School Bus Accident Lawyer in Florida
As a parent, you expect your child to be safe while riding a school bus. Sadly, accidents can occur even without warning, and children can sustain injuries. If this has happened to your youngster, you may be entitled to compensation. At Andrew Pickett Law, our Florida school bus accident lawyer understands how overwhelming this situation can be and is committed to protecting your child’s rights while pursuing the compensation your family deserves.
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If your child was injured in a Florida school bus accident caused by a negligent driver, Andrew Pickett Law can help. As a Florida personal injury law firm, we represent families in school bus accident claims and fight to secure full compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term recovery.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents in Florida
Certain factors commonly cause Florida school bus accidents. They are distracted driving, traffic violations, mechanical failure, poor weather conditions, negligent hiring or training and lack of proper maintenance.
Distracted Driving by Bus Driver
School bus accidents can easily occur when drivers become distracted. This can happen for various reasons from eating to looking at a phone to conversing with a passenger. Even daydreaming can lead to distraction and a collision. Bus drivers must remain alert to ensure everyone’s safety.
Traffic Violations
According to Florida Statute Chapter 316, all drivers must follow state traffic laws. If a school bus driver fails to adhere to the rules and regulations, accidents can occur and children can become injured. This means yielding the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians, stopping at red lights and stop signs, signaling when making turns or lane changes, giving plenty of room between vehicles and more.
Mechanical Failure
Sometimes, a school bus accident happens because of factors beyond the driver’s control. Mechanical failure is one such example. If a bus component breaks down, it can cause the driver to lose control of their driving, speed, braking ability or turning.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions like rain, heavy winds and fog can cause school bus accidents. Even if the driver takes proper precautions to drive more safely, weather can be unpredictable and disaster can strike.
Negligent Hiring or Training of Bus Drivers
According to Florida Statute 768.096, negligent hiring of bus drivers can cause school bus accidents resulting in injury or death. Drivers must be properly screened through background checks, and employers should contact former employers to verify fitness for the job. Individuals looking to become school bus drivers must have thorough training and obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger endorsement.
Lack of Proper Maintenance of School Buses
School buses must be properly maintained to ensure they can safely operate. Florida requires these vehicles to be checked by a mechanic at least once every 30 days. Without regular maintenance, accidents can occur.
Possible Injuries in School Bus Accidents in Florida
Florida school bus accidents can cause several possible injuries. They include head injuries, whiplash, broken bones, emotional trauma, spinal cord injuries and internal injuries.
Head Injuries
Head injuries occur when someone receives a blow or jolt upon the impact of a bus accident. The result can be a minor concussion to moderate or severe brain injury. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness or coma.
Whiplash
Bus accidents cause whiplash when a victim’s head is whipped forward while their body stays still. This soft tissue injury causes soreness, stiffness and limited range of motion but often clears up after a few weeks.
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Broken Bones
Depending on the impact of a school bus accident, victims can be left with broken bones. This can happen if they’re thrown against the back of a seat or fall onto the floor. Different areas can be affected, but the most common include arms, legs, wrists, ankles, fingers, nose and jaw.
Emotional Trauma
A child can suffer emotional trauma after a bus accident even if they sustain a mild physical injury or none at all. For example, your child might have escaped a crash with only a few scrapes, but they can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or even a phobia of going back on a bus.
Spinal Cord Injuries
School bus accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries. If the crash is bad, a victim’s spine can be affected in the cervical or lumbar area. These injuries can range from mild to severe and debilitating.
Internal Injuries
In severe school bus accidents, victims can suffer internal injuries. These are medical emergencies because they signify organ damage.
Legal Considerations in School Bus Accidents
There are legal considerations in school bus accidents. They include liability and statute of limitations for filing a claim,
Liability in School Bus Accidents
Liability isn’t always clear in school bus accidents. The driver may be at fault, but sometimes, multiple parties are responsible. This can include the bus company and even the school district.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
According to Florida Statute 95.11, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a school bus accident is two years. However, if a child is injured, the time is expanded to seven years.
Importance of Hiring a School Bus Accident Lawyer in Florida
If you or your child was injured in a school bus accident in Florida, you need an experienced lawyer. Hiring the right one to handle your case gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.
What to Look for in a School Bus Accident Lawyer in Florida
It’s crucial to know what to look for in a Florida school bus accident lawyer. They include experience handling school bus accident cases, resources and investigative capabilities and track record or successful settlements or verdicts.
Experience Handling School Bus Accident Cases
The right attorney has experience handling school bus accident claims. Often, these cases are complex, so knowledge and expertise are required.
Resources and Investigative Capabilities
School bus accident lawyers have the right resources and investigative capabilities to determine the facts of your case. If anything is unclear, a team can investigate or recreate the accident to determine how it happened.
Track Record of Successful Settlements or Verdicts
The best attorney for your case has an excellent track record of success. Satisfactory settlements and favorable verdicts can ensure you’re in good hands. Your lawyer will fight every step of the way for you.
