Bus accidents in Port St. Lucie can overwhelm passengers, pedestrians, and drivers. The large size and weight of buses often lead to severe injuries, requiring immediate and skilled legal assistance.
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers have the expertise to handle the complexities of bus accident cases. Contact us at (772) 800-8000 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Port St. Lucie Bus Accident Lawyers
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers have a proven track record in personal injury cases, ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our Port St. Lucie office, located at 905 East Prima Vista Boulevard, Suite B, near the Prima Vista Crossing shopping center, is easily accessible.
We offer services in English, Spanish, and Creole, ensuring clear communication with our diverse clients.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we focus on a client-centered approach. We understand that every bus accident is unique, providing personalized attention to each case.
Our team thoroughly investigates accidents, gathers evidence, and builds strong cases to hold responsible parties accountable. We fight for your rights and strive to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Bus Accident Compensation
You may recover compensation to cover the damages and losses from a bus accident.
Unlike car accidents, bus accidents often involve multiple victims and higher stakes due to the number of passengers and vehicle size. This makes the legal process more complex and the potential compensation higher.
Medical Expenses
Bus accidents often cause severe injuries that need extensive medical treatment. Compensation can cover emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages
Injuries from a bus accident can prevent you from working, leading to lost income. Compensation includes the income you would have earned during recovery. If you suffer long-term or permanent disability, you may also receive compensation for future lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
This non-economic compensation addresses physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It includes mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional trauma.
Property Damage
If the bus accident damaged your personal property, such as your vehicle, you could seek compensation for repair or replacement costs, ensuring you are not out-of-pocket for these damages.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we understand the full scope of damages you may deserve. We work diligently to ensure you receive maximum compensation. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Where Do Bus Accidents Occur in Port St. Lucie?
Bus accidents in Port St. Lucie often occur on major roads like U.S. Highway 1, St. Lucie West Boulevard, and Prima Vista Boulevard. These roads have high traffic volumes, making them common sites for collisions.
Additionally, areas around the Port St. Lucie Civic Center and popular shopping districts experience significant bus traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The Treasure Coast Connector, the local intracity bus service, operates extensively in these busy areas. Knowing where bus accidents commonly happen helps residents stay vigilant and take extra precautions.
According to local statistics from the Port St. Lucie Police Department, intersections such as U.S. Highway 1 and Prima Vista Boulevard are particularly prone to traffic incidents, including bus accidents.
Understanding Bus Accident Liability
Bus accidents involve multiple factors and parties, making them complex. You need a lawyer who understands how to create a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.
Types of Bus Accidents
- Collisions with Other Vehicles: Often result from driver error or negligence.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Buses may strike pedestrians at intersections or bus stops.
- Rollovers: Buses can roll over in high-speed collisions or sharp turns due to their size and weight.
- Slip and Fall Incidents Inside the Bus: Poor maintenance or sudden stops can cause passengers to slip and fall.
Common Causes
- Driver Negligence: Includes distracted driving, speeding, and failure to follow traffic laws.
- Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained buses can experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or other issues.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and other weather conditions can contribute to bus accidents.
- Inadequate Training of Bus Drivers: Drivers lacking proper training are more likely to make critical errors.
Types of Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Caused by severe head trauma during an accident.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Can lead to paralysis or long-term disability.
- Fractured Bones: Common in high-impact collisions.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs requiring immediate medical attention.
Liability in bus accidents can extend beyond the bus driver to include the bus company, maintenance contractors, and other motorists involved in the accident. Establishing negligence involves proving that the responsible parties failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident and resulting injuries.
For example, if a bus driver fails to reduce speed in stormy weather and causes an accident, you can hold the driver liable by showing that a reasonable bus driver would have reduced speed under similar conditions.
Similarly, if a bus company neglects to maintain the vehicle properly, resulting in a mechanical failure, they can be held accountable for the resulting damages.
Can I Be Held Liable?
