Florida Bus Accident Attorney
Experienced Legal Support for Bus Accident Victims in New Port Richey & Beyond
Were you or a loved one involved in a bus accident that left you injured or dealing with life-altering consequences? You do not have to face this situation alone. Kemp Law provides experienced, compassionate, and dedicated legal representation. Bus accidents often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Our team of Florida bus accident lawyers is committed to helping you pursue justice and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At Kemp Law, we navigate the complexities of bus accident cases—from investigating causes to handling insurance companies and responsible parties. Our attorneys advocate for your rights and hold those at fault accountable so you can focus on healing.
Contact Kemp Law today for a free consultation at (727) 788-6792 or reach out online.
Understanding Florida Bus Accidents
If you have been injured in a bus accident, you are not alone. The U.S. Department of Transportation tracks serious accidents involving buses as a special category through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Each year, about 25,000 to 35,000 people suffer injuries in bus accidents across the United States. Florida records a higher rate of injuries and fatalities than many other states because of its thriving tourism industry and the expansion of public transit statewide.
Fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses have increased by 42% since 2009. Serious injuries continue to rise, with the number of bus accident injury crashes increasing by 62% between 2009 and 2015, and another 4% increase since then. Intercity buses make up 13% of all bus crashes, school buses account for 40%, and transit buses make up 35%.
When you suffer injuries and losses from a bus-related crash, you need legal representation from an injury attorney who understands this area of the law. Kemp Law is your legal partner in this challenging time. Our bus accident attorneys fight for the resources you need to recover.
The Unique Challenges of Bus Accident Cases
Bus accidents are more complex than most car accidents because multiple parties may be involved and the potential for serious injuries is high. Whether a public transit vehicle, school bus, private charter, or shuttle is in the crash, these cases require thorough analysis to establish liability.
Potentially Liable Parties in Bus Accidents:
- The Bus Driver: Negligence due to distracted driving, speeding, or operating under the influence.
- The Bus Company: Failure to maintain the fleet or provide sufficient driver training.
- Third Parties: Another driver, a city government responsible for road conditions, or the bus manufacturer in cases of mechanical failure.
Determining all responsible parties requires a thorough investigation, something Kemp Law excels at. To build your case, we gather key evidence, including maintenance records, driver logs, witness statements, police reports, and traffic camera footage.
Common Causes of Florida Bus Accidents
Although buses offer generally safe travel, accidents in Florida still occur due to preventable factors.
Many bus accidents in Florida take place during inclement weather or at busy intersections in cities such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando. Road construction, heavy traffic, and tourist activity often create hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Accidents can also stem from mechanical defects if vehicles are not maintained according to Florida safety rules, making regular bus maintenance critical for the safety of everyone on the road.
Frequent Causes of Bus Accidents Include:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or inattentiveness)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor bus maintenance or mechanical failure
- Dangerous road conditions, including inadequate signage or road repair
- Negligence by other drivers
Busy roadways and a high number of buses for public transit, schools, and tourism mean these situations are common in Florida. Kemp Law understands these challenges and investigates thoroughly to help pursue justice for clients.
Injuries Commonly Resulting from Bus Accidents
Bus crashes can cause severe injuries due to the size of the vehicles involved and the lack of standard passenger safety features such as seatbelts. Victims experience a range of physical, emotional, and financial consequences in the aftermath of a crash.
Common Bus Accident Injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by sudden impact or force.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Resulting in chronic pain, paralysis, or long-term disability.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or critical areas.
- Lacerations & Soft Tissue Injuries: Often caused by shattered glass or debris.
- Psychological Trauma: Including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you have suffered these injuries, Kemp Law will assess the full extent of your losses and work to pursue the financial support required for recovery.
Types of Compensation Available
Bus accident victims in Florida often face mounting bills and lasting aftereffects of the crash. Our Florida bus accident attorneys at Kemp Law look for every avenue to secure the most compensation the law allows.
Compensation You May Be Eligible For Includes:
- Medical Expenses: Covering current, ongoing, and future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Addressing income lost during recovery and lost earning capacity in severe cases.
- Property Damage: Compensation for destroyed or damaged personal property.
- Pain & Suffering: Financial support for physical pain and emotional hardship.
- Wrongful Death: For families grieving a fatal bus accident, covering funeral costs and loss of support.
We determine the real value of your case by reviewing both obvious and hidden losses. Kemp Law uses our experience to advocate for your interests throughout the recovery process.
You Deserve a Great Team
Our clients say it best: when results matter, you choose Kemp Law. We secure proven results in motor vehicle accident cases throughout the Tampa Bay area, earning settlements in the millions.
