorities, transportation companies, and insurers in Seminole County. We know the local laws and understand how to effectively handle these cases to achieve favorable results for our clients.
Key Legal Concepts in Bus Accident Lawsuits
Bus accident cases involve several complex legal concepts. These include the following:
- Negligence: You must prove that a bus driver, bus company, or another party failed to exercise reasonable care.
- Liability: You must identify the responsible parties, which may include the bus driver, the bus company, a government entity, or another driver.
- Comparative fault: Florida follows a comparative fault system, meaning that you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault.
- Sovereign immunity: If a government entity owns the bus involved, specific laws apply to limit how much you can sue for.
Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of these legal principles and can navigate the complexities to build a strong case on your behalf. We have a 99.9% success rate and have recovered millions in compensation for our personal injury clients.
Legal Rights of Bus Accident Victims
As a bus accident victim, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In many cases, the bus driver, the bus company, and even the manufacturer of the bus or its parts can be held liable for your injuries.
Your legal rights include:
- Right to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages
- Right to file a claim against negligent parties
- Right to hold government entities accountable in some instances
Our team will assess your situation and explain all your legal options to help you fully understand your rights.
Damages You Can Recover in Bus Accidents
As a bus accident victim, you may recover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Current and future medical bills related to your injuries
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma the accident caused
- Property damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or personal property
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of the accident on your family relationships
Each case is unique, and we work closely with experts to evaluate the full scope of your damages to maximize your recovery.
Insurance Coverage for Bus Accidents
Insurance plays a crucial role in bus accident claims, but navigating the various policies can be confusing. Bus companies, government entities, and private charter services typically carry commercial insurance policies with higher limits than standard auto insurance.
However, these policies often come with complex provisions and aggressive insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your claim. Our Lake Mary bus accident attorneys have the experience to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
Common Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle in Seminole County
At Chubb Law, we handle a wide variety of bus accident cases, including:
- Public transportation bus accidents involving city buses like Lynx
- School bus accidents
- Tour bus accidents
- Shuttle bus accidents
- Charter bus accidents
Regardless of the type of bus involved in the collision that injured you, our personal injury team has the knowledge and experience to handle your case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Driver error: This can include speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving.
- Poor maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical failures can lead to an accident.
- Weather conditions: Florida’s rainy weather can create hazardous driving conditions.
- Road hazards: Poorly maintained roads or construction zones can cause hazardous driving conditions.
- Negligent third parties: Another driver may be partially or wholly responsible for the accident.
Identifying the cause of your accident is crucial to building a strong case. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate all potential factors and work diligently to hold the liable parties accountable.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
If you are involved in a bus accident in Seminole County or anywhere else in Florida, it is essential to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Getting a medical evaluation is critical, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident: If you were on a bus, notify the bus company. If you were in another vehicle, call the police.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident, collect witness information, and record details of what happened.
- Contact a bus accident lawyer in Lake Mary: Speaking with our personal injury attorneys early on can help preserve your legal rights and ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines.
Our Lake Mary bus accident attorneys at Chubb Law can guide you through these steps and ensure that you are taking the right actions to protect your claim.
The Cost of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can lead to significant financial burdens, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. The costs can be particularly high if the accident results in long-term injuries or disabilities. In addition to these financial losses, you may also experience emotional trauma and pain that deserves compensation.
At Chubb Law, we strive to recover maximum compensation for these costs and help you move forward with your life.
Bus Accident Claim Process in Florida
The bus accident claim process involves several steps:
- Initial consultation: We evaluate your case at no cost to you and determine if you have a valid claim.
- Investigation: We gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. If you already have an offer from the insurance company, we guarantee we will increase it or waive our fee.
- Litigation: If we cannot reach a settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
We will handle every aspect of the claim process to ensure your case proceeds smoothly.
Building a Strong Case for a Bus Accident
Building a strong case requires gathering all necessary evidence to prove negligence and damages. This includes:
- Accident reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Medical records
- Expert evaluations
- Accident reconstruction reports
Our firm has the resources to collect and analyze this evidence, ensuring your case is as strong as possible.
We Answer Your Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents
Can I file a claim if I was not on the bus?
Yes, if you were a pedestrian, bicyclist, or in another vehicle, you still have the right to pursue a claim if the bus accident caused your injuries. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
What if the bus driver was working for a government agency?
You may still be able to sue the government agency, but special rules apply, including shorter deadlines and damage caps. The legal doctrine of sovereign immunity caps damages at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.
Do I need to go to court to win my case?
Many bus accident cases are settled before they go to trial. However, we are prepared to take your case to court if we cannot reach a fair settlement.
Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Florida law imposes a statute of limitations on bus accident claims. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved, such as a public transit bus, you must file a notice of claim within six months.
Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to pursue compensation, so it is essential to act quickly. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options.