Andrew Pickett Law Can Help School Bus Accident Victims in Florida
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident in Florida, our experienced legal team is ready to hear your case and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today by phone or through our contact form. We’ll quickly set up a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to review your case and discuss potential legal options.
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I had an auto accident back in September, and went to Andrew Pickette Law to get a case going for my medical expenses I was having to deal with. I was working closely with Vonda and Tiffany Whitehouse through the last several months. We’ve finally come to the conclusion of my case and I am so thrilled with the outcome. These ladies have been here for every question and concern that I’ve had during this process. This is an exceptional law office and would recommend anyone seek out their services. You’re getting someone that is from our area, knows Florida laws, and truly gets to know their clients.
Luke Dow
Andrew has established his firm as a pillar of excellence in personal injury space. He and his team have a track record of successful outcomes, they’ve earned their reputation as one of the most reliable legal practices in the area. Highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law.
Sneha Das
I had a great consultation with Ashley, she was very compassionate and walked me through the entire signing process. She explained everything clearly and was very patient and understanding, as it was my first time going through anything like this. She made me feel reassured and that I am great hands with Andrew Pickett Law!
Ella-Louise Steensma
Andrew Pickett Law firm has been so helpful already, Ashley S has been so kind and helpful answering all my questions! She is understanding of what you need and helps you get it!
Tony Burns
Known Andrew for years and if you’re looking for a great attorney, he’s your guy!
Amy Crotty
Ashley was super helpful and walked me through the steps I needed to get my case started. She was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.
Brandi LEMA
Vonda has been really great she’s so sweet she stays on top of things and keeps you notified of everything!! Andrew Pickett is the BEST LAW FIRM I’ve ever dealt with hands down!!!
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Andrew Pickett law was very helpful and made the process very easy and smoothly I really appreciate the help they gave us and how they sincerely cared and that in itself means a lot I highly recommend them
Helen Keiller
I was sent a short notice to Andrew Law firm . Hailey – Intake Called me back with so much patience and concern for what happened to me . Feels so much warmer and care . They gives me more information about what I need to do for help. Very appreciate even they are not able to help me. Thanks again for her time and compassionate . Thanks Hailey – Intake
Rockeisha J
Ms.Ashley And Ms.Hailey Was A Huge Help With Myself In My Daughter , They Was Very Patient When We Ranned Cross A Few Hiccups , They Were Very Respectful And Dedicated Too Helping Us As Much As They Could Not Only Helping In Having Patience But A Listening Ear With Plenty Support In A Time Of Need They Where Great And Very Upfoward
Erin Hussey
So far, Pickett law, and Ashley in particular have been amazing. They work so quick and are very responsive. I was in an accident Friday and called Friday evening after business hours and they contacted me first thing Monday morning to let me know they were working on my case. I feel safe having this firm in my corner.
Margarita Eberline
Andrew Pickett is an exceptional attorney and an even more incredible advocate for his clients! I had the pleasure of hosting him on The Care Sandwich Podcast, where he shared his journey and passion for helping those who’ve been wronged.
Andrew’s compassion and expertise truly set him apart, he’s not just a lawyer, he’s someone who genuinely cares about making a difference. If you’re in need of a personal injury attorney who will fight for you every step of the way, Andrew is the one to call. Highly recommend!
Sue Padgett
I have had nothing but a pleasant experience with Ashley as my first time dealing with an attorney and their staff. She helped make sense out of a lot of unknowns and questions I had. She is a joy to speak to and quick to respond to you, either after a phone call or text. I hope my whole experience with this group will be as comfortable as it was speaking with Ashley. I’m sure it will be.
Primo Garcia
For almost 2 yrs Mr. Pickett and his team worked endlessly on my case. They showed tremendous dedication and drive. Lindsey was always staying in contact and always reassuring me that they got this so don’t worry. Today I get a call stating we WON, all I can say is thank God that Andrew and Lindsey took my case because without them I don’t know what would have happened. God bless them both I love you guys.
Rose Harper
Pickett Law has exceptional trial attorneys and compassionate team members. I highly recommend Pickett Law for any accident and injury accident cases in Florida.
Megan Thomas
Excellent trial law firm. Andrew is a wealth of knowledge and works hard for his clients.
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Outstanding law firm and great trial lawyer! Andrew and his team are some of the best in the business.
ranojoy guha
I had a chance to work with Andrew, he’s an incredible trial attorney and a wonderful human being.
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I love his dedication to the community.
Meet Andrew Pickett
When you sustain injuries in an accident due to the negligence of someone else, I am here to be your personal advocate and to navigate the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving just compensation. My Florida personal injury law firm works together to investigate your case, prepare it for trial, and ensure that justice is served due to your accident and injuries.
When you sustain injuries in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we are here to be your advocates and guide you through the often-confusing insurance policies designed to delay or limit fair compensation. Our team works together to thoroughly investigate your case, prepare it for trial when necessary, and fight to ensure justice is served for your accident and injuries. You are more than just a number; you’re someone whose story matters. We are here to help. Our team will guide you through the civil litigation process and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve so you can move forward.
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