Boca Raton Bus Accident Lawyer
Even in a car-dependent state like Florida, many of us still rely on buses to get around. This includes children taking the bus to school, commuters relying on PalmTran to get to work, and even tourists who use charter buses to visit popular vacation destinations.
By taking the bus we rely on the bus driver–and by extension the company or public agency operating the bus–to prioritize our safety. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Bus accidents are sadly a far-too-regular occurrence in South Florida. Such accidents often leave dozens of victims in its wake struggling with life-threatening injuries. If you are one of those victims, the Boca Raton bus accident lawyers at Steinberg Law are here to help you seek full compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident in Palm Beach County?
Even when the underlying cause of a bus accident is straightforward, sorting out legal liability may still not be a simple matter for the victims. There are multiple individuals and legal entities who may be potential defendants in a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the more common culprits include:
- The Bus Driver: Obviously, bus passenger safety starts with the person driving the bus. A bus driver who is negligent or otherwise unfit to operate the bus, say due to fatigue or alcohol use, can be held responsible for causing an accident.
- The Bus Operator: Any private company that operates a bus is vicariously liable for the negligence of their drivers. Additionally, a bus operator can be held responsible for the negligent hiring, training, or supervision of an unqualified or unfit bus driver.
- Local Governments: Many local governments in Florida operate their own public bus services. For example, Palm Beach County runs PalmTran, which serves residents in Boca Raton. As with private operators, public bus authorities may be held financially responsible for an accident caused by their negligence. However, suing a public agency requires compliance with additional Florida laws that do not apply to private businesses.
- Third Parties: Even if the bus driver or bus operator did nothing to cause a bus accident, there are likely third parties who are liable, including other drivers or pedestrians.
It is crucial to understand that the burden of proof is on the bus accident victim to prove a defendant’s liability. Do not assume that just because you were involved in a bus accident, the bus driver or operator is automatically responsible for paying for your medical bills and other losses. You need to gather and present evidence demonstrating a person’s responsibility for causing an accident. This is where working with an experienced bus accident attorney can mean the difference between receiving compensation and walking away with nothing.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
At Steinberg Law, our Boca Raton bus accident attorneys understand how to evaluate and investigate a personal injury claim arising from these types of crashes. We can assist you in navigating the complex web of Florida liability laws in this area. So if you, or someone in your family, has been hurt in a bus-related accident, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
