Bus Accident Attorneys in Florida

Injured in a Bus Accident Caused by Negligence?

If you were seriously injured in an accident involving a bus or another form of public transportation, you should not have to suffer through the emotional, physical, and financial costs that someone else’s negligence caused! Our experienced bus accident attorneys at The Florida Law Group can help you recover maximum compensation for your bus accident injuries. We can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with bus carriers and insurers, and obtain the most favorable outcome

Call (833) 899-0310 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation! You never pay us until we win your case.

Safety Isn’t Guaranteed

Most of the time, people do not consider the possibility of getting into an accident while taking public transportation. You trust buses to get you and your school-aged children to destinations safely, or you trust buses to drive responsibly on the road, but sadly, bus safety is not guaranteed! Bus accidents are rare, but no vehicle is immune to the potential of a collision. If the driver of the bus is distracted, or fatigued, or under the influence, or if another driver or pedestrian, or cyclist is, then a severe crash resulting in severe injuries can occur. Though they do happen infrequently, bus accidents tend to be more dangerous because the vehicle is so large and the passengers are often not wearing seatbelts.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of human, mechanical, environmental, and infrastructural factors. Below are the most common causes:

• Driver Mistakes: Bus drivers can make errors if they are tired, distracted, speeding, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Inexperienced drivers may also have trouble handling large vehicles safely.
• Bus Problems: If the bus is not well-maintained, parts like brakes or tires can fail. These problems can cause the driver to lose control of the bus.
• Time Pressure: Bus drivers often have tight schedules and may feel rushed. This pressure can lead to speeding or skipping safety checks.
• Bad Weather or Roads: Rain, snow, or fog can make it hard to see and stop in time. Poor road conditions like potholes or sharp turns add to the danger.
• Other Drivers or People: Cars, bikes, or pedestrians can act suddenly or dangerously around buses. This can force the bus driver to react quickly and possibly cause a crash.
• Poor Road Design or Traffic Issues: Missing signs, broken traffic lights, or unsafe bus stops can confuse drivers. These issues increase the risk of accidents

Seeking Damages For A Bus Accident Injury

Buses are considered “common carriers” in Florida; this means that, legally, bus drivers and bus companies need to keep their buses safe for passengers. Liability depends on who is at fault. 

Common liable parties include:

• Bus driver
• Bus company or owner
• School district (for school buses)
• Government entities (for public transit)
• Other negligent drivers or third parties

Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or driving another vehicle at the time of the crash, if you can prove that they breached this duty, you are entitled to full compensation for your injuries sustained in the bus accident.

Depending on the extent of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the bus crash, you may be able to recover damages for injury-related costs that could include, but are not limited to:

• Hospital stays
• Surgeries
• Doctor visits
• Medications
• Imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.)
• Bloodwork or blood transfusions
• Medical devices (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
• Therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering (non-economic item)
• Loss of consortium (non-economic item)

The court may also award punitive damages (a financial amount designed to set an example and punish the defendant) in certain cases.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning:

• A party can recover damages only if they are 50% or less at fault.
• Damages are reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.

Our Florida bus accident lawyers will be able to help you understand your options for pursuing a financial settlement and guide you through every step of the claims and litigation process!

Florida Bus Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do immediately after a bus accident in Florida?

Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.

1. Call 911 to report the accident.
2. Gather evidence: photos, witness info, bus number, and driver's info.
3. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice.
4. Contact a personal injury attorney familiar with Florida bus accident laws.

Can I sue the city or government if a public bus caused the accident?

Yes, but special rules apply. Under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws, claims against government entities have strict notice requirements and damage caps (typically $200,000 per person or $300,000 per incident).

What is the statute of limitations for filing a bus accident claim in Florida?

• Personal injury: Generally 2 years from the date of the accident (as of recent legislative changes in 2023).
• Claims against government entities: Must provide notice within 3 years and wait 180 days before filing a lawsuit.

What if I were a passenger on the bus during the accident?

As a passenger, you are rarely considered at fault and may have a strong claim against the bus operator or other negligent parties. You may be able to file a claim with multiple insurers.

Will my case go to court?

Not always. Many bus accident claims are settled out of court. However, if negotiations fail or liability is disputed, litigation may be necessary.

What if the bus driver wasn’t negligent, but another driver caused the accident?

You may still be able to file a claim against the at-fault third-party driver’s insurance. An attorney can help identify all liable parties to maximize your compensation.

Why Choose The Florida Law Group?

The Florida Law Group’s compassionate attorneys fight to advocate for you and recover maximum compensation. When you are our client, we treat you like family; we truly care, not just about winning your case, but also about giving you all of the resources you need to make a full recovery if possible. We want to make a positive difference in your quality of life! We understand that after a bus accident injury, any sort of legal action can feel intimidating or confusing, or frustrating. That’s why we are here to handle everything, consulting you at every step so you know and have control over your lawsuit without having to worry about the details. Our Florida bus accident attorneys will never let you settle for a low offer.

The Florida Law Group has received national recognition from organizations like the Best Lawyers in America®, Florida Super Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in Tampa Bay, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, the Trial Lawyer Board of Regents, and The National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Our ability to get sizable verdicts for our clients has earned us a spot in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® (fewer than 1% of U.S lawyers are members). 

You can trust us to get justice for your bus accident injuries! Contact us today at (833) 899-0310 for a free consultation (virtual consultations are available).