In Florida, liability in bus accidents can be complex due to the state’s comparative negligence rule. Here’s how it works:
Comparative Negligence
If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will decrease by your percentage of fault.
Scenarios of Potential Liability:
- Passengers: Typically, passengers are not liable unless their actions directly contributed to the accident, such as distracting the driver.
- Other Drivers: If you were driving another vehicle and your actions contributed to the accident (e.g., speeding, running a red light), you might be partially liable.
- Pedestrians: If you violated traffic laws or engaged in unsafe behavior that led to the accident, you could be found partially liable.
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers have the expertise and resources to thoroughly investigate bus accidents. We identify all liable parties, determine your liability (if any), work to minimize its impact on your compensation, and build a strong case for you.
We aim to hold those responsible accountable and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a bus accident can be daunting. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, using various tactics to undermine your claim. We understand these challenges at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers and are equipped to fight for your rights.
Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. They might offer quick, lowball settlements hoping you'll accept without fully understanding the extent of your damages.
You might not counter these tactics effectively without legal representation.
Our Approach to Handling Insurance Companies
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct a detailed investigation to gather all necessary evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies. This comprehensive approach helps us build a strong case to support your claim.
- Accurate Valuation of Your Claim: Our experienced attorneys assess all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. We ensure that the settlement amount reflects the full extent of your losses.
- Skilled Negotiation: Our lawyers are adept at negotiating with insurance adjusters. We present compelling evidence and arguments to secure a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, we can take your case to court.
- Representation in Court: If necessary, we will represent you in court, advocating aggressively to recover the compensation you deserve. Our litigation experience and knowledge of Florida’s personal injury laws strengthen our ability to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
By entrusting your case to Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities and negotiations with insurance companies.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
If you've been involved in a bus accident in Port St. Lucie, take these important steps to support your case and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. These actions will protect your health and ensure you have the necessary documentation for your legal claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Seek medical attention promptly to diagnose and treat any injuries. Medical records will serve as critical evidence of your injuries.
Gather Contact Information
Collect contact details from the bus driver, other drivers, witnesses, and passengers. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's license numbers, and insurance information. Witness statements can be crucial in supporting your account of the accident.
Obtain the Police Report
File a police report and obtain a copy as soon as it becomes available. The report provides an official account of the accident, detailing the involved parties, the scene, and the officer’s assessment.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a comprehensive record of all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, medication receipts, and transportation costs to medical appointments. Keep a journal documenting your injuries, treatment, and how the accident has impacted your daily life.
Follow Medical Advice
Adhere to your doctor's treatment plan. This is essential for your recovery and legal claim. Insurance companies can use any deviation from medical advice to argue that you are not as injured as you claim.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies
Avoid speaking directly with insurance companies after the accident. Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts. Any statements you make can be used against you. Refer all communications to your attorney to protect your rights.
Avoid Settling Too Early
Insurance companies may offer quick settlements for significantly less than you deserve. These early offers often fail to cover the full extent of your injuries and long-term costs. Consult your attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure it meets all your current and future needs.
Do Not Post on Social Media
Avoid posting any details about the accident, your injuries, or your legal case on social media. Insurance companies and opposing parties often monitor social media accounts for information they can use against you. Even innocent posts can be misconstrued. Keep your accounts private and refrain from discussing your case online until it is resolved.
Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers
Bring all gathered information to Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers to help build a strong case. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurance companies, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Legal Process Overview
- Initial Consultation: Meet with our attorneys to discuss the details of your case and determine the best course of action.
- Investigation: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records to build a strong case.
- Filing a Claim: We file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and handle all negotiations.
- Settlement or Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can take your case to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Bus Accident In Florida?
In Florida, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim from the accident date. However, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is crucial to meet all deadlines.
Can I File A Claim If I Was Partially At Fault For The Accident?
Yes, you can still file a claim if you were partially at fault for the accident. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Bus Accident Claim?
The duration of resolving a bus accident claim varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement.
Get Justice
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, seek legal assistance promptly. Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today at (772) 800-8000 to schedule a free consultation. We are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.