Lake Worth Bus Accident Lawyer
While buses are generally a very safe and environmentally-friendly way to get around town, when they are involved in an accident the injuries can be severe. Buses are taller and weigh more than your average vehicle, so they are naturally harder to maneuver. Often, bus seats are also not equipped with seatbelts, leaving passengers much more vulnerable to injuries.
According to the most recent Palm Tran Transit Development Plan, out of the entire Palm Beach County population, residents of Lake Worth are the most likely to not have access to a car. Instead, they rely on public transportation, including buses, to get to work and school. Thus, they are statistically more likely to be injured in a bus accident than other Palm Beach County residents.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, contact a Lake Worth bus accident lawyer today. An experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Worth can help you determine potential sources of liability and recover compensation for your injuries.
Regulations for Lake Worth Buses
Florida bus drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL), along with school bus, passenger, or other endorsements depending on the size of the bus and how many passengers it can hold. Under Florida Code Section 69I-42.007, most buses are considered common carriers. Common carriers owe a higher standard of care to their passengers.
Negligence of a Common Carrier in a Bus Accident
Florida's jury instructions regarding the negligence of a common carrier state that such negligence is doing something that a very careful person would not do under similar circumstances, or not doing something that a very careful person would do under similar circumstances.
In some instances, an injured party may also be able to pursue a claim of vicarious liability against the bus company or city who employed the negligent bus driver that caused an injury. If the accident was caused by a mechanical malfunction or manufacturing defect, the injured party may also be able to bring a negligence claim against the equipment company. A person wishing to file a claim should consult with a Lake Worth bus accident lawyer before taking any legal action.
Elements of a Negligence Claim
Anyone injured in a bus accident may be entitled to compensation if they can prove that the defendant's negligence caused their injuries. There are four elements they must prove to be successful, including:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation (actual and proximate)
- Damages
In a majority of negligence cases, the element that is most contentious is causation. The injured party must show both actual causation and proximate causation. To prove actual causation, the injured party must prove that their injuries would not have occurred but for the defendant's negligence. To prove proximate causation, the injured party must also prove that their injuries were a foreseeable result of defendant's negligence.
How a Lake Worth Bus Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were involved in a bus accident and sustained injuries as a result, call a Lake Worth bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified attorney may be able to get you the compensation you need to help recover. Call today to set up a free consultation to get started on your claim.