Florida Bus Accident Lawyers

Helping Bus Crash Victims for 80+ Years

Bus accidents can result in serious injuries, even death. If you or a loved one has been injured, you may qualify for financial compensation. We’re here to help you get it.

At Michles & Booth, we help clients across the state find justice and compensation. We solely represent victims of negligence, because we genuinely care about making our communities safer. When our neighbors have been harmed, we step up to the plate. With over 80 years of combined trial experience, we offer clients top-tier legal services, compassionate counsel, and tailored advocacy.

Call 850-438-4848 for a FREE consultation. We are available to take your call 24/7 at our offices in Pensacola, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Tampa.

Why File a Bus Accident Lawsuit?

There are two main reasons why people decide to take legal action after a bus accident. The first is to ensure that the at-fault party answers for its negligence and takes real action to prevent a similar accident in the future. The second is to secure financial support to get back on track. This support can help you and your family through your recovery, compensating you for the current and future losses related to the crash.

Many bus accident victims are entitled to compensation for losses, or damages, such as:

• Medical care and treatment
• Lost or reduced wages
• Lost benefits, such as insurance, due to missed time from work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Physical and mental pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages, when applicable

At Michles & Booth, we fight to get clients the peace of mind that comes with accountability and full compensation. There is no case too big or small for our bus accident attorneys. Whether you suffered a short-term injury, a catastrophic injury, or lost a loved one, we are here to help.

How Is Compensation Calculated?

The No. 1 mistake accident victims make is undervaluing their cases. It is pretty well guaranteed that an insurance company will offer you less money than you deserve, while making it seem like they are doing you a favor.

In calculating damages and how much compensation is owed to you, make sure to consider the following:

• How severe was your injury?
• Did your injury cause you to miss work, change jobs, or stop working altogether?
• How long is your recovery expected to take? Is a full recovery possible?
• How much has your injury impacted your wallet so far?
• How has the injury impacted your life as a whole?

Every accident victim will be entitled to a different amount of compensatory damages. Don’t be a victim twice—consult our Florida bus accident lawyers. We will make sure you are requesting your full and fair compensation.

Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?

Often, the bus driver will be the one who actually caused the accident. That doesn’t necessarily mean they will be on the hook for damages. Depending on the case, a private bus company, school district, or even government entity (like the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, or HART) may need to pay for the negligence of its bus drivers.

There are also cases for which another third party, such as a bus manufacturer, may be considered responsible.

Bus Driver Negligence and Other Common Causes

A bus driver will typically be considered liable if they negligently violated their employer’s rules and industry regulations, causing an accident. A common example of this is when an at-fault bus driver was under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs. Reckless driving may be another example.

Other common causes of bus accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Fatigued bus drivers
• Poorly trained bus drivers
• Out-of-repair or old buses
• Defective bus parts
• Poorly maintained roads and streets

If you are not sure what caused the accident, reach out to our law firm today.

Can I File a PIP Claim for a Bus Accident?

The state of Florida requires all drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which compensates those involved in accidents regardless of fault. Unfortunately, PIP insurance does not apply to all bus accident cases; it is also not the best path to compensation for all bus accident victims.

At Michles & Booth, we help bus accident victims recover compensation both through PIP claims and personal injury lawsuits. We can help you sort through your options and determine which route is best for you.

Hire Experienced Florida Bus Accident Attorneys

Our team at Michles & Booth comprises seasoned bus accident lawyers, investigative experts, a board-certified physician, and skilled support staff. In other words, we offer a wealth of resources in-house, saving you time and money. We will build a strong, evidence-based, comprehensive case to boost your chances of success. Let us help you!

To get your no-cost, no-obligation consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 850-438-4848 today!