Bus and Ride Share Accidents: Advocating for the Rights of the Injured
When we send our children to school on a bus, we trust they will return home safely at the end of their day. Similarly, when we take public or private bus transportation or call for an Uber or Lyft driver, we expect to reach our destination safely. However, all vehicles on the roadways risk being in an accident, potentially causing catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 282 school bus accidents in Florida from 2019 to 2021. The popularity of ride share services in the last decade has grown exponentially. Sadly, so have the number of accidents with injuries and fatalities.
Quality Legal Counsel for Personal Injury Cases
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a bus or ride share accident, the attorneys at Mapp & Parker, P.A. are here to help. Since 1996, we have won settlements and awards for those in need. When a wreck is caused by another’s failure to use reasonable care when driving a motor vehicle, a victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses. In addition, filing personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims leads to safety improvements and regulations that make the roadways safer.
Common Causes of Bus and Ride Share Accidents Include:
- Driver Error
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Failure to yield
- Weather or Road Conditions
- Driving Under the Influence
- Texting While Driving
- Animals on the Roadways
- Road Rage Incidents
In Florida, peak seasons for travel, such as holidays and school breaks, cause an influx of tourists. While the tourism industry boosts Florida’s economy, it also brings some of the worst crash statistics in the nation. Since bus and ride share vehicles often carry multiple passengers, one accident can lead to a high number of victims and tragedies.
Who is Responsible?
In any accident, liability can vary depending on the specific circumstances. For example, if a bus driver is at fault, the liable party may be the bus company. In cases involving ride share companies such as Uber or Lyft, liability may fall on the driver or the company itself. Liability is more complex in these accidents for various reasons, including the involvement of an employer, a corporation, or a government entity rather than just one driver. It may require negotiating with multiple insurance carriers. In a multi-vehicle collision, identifying all responsible parties is an additional challenge.
How We Can Help
At Mapp & Parker, P.A., our experienced attorneys navigate the complexities of an accident by conducting a thorough investigation and gathering evidence to determine liability. We review police reports, medical records, witness testimony, and surveillance cameras. We search for vehicle defects or road conditions that may contribute to an accident and work closely with experts to determine the value of each case.
Common injuries in bus and ride share accidents are fractures, head trauma, lacerations, whiplash, facial scarring and disfigurement, amputations, paralysis, and organ damage. The nature and extent of a victim’s injuries can affect the settlement value. Those that have suffered severe harm are usually awarded greater compensation.
A settlement or award for damages may include medical expenses, lost earnings, property damages, and pain and suffering. A family may be entitled to additional compensation for their losses in a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys have a proven track record of negotiating with major insurance carriers for fair compensation. Our strong presence in the courtroom ensures a favorable outcome when sufficient compensation is not offered.
Your Success is our Priority
As a small law firm, we are attentive to every client that walks through our door. Our focus is client-centered services, and we are 100% committed to your success. At Mapp & Parker, P.A., you will speak directly with the attorney handling your case when you have a question or concern.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bus or ride share accident, it is vital to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Contact Mapp & Parker, P.A. at 407-894–1285 to schedule a Free Consultation. Our office location is Orlando, Florida, and we represent clients throughout Central Florida.
