If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, you may have the right to pursue compensation. The legal team at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group is here to help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our top-rated personal injury law firm is dedicated to assisting victims in St. Petersburg, FL, to obtain the compensation they need and deserve. With 50 years of combined experience and over $250 million recovered, our St. Petersburg bus accident attorneys are prepared to work tirelessly to maximize the value of your claim.
By choosing us to represent you, our experienced St. Petersburg bus accident lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today at (772) 569-8155 for a free consultation to get answers to your questions and legal advice on your next steps.
How Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group Can Help After a Bus Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
Bus accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle, the aftermath can be overwhelming. You deserve to seek full compensation for your injuries under the law.
At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, we won’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. Our St. Petersburg bus accident lawyers are known for standing firm against powerful opponents, ensuring that your rights are protected. If taking your case to trial is the best way to secure fair compensation, we are fully prepared to do so.
Our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys can help you by:
- Identifying all responsible parties involved in the accident
- Assessing the full extent of your damages
- Collecting and preserving crucial evidence
- Consulting with expert witnesses when necessary
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Contact our St. Petersburg, FL, law office today for a free consultation with one of our skilled St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers.
What Is My St. Petersburg Bus Accident Claim Worth?
Several factors influence the value of a bus accident claim. While cases involving severe injuries typically result in higher compensation, each claim is unique.
Key factors we consider when evaluating your claim include:
- The severity of your injuries: More serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: Current and future medical costs play a significant role.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: If your ability to work is affected, this increases the claim’s value.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress are taken into account.
- Liability determination: Identifying all at-fault parties, such as the bus driver, bus company, or manufacturers.
- Insurance policy limits: The amount of available insurance coverage can impact the compensation.
- Comparative negligence: If you share any fault for the accident, it may reduce your compensation.
Hiring an experienced attorney can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. We are adept at negotiating with insurance companies and utilizing expert testimony to build a strong case.
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All Your Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accidents can lead to a wide range of serious injuries. At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, we are committed to securing compensation for all the injuries you’ve suffered.
We can help you recover compensation for injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and scarring
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
- Lacerations
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Knee and leg injuries
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Whether your injuries are minor or life-altering, our bus accident attorneys in St. Petersburg are here to help. We’ll work diligently to ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and more.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bus Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?
After a bus accident, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These are referred to as “compensatory damages.” In certain cases that go to trial, punitive damages may also be available.
Economic damages cover the financial costs associated with the accident, including:
- Medical expenses, current/future
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement/scarring
- Loss of companionship
In rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish them and deter similar behavior.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida
Bus accidents often result from negligence or recklessness on the part of drivers, companies, or other parties.
Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Inadequate training
- Mechanical failures
- Poor weather conditions
Understanding the cause of the accident is important for determining liability and building a strong case.
Who Is Liable for My St. Petersburg Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a St. Petersburg bus accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Bus driver: If their negligence or recklessness caused the accident
- Bus company: For hiring unqualified drivers, poor maintenance, or inadequate training
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a defect in the bus or its parts contributed to the accident
- Maintenance providers: Companies responsible for servicing the bus
- Other drivers: If another motorist’s negligence led to the collision
- Government entities: If a public transit bus was involved or poor road conditions contributed
Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and hold them liable for your injuries and damages.
What if I’m Blamed for My Bus Accident in St. Petersburg?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence law that applies to any claims against the responsible party. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found 25% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 25%.
If you are being blamed for the accident, it’s essential to have a skilled attorney by your side. We will gather evidence, challenge unfair accusations, and work to minimize your percentage of fault to maximize your compensation.
Note that Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents and requires drivers to maintain personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is no-fault insurance, meaning you can generally file a claim regardless of who caused the collision.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL?
Most bus accident lawyers in St. Petersburg work for a contingency fee.
This arrangement means:
- No upfront fees: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Predictable fees: Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, typically around 33%.
- Risk-free representation: If we don’t win compensation for you, you owe us nothing in attorney’s fees.
This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation. It also aligns our interests with yours—we’re motivated to secure the maximum compensation possible.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties.
However, if a government entity is involved (e.g., a public transit bus), different rules and shorter deadlines may apply. You may need to provide notice of your claim within six months or another specified period.
Failing to meet these deadlines can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. Contact our attorneys as soon as possible to ensure all legal requirements are met, and your rights are protected.
Contact Our Experienced St. Petersburg Bus Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a bus accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, the team at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group is here to help. With 50 years of combined experience and over $250 million recovered, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t navigate the legal process alone. Call our St. Petersburg bus accident attorneys today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options.