When you are in a bus accident due to somebody else’s negligent behavior, you are owed damages. This compensation is available to assist you financially with the injuries you incurred, lost wages, and any pain and suffering that is a direct result of the bus accident. The claim process is easy to file with the help of an attorney, especially once liability has been established. But what do you do when the liable party for your bus accident is a government agency?
The answer is a bit more complicated, but the filing process is still possible, as is receiving damages for your injuries. When a government agency is potentially at fault, it’s vital you reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin the time-sensitive process.
Who Is Eligible to File a Bus Accident Claim Against a Government Agency?
Florida Statute 768.28 allows a government agency to be treated as a potentially liable party for any accident it may be responsible for. When it comes to eligibility for filing, a government agency follows the same four basic components of negligence: duty of care, breach of care, causation, and damages.
If you are injured in a bus accident where a government agency failed to provide you a standard of care, you are eligible to file a claim against them for economic and non-economic damages. It is important to note that individual government employees may not be singled out or targeted for liability purposes. Instead, their employing agency will be held accountable for their negligent actions.
How to File a Claim Against a Florida Government Agency
Before you are able to file a claim against a government agency in Florida, you must first notify the state agency of your intentions to file. You’ll need to mail a physical letter to the Florida Division of Risk Management. The letter of intent must be physical and will not be considered if done through email. Your letter must include the accident date, facts of the accident, and your injuries. Alternatively, you may fill out a claims form.
You must send the letter of intent within three years of the accident, but be aware that Florida now has a two year statute of limitations for cases involving negligence. From there, the Florida Division of Risk Management will either approve or deny your claim. This will inform whether or not you proceed with a personal injury claim. To help ensure everything is filed correctly, on time, and with the best possible chance of success, it’s recommended you obtain the help of a professional and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. With a unique proficiency in how government agencies think and receive claims, McPherson & Thomas, P.A. will be able to get you the results you are looking for.
Was Your Bus Accident Due to a Government Agency? A Knowledgeable Attorney Can Help Today
McPherson & Thomas, P.A. is here to help you navigate the overwhelming aftermath of being in an accident where a government agency is the culprit. Using decades of experience, our team will listen to your story with a compassionate ear and immediately get to work collecting evidence and preparing the necessary documents. We will work tirelessly to retrieve the compensation you need to resume a happy, healthy, and productive life.
To begin the process today and see how we can best help you get one step closer to financial damages, call us at (727) 848-8892 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We do not see a single penny unless you win.
