Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries due to the size and weight of buses. The rise in traffic and transit usage in St. Petersburg has increased the risk of bus accidents. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries in a bus accident, seek legal representation to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one were involved in a bus accident in St. Petersburg, we understand the emotions you may be experiencing. Accidents involving buses can be incredibly traumatic and leave victims with severe injuries. At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, we are here to guide you through this difficult time. Our experienced St. Petersburg bus accident lawyer team fights for your rights and works to get you full and fair compensation. Don’t face the aftermath of a bus accident alone – contact Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys today and let us provide you with the support and guidance you need.

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Why Choose Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys

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When a bus accident turns your life upside down, you need more than just legal help—you need a legal partner who understands the challenges ahead and is ready to fight for your recovery. At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, we bring dedication, experience, and compassion to every bus accident case, whether you suffered an injury as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle.

Bus accident cases can be particularly complex. They often involve multiple parties, including government agencies, private transit companies, insurance carriers, and large corporate defendants. Navigating these layers of liability requires a legal team that knows how to cut through red tape and stand up to powerful interests. Our attorneys have the skills, resources, and strategic insight to uncover the truth and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case—from driver negligence and vehicle maintenance records to surveillance footage and witness statements. Our firm works with accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to ensure we don’t overlook details. While insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame, we commit to acknowledging your voice and fully recognizing your losses.

At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, you are never just another case file. We take the time to understand how your injuries have affected your life and tailor our legal strategy to meet your specific goals. With open communication, aggressive advocacy, and a proven track record of results, we are proud to be the firm injured victims trust after a serious bus accident.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a bus accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward confidently moving forward.

Our St. Petersburg Office is conveniently located north of I-375 and west of 9th Avenue at:

Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys

700 7th Ave N, Suite B,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Common Types of Bus Accidents in St. Petersburg

Public Transportation Accidents

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The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) operates buses throughout St. Petersburg, and accidents involving PSTA buses can occur city-wide. These accidents can result from various factors, such as driver negligence, mechanical failures, or poor road conditions. If you’ve suffered an injury in a public transportation accident, our St. Petersburg bus accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process.

School Bus Accidents

With numerous schools in St. Petersburg, including St. Petersburg High School and John Hopkins Middle School, school bus accidents involving children can be particularly devastating. Our team at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys has the experience and compassion to handle school bus accident cases with care and compassion.

Private and Charter Bus Accidents

St. Petersburg, a popular tourist destination, attracts numerous private and charter buses that travel on major highways, such as I-275, or make stops near famous landmarks, including The Pier and Tropicana Field. If you or a loved one has had an accident with a private or charter bus, contact a qualified St. Petersburg bus accident lawyer from our firm who understands the complexities of these cases.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Involvement

Bus accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists can occur in busy downtown areas or residential neighborhoods with high foot and bicycle traffic. These accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Seeking legal representation ensures your rights remain protected and allows you to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups Involving Buses

Multi-vehicle pileups involving buses often occur on major roadways in St. Petersburg, such as US-19 or 34th Street N. These accidents can cause serious injuries to passengers in buses, drivers, and other vehicles involved in the collision. If you have suffered an injury in a multi-vehicle pileup, our St. Petersburg bus accident lawyers have the skills to handle challenging cases and fight for your rights.

Bus Accident Injuries: What Victims Commonly Suffer

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Bus accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting and devastating effects, including:

Head and Brain Injuries

The impact during a bus accident can cause head and brain injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries. The size and weight of buses can cause significant force, leading to severe head trauma and potential long-term complications.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Rollover accidents or ejections from buses can result in spinal cord injuries, which can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Bus accidents often involve sudden stops or impacts, resulting in passengers being thrown around or falling inside the bus. This can lead to broken bones and fractures, which require prompt medical attention and may result in long recovery periods.

Soft Tissue Damage

Whiplash, strains, and torn ligaments are common soft tissue injuries in bus accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require ongoing medical treatment.

Some injuries may not appear immediately after a bus accident but can worsen over time. Therefore, seek medical attention promptly, even if you do not initially experience symptoms.

What Are Bus Accident Injuries Worth?

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The value of a bus accident injury claim depends on various factors, including the extent of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life. Some of the factors considered when determining compensation include:

  • Medical Expenses (past and future): This includes the cost of medical treatment, surgeries, therapy, medications, and any ongoing healthcare needs arising from the injuries.
  • Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity: If the injuries prevent the victim from working or reduce their ability to earn a living, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering.
  • Emotional Distress and Trauma: Victims who experience emotional distress or trauma as a result of the accident may be entitled to compensation for the psychological impact it has had on their lives.
  • Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation may be available if the injuries result in a decreased quality of life, such as the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.

