Volusia County Transit Services oversees Votran, which offers a fantastic public transportation option for residents. Convenient as it may be, though, a collision with one of its large vehicles could cause devastating injuries for everyone involved. These cases can be more complicated than car accidents because they involve a government entity; therefore, it is essential to have an experienced DeLand bus accident lawyer represent you.
Our team at The Florida Firm is equipped with the skills and experience needed to successfully navigate the challenges of these cases. That is why we frequently receive referrals from other law firms—they trust us to deliver positive results to our clients. Call our skilled personal injury attorneys for a free case evaluation.
Who Is Liable in a Bus Crash Case?
Buses and other large vehicles, such as airplanes, are specially designed to transport large numbers of passengers or materials from one point to another. The person or entity that offers this service to the public for payment is called a common carrier. Airlines, trucking companies, cruise lines, and public transportation entities are all examples of common carriers.
As common carriers, these companies and their employees are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of their passengers and cargo. This means they must comply with all relevant regulations and act with the highest degree of care.
When you are in an accident with a private driver, they may be liable for causing your injuries if their negligence resulted in the crash. The same applies to accidents involving a common carrier; you may be able to show that the driver or the company was negligent because they either failed to comply with a specific regulation or failed to adequately perform their duty of care in the given situation. For example, a bus driver could be liable for any injuries to their passengers if they turned a corner too quickly and caused the bus to tip over.
Whether you were a passenger on the bus or in another car that was involved in the collision, our Deland attorneys could help you file a claim to recover compensation. Having legal representation increases your chance of success.
Understanding Claims Against the State
When you are injured in a collision with another car, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault party for compensation. However, Votran buses are in a unique position because almost all are owned and operated by the county’s transit services, which is a government agency. Crashes involving public vehicles are more complex because the government is generally immune from liability through the concept of sovereign immunity.
The state waives this immunity for personal injury claims under Florida Statutes § 768.28(5)(a), but the rules and procedures for filing a claim against the government are different from filing against a citizen or other entity.
To file a claim against the transit services, you must first notify the agency about the claim in writing within three years of the incident, or two years if it involves a wrongful death. You must then wait at least 180 days to allow the agency to conduct an internal investigation and determine whether to accept or deny the claim. If the claim is formally denied or if the 180 days have passed with no response, then you may proceed with filing the claim in court.
That is why you need our DeLand lawyers to represent your interests in a bus crash claim. We understand the challenges of these cases and could help you navigate through them toward a favorable outcome.
Call Our Attorneys if You Were Hurt in a DeLand Bus Accident
Our firm has decades of combined experience handling complex vehicle cases and a proven track record of success. A DeLand bus accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright was able to secure $2.75 million for the wrongful death of a passenger who was ejected in a collision.
We strive to ensure that you recover the maximum compensation that you deserve. Call us today to receive a free evaluation of your case.