Establishing Negligence in a Florida Bus Accident Case
To win a bus accident case, you must prove that the other party was negligent. This involves showing:
- The party had a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their breach directly caused your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
Our Lake Mary personal injury attorneys have extensive experience establishing negligence in bus accident cases and know how to build a compelling argument for your claim.
Comparative Fault in a Bus Accident Claim
Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.
We will work diligently to minimize any allegations of comparative fault to maximize your compensation.
Liability in Bus Accidents
Determining liability in a bus accident case can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible. Potentially liable parties include:
- The bus driver
- The bus company or school district
- Maintenance contractors
- Other drivers involved in the crash
- Bus manufacturers
Our Chubb Law team will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case to identify all responsible parties.
Why You Should Choose Chubb Law for Your Bus Accident Case
At Chubb Law, we take a client-centered approach to every bus accident case we handle. Our founder, Mitch Chubb, built this firm on a foundation of compassion, personalized service, and a fierce commitment to justice. Growing up in Central Florida, Mitch learned the value of service from his family, which has shaped his approach to law. This focus on helping others drives everything we do at Chubb Law, ensuring that you and your loved ones get the attention and dedication you deserve.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Personalized attention: From the moment you contact us, we listen to your full story. Mitch’s philosophy is simple: we treat every client like family. Whether your accident involves a public or private bus, we make sure you are heard and cared for throughout the legal process.
- No fees unless we win: You will never pay out-of-pocket costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This ensures that our focus is on getting you the best result without adding to your financial stress.
- Proficient negotiators and litigators: With tens of millions recovered for clients, our legal team has a proven track record of taking on powerful corporations and insurance companies. We are dedicated to maximizing your recovery and ensuring justice is served.
- Proactive communication: We guarantee unlimited communication. At Chubb Law, you will never be left wondering about the status of your case. We keep you informed every step of the way, answering questions and addressing concerns as soon as they arise.
- We fight for the best possible outcome: Whether through negotiation or trial, we relentlessly pursue the compensation you deserve. We will not settle for less and promise to increase any insurance offer on the table when you hire us. If we cannot, we waive our fee.
Our success is built on treating each case with the individual care and attention it deserves, and our results speak for themselves. With a 99.9% success rate and millions recovered for accident victims, Chubb Law is here to guide you through the complexities of a bus accident case and fight for your rights.
Choose Chubb Law to ensure that you are represented by a team that genuinely cares about your recovery and your future.
Chubb Law Can Help You After a Lake Mary Bus Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Lake Mary, you do not have to face the legal process alone. At Chubb Law, we are dedicated to providing the support and legal representation you need to secure fair compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help.
BUS ACCIDENT FAQ
How is Chubb Law different?
We could list all the awards we’ve received or tell you how much better our results are than other law firms– but that’s not what makes us different. We are different because we truly care about our clients. Because we care, you won’t feel like you’re one of 10,000. You will feel heard and prioritized. You will feel confident in your legal team. You will feel like you’re in the right place.
How much does it cost to start a case? I heard it’s free? How do you make money?
It doesn’t cost anything to start your case and you will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. Our fee comes in the form of a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount we obtain.
Do I really need an attorney or should I just work things out with the insurance?
We tell people all of the time, “if insurance companies would just treat people right there would be no need for what we do.” Unfortunately, most of the time insurance companies don’t treat people right. The only way to ensure you are protecting your rights is to consult with an attorney.
Should I take an insurance offer?
No. Not without consulting an attorney. We make all clients an “Increased Offer Guarantee.” If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
I already have an attorney, can I change attorneys?
Yes. In the state of Florida, you can change attorneys mid-case. In fact, you can fire your current lawyer for practically any reason. The Florida Supreme Court has set out “10 Basic Rights” that every client is entitled to from their lawyer. Read more about those here.
Mitch’s 8 Promises
1
Full-story, free consultation.
Our initial conversation does not have a time limit. We want to connect and hear your full story.
2
110%
We are selective in the cases we take so we can give 110% to those we do.
3
$0 out-of-pocket fees.
You will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. There are never upfront costs on your case. We only get paid if we win your case.
4
Unlimited.
Our clients are guaranteed unlimited communication with their legal team.
5
Proactive communication.
We consistently communicate with you to keep you updated on your case.
6
You call the shots.
You call the shots, we lead the way. We never make decisions against your desires.
7
Increased offer guarantee.
If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
8
The “why should I hire an attorney guarantee.”
When you hire us, not only will we handle everything, but the result we get will leave you with more in your pocket— even after attorney’s fees.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Do not wait to seek legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Contact our Seminole County personal injury law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During your consultation, we will review the details of your case, explain your rights and legal options, and provide you with honest and straightforward advice about how to proceed.
Remember, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let Mitch and Christopher fight for you so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