People throughout Tampa Bay work with Kemp Law for the benefit of direct attorney access and consistent, clear communication. By working directly with an attorney rather than being passed to staff, you know that your case receives focused attention every step of the way.
Bus accident cases demand strong legal knowledge, skills, and resources for the best result. When you hire Kemp Law, you work with a team fully committed to your recovery and the pursuit of the best possible resolution.
Here’s Why Victims Trust Kemp Law:
- Proven Track Record: Multimillion-dollar settlements for Florida clients, success against major insurers and corporations.
- Thorough Investigations: Our team examines every detail to build a compelling case.
- Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize your needs with personal attention and consistent updates throughout your case.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Whether negotiating or in the courtroom, we work tirelessly for you.
- Recognition: Membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum demonstrates our commitment to high-level legal results.
When your future is on the line, Kemp Law stands by you through every step of the legal process.
Contact our Florida bus accident lawyer by calling (727) 788-6792 today!
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Your actions after a bus accident can greatly impact your case. Acting quickly protects your health and preserves your claim.
Documenting the scene and seeking care matter in Florida because insurance rules may require prompt notice or medical documentation. If a public transit operator is involved, report details to the proper agency to help preserve evidence. Keep track of all medical visits, bills, and correspondence to support your claim.
What to Do After a Bus Accident:
- Get Medical Attention: See a doctor immediately and have your injuries documented.
- Report the Accident: Notify law enforcement and get an official police report.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and anything else relevant.
- Identify Witnesses: Collect contact details from people who saw the accident.
- Speak to an Attorney: Contact Kemp Law before talking to insurers or agreeing to any settlement.
Our team guides you at every stage, so you address all details needed to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Florida?
For most private bus accidents, Florida lets you file a claim up to four years from the date of the incident. If a government-operated bus is in question, written notice and shorter timelines may apply. Start your claim as soon as you can.
What If the Bus Involved Was Operated by a City or County Agency?
When a city or county agency is involved, your claim falls under special Florida rules. You must send written notice to the proper government department before you pursue damages, and caps may limit how much you can recover. Act quickly because public agency claims are more time sensitive.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault?
Florida law allows you to recover damages even if you share blame for the crash, but your recovery may be reduced by your share of responsibility. A lawyer familiar with Florida comparative fault laws can help you navigate this situation.
You Deserve Kemp Law – Tampa Bay Bus Accident Lawyers
A bus accident can result in serious consequences, including physical injuries, property damage, financial loss, and lost wages if you miss work to recover. Emotional distress may also follow an accident.
At Kemp Law, we know how bus accident injuries affect families throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties. We work to secure the support you need and make sure those responsible are held to account so you can rebuild.
Negotiating with insurance companies for bus accident claims can be challenging. You might deal with a bus company's insurer, a city legal department, or your own insurance provider. Ongoing medical costs are common. Do not sign anything before speaking with a Tampa Bay bus accident lawyer who has your best interests in mind.
We have taken on nearly every large insurance company, achieving millions in recoveries for clients. Our attorneys have earned membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting a record of results in demanding cases. When you work with Kemp Law, your needs and your future always come first. We deliver attentive service and keep you informed as your case moves forward.
Call us today at (727) 788-6792 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
FAQs
you deserve answers
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What Should I Say To The Insurance Company?
The at-fault party’s insurance company could ask you to give them a recorded statement. You do not have to give them a recorded statement. However, if your own insurance company asks you for a recorded statement please seek advice from your attorney so that they can assist you in giving that statement. But yes you do have to comply and you do have to give your insurance company a recorded statement.
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Will I Have To Go To Court?
Actually, most cases, or a large percentage of the cases are resolved pre-suit, which means the cases never go to court. We work with the insurance companies before filing suit to try to find a fair resolution for the client, which save money on expenses, court costs and attorney’s fees.
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How Do I Know Who Was At-Fault?
Fault is determined by the evidence collected during the investigation. We look to many things to determine fault in the case: we look to the police report, we look to witness statements, we look to the property damage to the vehicles, skid marks, layout of the cars, etc. Sometimes we even have to refer to accident re-constructionists to do a professional examination of the all the evidence to do a recommendation for us, but that does not happen in very many cases.
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Will I Recover Monetary Damages?
It depends on who was at fault for the accident. If you were at fault, your insurance company will pay for the damage to the vehicle. If you were not at fault, the at-fault driver’s or owner’s insurance policy will pay for the damage, and if they do not have enough coverage to cover the damage to your vehicle, your collision coverage (if purchased) would pay for the damage to your vehicle.
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What Documents Will I Need?
We like you to bring the driver’s exchange of information that the police officer gives you at the scene. We also like you bring any photographs of damage at the scene. Also bring your health insurance cards and your auto insurance cards or declarations page, so we can review the coverage available to you.
