South Florida residents, tourists, groups, and organizations rely on charter buses to travel to events and other activities together. As a result, there is an expectation that these buses, the drivers, and the companies that operate them provide a safe environment for riders, as well as being safe for others on the road. If a bus driver is careless, or a charter company fails to properly hire drivers and maintain its vehicles, serious charter bus accidents and injuries can result. The Miami bus accident lawyers at our Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist passengers and others who have been injured due to a negligent charter bus owner, operator, or driver.
Because of the various parties involved in these situations, such as charter companies, regulatory agencies, and insurance carriers, as well as multiple victims, charter bus accident cases may be more complex than those involving other motor vehicle accidents. Our firm has the experience to handle such complicated matters, and we are committed to reaching a favorable settlement or pursuing litigation to serve the best interests of our clients. We represent bus accident victims in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as throughout South Florida. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one due to a collision involving a charter bus, contact our office today to set up a free consultation to discuss your potential claims.
Regulations and Responsibility for Charter Bus AccidentsCharter buses are included under the umbrella of motorcoaches, which are subject to both state and federal regulations. Federally, the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012 sets out safety rules for the industry. This Act was passed following a noted increase in bus-related fatalities in 2010. Reviews conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration showed that many violations regarding motorcoach companies pertained to errors in hours of service and driving records. It was also found that driver fatigue was the leading cause of fatal accidents in the industry, with the condition of a bus being the second-highest contributing factor. Both of these issues indicate negligence if they contributed to a charter bus accident.
Victims injured in a charter bus accident can retain an attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit against responsible parties in order to receive compensation for past and future medical costs, time missed from work, any permanent impairment affecting their ability to work, and pain and suffering damages. Negligence, the legal theory upon which most injury lawsuits are based, requires a showing that one or more parties breached their duty to act with reasonable care, caused a victim's injuries, and resulted in damages. In charter bus accident cases, there are a few parties that may be held liable, depending on the situation.
A charter bus company may be found negligent if it failed to perform adequate inspections and maintenance on a vehicle, or if it did not take proper care in hiring qualified and trained drivers. Drivers themselves are also liable for their own negligent acts. Much like a problem inherent in the trucking industry, fatigued bus drivers create unsafe conditions on the road, and people who drive tired should be held accountable. Defective equipment, such as faulty brakes or tires, can also contribute to a charter bus accident. In these instances, a manufacturer of a defective product can be found liable.
Contact a Seasoned Miami Attorney Following a Bus AccidentSuffering a catastrophic injury as a result of a charter bus accident may involve a long period of recovery. Victims often need financial assistance to cope with the costs of their healing process. The Miami attorneys at our Law Offices of Robert Dixon are committed to making sure that the parties responsible for these injuries are the ones to provide financial aid to victims. Our firm can help investigate the cause of a charter bus accident, gather evidence, and ensure that our clients' rights are protected and articulated throughout the legal process. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online today for a free consultation to see how we can help. We represent people in Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas.