
The Hillsborough Transit Authority provides public bus services in Tampa and the surrounding communities of Hillsborough County, and every year, thousands of students in the area use school buses for transportation to and from their schools. While bus accidents are not as common as passenger car accidents, they can potentially result in catastrophic injuries and raise difficult questions of liability. A Tampa bus accident lawyer can help you build a case after your accident.
Ronald Bone, P.A. has years of experience representing clients in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County in their vehicle accident cases, and our team knows the unique legal challenges that a bus accident case might present. If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, it is crucial to hire a bus accident lawyer as soon as possible who can help you determine liability and pursue compensation for your damages.
In Florida, most vehicle accident cases are resolved on a “no fault” basis, meaning injured accident victims use their own auto insurance policies to recover compensation after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and resolving the legal aftermath of a bus accident in Tampa requires assistance from a seasoned attorney. Your Tampa bus accident lawyer can help you prove fault and determine your legal options.
Bus accident cases are different from most other vehicle accident cases in Tampa in several ways. First, these accidents may result in injuries to multiple passengers, and each of them will have grounds to claim compensation from the party responsible for hurting them. Multiple victims may all have grounds to claim compensation from a single defendant, and it is also possible for multiple parties to share liability for the accident.
Second, an injured plaintiff can face different legal challenges depending on the party responsible for the bus, whether it is a public transportation authority like the Hillsborough Transit Authority or a local school district, or if it is owned by a private company or organization like a church, airport, or hotel. A Tampa bus accident lawyer can review the details of the accident and explain your most viable options for legal recourse.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported 8 fatal bus passenger injuries and 39 incapacitating bus passenger injuries statewide in 2024. Before you can claim any compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident, you first need to determine the cause. An experienced Tampa bus accident lawyer will know what evidence you need to prove liability for the accident, and then your legal options for recovering compensation will vary based on who is responsible.
When a private party is responsible for your accident, your Tampa bus accident attorney will help you claim compensation for the damages you suffered. Success with your case will require proving that the defendant is directly responsible for causing the accident, and then you will need to show the full scope of the damages they caused. If a public entity is liable for the accident, then this will restrict your legal options, and it will be crucial to have experienced legal counsel.
Your attorney can determine the direction your case will take. Your legal options will depend on the root cause of the accident:
Bus accidents can happen because of speeding, distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and many other possible causes. In some of these cases, bus drivers are to blame, but it is also possible for the driver of another vehicle to have caused your accident. The initial aftermath of your accident can be confusing, so it is a good idea to speak with a Tampa bus accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can help with your case.
After you establish fault for your bus accident, your attorney can help you calculate the total damages you are eligible to claim from whoever is responsible for your injuries. You may have grounds to claim compensation for economic damages like medical bills and lost income. If you require ongoing care for a serious injury, the defendant will be liable for your future medical treatment costs, and you may also claim lost earning capacity if you are no longer able to work.
In addition to your economic damages, you can also claim compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced. A Tampa bus accident lawyer can help you determine a suitable amount that reflects the severity of your experience, and you are more likely to secure a favorable result in your case with their help.
Some personal injury cases in Florida can be resolved through private settlement negotiations, but this is not always possible. Litigation may be necessary for your case, so you need a trial attorney with a proven record of getting real results. Ronald Bone, P.A. has years of proven experience handling complex accident cases and can help you reach a favorable conclusion in your bus accident claim.
You have a short time to pursue accountability and compensation for your losses, and many unexpected challenges might arise as your case unfolds. When you hire Ronald Bone, P.A. as your Tampa bus accident lawyer, you will have a compassionate and responsive legal advocate ready to answer your questions and provide ongoing guidance through every step of your case. Reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn how we can help with your recovery.
Some of the most common injuries from bus accidents include soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash from a passenger’s head whipping back and forth in a crash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. It is important that you seek medical care right away after your accident, even if you think you only sustained minor injuries. This can rule out anything serious that has not yet caused noticeable symptoms.
Proving liability for a bus accident in Tampa may require various forms of evidence that your attorney can secure on your behalf. Police reports, bus company records, witness statements, other drivers’ cell phone data, and traffic camera footage, if available, are some of the most valuable pieces of evidence you may need for your case. Hire a bus accident lawyer so they can start gathering evidence right away, as some evidence may not be obtainable for very long.
The value of your bus accident claim in Tampa largely depends on the severity of your injuries. Once you establish fault for the accident, your Tampa bus accident attorney can help you claim compensation for all medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, the income you are unable to earn after the accident, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
The time it could take to settle a bus accident case depends on several factors. Some of these cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations, which is typically much faster than litigation but requires all parties involved to be willing to negotiate a settlement. Alternatively, a case may need to be resolved in litigation. Ronald Bone, P.A. is an experienced trial attorney who is fully prepared to represent you in court if necessary in your case.
You should hire a bus accident lawyer in Tampa because these cases are very different from most other vehicle accident cases in Florida. The right attorney can help you prove liability for the crash, accurately determine the full scope of damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant, and resolve your case efficiently, reducing the time it takes for you to receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Ronald Bone, P.A. has a long record of success with many difficult personal injury cases in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County. If you believe another party is responsible for causing your recent bus accident, you need to hire a bus accident lawyer you can trust to help you build an effective case. Contact Ronald Bone, P.A. today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Tampa bus accident lawyer.
Thoughtful, trial-ready personal injury representation in Tampa Bay.