Free Case Review

ST PETERSBURG OFFICE
(727) 381-2300
RIVERVIEW OFFICE
(813) 639-8111
ST PETERSBURG OFFICE
(727) 381-2300

PSTA Bus Accident Lawyers in St. Petersburg

PSTA Bus Accident Lawyers in St. Petersburg

Personal injury attorneys Mcquaid & Douglas in St. Petersburg

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, better known as PTSA, has been providing public transportation across the St. Petersburg area and Pinellas County since 1984. It controls over 40 bus routes, with 14.5 million annual passengers. The low costs and simple method of commuting via its buses have resulted in growing popularity throughout the greater St. Petersburg area.

Accidents still occur on public transport, however, due to careless and hurried drivers, traffic errors and distracted car drivers. PSTA accidents can result in severe personal injuries, highly damaged vehicles and large numbers of victims in one single auto accident.

Like any auto accident, the help of a Personal Injury Lawyer can help recover the damages a victim has suffered, due to their thorough knowledge and experience.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Bus accident, then you may be able to seek compensation. Even if injuries are minor, then missed wages or psychological trauma are just a couple of the reasons why you may be entitled to compensation. A PSTA Personal Injury Attorney can help you with every step of the process, providing guidance and hope during this difficult period in your life.

PSTA Personal Injury Attorneys to help you

Sean McQuaid and Jonathon Douglas can provide you with the service and knowledge you require. As partners at the St. Petersburg law group, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid P.A., they are recognized as premiere lawyers in Personal Injury Law.

Battaglia Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., is renowned as one of West Florida’s oldest and most respected law firms, with over 60 years of successful legal assistance to the Tampa Bay area. Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas have worked in cases ranging from high profile televised cases to those involving bodily injuries that occur in incidents such as bus accidents.

If you need a Personal Injury Attorney to help you following a PSTA accident, then you’re in the right place. Take advantage of our Free Consultation service to get started today.

Who can be liable in a PSTA Bus Accident?

Typically in a public transport accident, the at fault party will be another driver on the road, the bus driver, a manufacturer, or PSTA itself.

For a case to be successful, your attorney must be able to prove the fault and negligence of another party. They must be able to show evidence that as a direct result of the other person’s mistakes or behavior, you suffered damages.

Common causes of bus accidents involve the negligence of bus drivers or other drivers which result in:

  • Reckless driving
  • Careless driving
  • Distracted driving

How Common are Bus Accidents in Florida?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that hundreds of people are killed in bus accidents each year, with thousands more suffering severe and often life-changing injuries.

In Florida in 2015, 27,000 passengers were involved in bus accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that 1,100 of those victims suffered serious injuries.

Claims against Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)

In addition to suing a negligent driver, you may be able to file a claim against PSTA. This occurs when the driver’s negligence is directly related to the bus company. For this to be applicable, the driver must have been on the job at the time of the accident and within the scope of employment by PSTA.

They may be liable for a poorly trained driver, unsafe seats and walkways or an overloaded bus.

Our experience as Personal Injury Lawyers, means we know exactly which evidence will help your case and how to use it best to bring you the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What damages can I claim?

When claiming for damages, we also factor in future costs you will need to pay. Future expenses and stresses can often get overlooked by victims who take on a Personal Injury case alone. For example, future medical bills, restricted activities of daily living, or psychological damage can all potentially be compensated.
A bus accident victim typically can claim for damages against:

  • Past, present and future medical bills and treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Lost of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Impact on activities of daily living
  • Emotional distress
  • Mental anguish
  • Psychological harm
  • Loss of spousal support
  • Loss of consortium

How much compensation can I claim?

The value of your PTSA bus accident claim will vary depending on the specific scenario you were involved in. However as listed above, you may have more to claim than you first realize.

The ‘Statute of Limitations’ Deadline

In Florida, Auto Accidents have a deadline known as the ‘Statute of Limitations’. This time limit restricts how long you have to file a lawsuit related to the accident which forms the basis of your claim. On a typical negligence type case, you have four years from the initial accident for a personal injury lawsuit and just two years from the date of a fatality, in a wrongful death lawsuit.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s understandable that you’re not feeling ready to take legal action when you want to be recovering. But waiting to take action can prove to be a mistake.

A PSTA Accident Lawyer can get to work immediately to avoid this situation.

Why hire a PSTA Bus Accident Attorney ?

mcquaid and douglas

Legal matters for auto accidents are complicated affairs in any usual scenario; factor in the potential to have bus companies and their legal teams, however, and you’re faced with a daunting task.

It is highly advised to hire an experienced personal injury attorney, to give you the ability to recover both physically and mentally following any auto accident. Typically victims want to move on with their life and so insurance companies will exploit this, pushing victims into accepting a far lower payment than they deserve. An attorney seeks to prevent this threat. Here are some key reasons why a personal injury lawyer is crucial in a successful PSTA Accident case:

  • We make sure any evidence is preserved correctly. Evidence will typically go missing very quickly; we work against this.
  • We have the experience to know which evidence will support your case. Under Florida law, it is required that clear evidence is provided to prove negligence against any person or party.
  • The longer you wait without an attorney, the more time the insurance companies gain to devalue your claim.
  • Results show that compensation sums are considerably higher when a claim is made via a Personal Injury Attorney.
  • You will have an experienced and trusted lawyer on your side throughout. They will professionally and confidently handle all the legal work and procedures for the optimal outcome.

With St. Petersburg Personal Attorneys McQuaid and Douglas, you have the opportunity to turn this difficult moment in your life, into something hopeful and manageable. Our experience and exceptional service are respected throughout the Tampa Area. Without legal representation, you could lose out on compensation which you are entitled to, contact us today.

Contact Us Now
mcquaid and douglas
our awards
& recognitions
LATEST NEWS IN PERSONAL INJURY LAW

Two Convenient Locations to Better Serve You

St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas

5858 Central Ave Suite A
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
DIRECTIONS

OPEN 24 / 7

St Pete Personal Injury Attorneys

Riverview Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas

12953 U.S. 301
Suite 102a
Riverview, FL 33578
(813) 639-8111
DIRECTIONS
OPEN 24 / 7
Riverview Personal Injury Attorneys

COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

Pinellas County
 
Hillsborough County
Manatee County
Pasco County

HELPFUL LINKS:

2022 Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas. All Rights Reserved