In cases of gross negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party. Calculating the true value of a bus accident claim can be challenging. One of our knowledgeable St. Petersburg bus accident attorneys, who understands the details of these cases, can accurately calculate the value of your claim.

Where Do Bus Accidents Occur in St. Petersburg?

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Bus accidents can happen in various locations within St. Petersburg. Some common areas where bus accidents occur include:

Busy Intersections and Roads

Busy intersections and roads, such as 4th Street N, 9th Avenue, US-19, and I-275, are prone to bus accidents due to heavy traffic and potential driver errors.

Near Schools and Parks

Accidents involving school buses or buses near schools and parks pose a particular risk to children. Bus drivers who fail to pay extra attention in these areas put everyone at risk, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Downtown and Tourist Areas

Downtown St. Petersburg and tourist areas attract significant foot and bicycle traffic. Bus accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists can occur, resulting in severe injuries.

Highway On-Ramps and Off-Ramps

Highway on-ramps and off-ramps can be dangerous areas due to traffic merging and the potential for speed-related accidents. Bus accidents on these road segments can result in serious injuries.

Residential Neighborhoods and Suburbs

Bus stops and school routes increase the risk of bus accidents in residential neighborhoods and suburbs. Drivers who aren’t cautious and attentive when traveling through these areas can cause accidents.

Fighting the Insurance Company After Sustaining Bus Accident Injuries

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Filing a bus accident injury claim can be detailed due to the involvement of multiple liable parties, such as the bus driver, bus company, bus manufacturer, and even government entities. These cases often involve large insurance policies and legal teams working to minimize payouts. Unfortunately, you can’t trust the insurance company to value your claim fairly.

Having a skilled St. Petersburg bus accident attorney from our firm by your side is necessary for protecting your interests and fighting for maximum compensation. A St. Petersburg bus accident attorney has the skills to handle the challenges of these cases, gather evidence, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts and undervalue claims. Some common tactics used by insurance companies in bus accident cases include:

Blaming the Victim

Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame onto the victim, especially in cases involving pedestrians or cyclists. They may argue that the victim was at fault for the accident to reduce their liability.

Quick Lowball Settlements

Insurance companies may offer quick settlements far below the claim’s actual value. They do this hoping that victims will accept the offer out of desperation or lack of knowledge about their rights.

Delaying Claims

Insurance companies may delay claims processing to pressure victims into accepting lower settlements. Delay tactics can be frustrating and financially burdensome for victims.

Disputing Medical Treatment

Insurance companies may dispute the necessity or extent of medical treatment victims receive. They may argue that certain treatments were excessive or unrelated to the bus accident.

Requesting Recorded Statements to Use Against You

Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements from victims, intending to use them against them later in the claims process. They may twist the victim’s words or use the statement to devalue the claim.

At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, we are well-versed in the tactics used by insurance companies. We collect strong evidence and present a compelling case to counter these strategies and negotiate aggressively on behalf of our clients.

What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Bus Accident?

If you have suffered an injury in a bus accident, take the following steps to protect your health and preserve your legal claim:

Continue with Necessary Follow-Up Medical Appointments

Attending scheduled medical appointments and following your doctor’s instructions is paramount. Your health and well-being rely on a documented recovery process, and failing to continue with necessary medical care may negatively impact your legal claim.

Adhere to Your Doctor’s Instructions With Work and Activities

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding work restrictions and physical activities. Disregarding medical advice can not only harm your health but also affect the credibility of your claim.

Keep Detailed Records

Record all relevant documents, including medical bills, documents related to time off work, prescriptions, and communications with insurance companies. These records help substantiate your claim and ensure you have documentation of all relevant expenses and losses.

Consult a St. Petersburg Bus Accident Attorney at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys 

Consulting with a St. Petersburg bus accident attorney at our office as soon as possible is essential to protect your rights and increase your chances of a successful claim. The sooner you have legal representation, the better the opportunity to preserve evidence, identify liability, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Reach Out to a St. Petersburg Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Geoffery Pfeiffer
Geoffery Pfeiffer,
St. Petersburg Bus Accident Lawyer

Do not wait or negotiate alone with insurance companies. Contact Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our dedicated team of St. Petersburg injury attorneys is here to support you and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (727) 933-0015 now to get your claim started.

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Visit Our Personal Injury Office in St. Petersburg, FL

Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015

We are available 24/7 to take your call; contact us today.

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