Florida Bus Accident Attorneys
Buses are common sights on Florida’s roadways. Whether they are transporting children to/from school or activities, carrying commuters to their daily jobs, or are filled with tourists, most bus rides are completed without incident. Unfortunately, sometimes passengers are injured while riding buses, and sometimes buses are involved in accidents with other vehicles.
If you were injured or if a loved one was injured or killed in a bus accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your physical injuries, damaged personal property, and more. Accidents involving buses can be more complex than crashes involving only cars or passenger trucks, because they may involve large corporations or public entities. Consulting with experienced Florida bus accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and can give you peace of mind knowing that skilled legal professionals are advocating for your interests. Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys represents victims injured in Florida bus accidents.
Understanding Liability In Florida Bus AccidentsWho Can Be Held Liable?
One of the important tasks your attorney will handle is identifying all potentially responsible parties in the accident. In bus accidents, there may be multiple liable parties.
- The Bus Driver. Depending on the circumstances, the driver may have been negligent. For example, if the bus driver failed to pay adequate attention while driving, did not adhere to traffic laws, did not drive appropriately for weather conditions, or was operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be a named party in your lawsuit.
- The Bus Company. Bus companies have an obligation to maintain their fleet in good working condition, and to ensure drivers are adequately trained to operate their vehicles. Your legal action may include the bus company, if circumstances point to the company’s negligence.
- Third Parties. In certain cases, a municipality may be liable due to a failure to maintain road conditions. In other cases, other drivers may bear liability. Bus manufacturers or maintenance contractors can also be considered responsible parties if mechanical failure played a role in the accident.
Shared Liability
In some bus accident cases, multiple parties share responsibility for the crash. In those situations, fault is apportioned among the parties. For example, a bus driver might be deemed 40% at fault while his employer, the busing company, is 60% at fault. If the elements of the claim are proven and a settlement is agreed upon by the parties, then the bus company would pay 60% of the agreed-upon amount, with the driver paying the balance (or the remaining 40%.)
Proving Liability
Before you can prevail on your bus accident claim, your lawyer will need to establish liability. Whether you were injured as a passenger on a bus or suffered car accident injuries when a bus collided with your vehicle, your legal team will conduct a thorough investigation. As part of that process, your attorneys will seek to gather all relevant information to support your claim. Relevant evidence may include bus maintenance records, driver logs, and statements from anyone who witnessed the accident or who can otherwise testify to the negligence of the responsible parties.
Reasons To HireA Bus Accident Attorney
In the aftermath of a bus accident, insurance companies will act quickly to try to settle injured victims’ claims. On its face, this sounds like a good thing. Unfortunately, insurers are motivated to try to settle claims for less (often much less) than the claim may be worth.
Before you talk to an insurance adjuster or agree to anything, schedule a free consultation with a reputable Florida bus accident law firm. Your attorney will understand the nuances that come with bus accident claims and can help you navigate the complexities inherent in the process. Your lawyer will explain your rights and options for pursuing your claim, so you can make the best decision for your situation. We will also explain timelines, and help you understand applicable statutory deadlines for pursuing your claim.
If you choose to work with Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, you can expect your legal team to also do the following:
- Investigate: We will investigate the facts and circumstances of the accident and collect evidence.
- Establish Liability: Identifying all responsible parties is another key step your attorney will handle for you.
- Value Your Claim: We have significant experience valuing claims for complex accidents such as bus accidents and will work closely with you to ensure your claim is valued appropriately.
- Communicate: Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
Consulting with an attorney quickly can help you make informed decisions, meet time limitations, and position your legal team to gather and preserve evidence to support your claim.
Types Of CompensationYou May Recover
You may be entitled to recover different types of compensation in your Florida bus accident claim:
- Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged or destroyed, or if your personal belongings were damaged in a bus crash, your claim can include an amount designed to pay for personal property damage.
- Lost Wages: If you were unable to meet the demands of your job after the accident because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Medical Expenses: Your personal injury lawsuit will include an amount designed to compensate you for expenses already incurred and expected expenses for ongoing treatment related to injuries sustained in the bus accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Your Florida bus accident lawyers may also be able to help you recover funds designed to compensate you for both physical and emotional pain and suffering related to the bus crash.
Common CausesOf Bus Accidents
Bus crash lawyers in Florida see all kinds of reasons for bus and other motor vehicle accidents. The most common causes we see at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys include:
- Distracted bus drivers
- Bus drivers or other involved drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Poor road conditions
- Faulty bus maintenance
- Third-party negligence (such as the city’s failure to maintain road conditions or another driver’s negligence)
Experience HandlingAll Types Of Bus Accident Injuries
Because of their large size and weight relative to other vehicles, accidents involving buses can result in serious, life-threatening injuries. Our bus accident attorneys in Florida have helped clients who were dealing with a wide range of injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Injuries sustained by bus passengers can be compounded by the lack of seatbelts or other protective restraints, and bus design, which arguably does not prioritize passenger safety.
At Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, our experienced bus crash attorneys handle all types of bus-related cases, including:
- Public transportation bus accidents
- School bus accidents
- Tour bus accidents
- Shuttle bus accidents
- Accidents involving buses and pedestrians or cyclists
We are adept at handling the complexities of cases involving multiple liable parties; no case is too large or too challenging for our legal team.
Bus Accident RisksAcross Florida Cities
Bus accident risks vary across Florida, depending on city layout, traffic patterns, and population density. In urban centers like Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, public transportation networks serve thousands of riders daily. This increases the chance of a bus crash, particularly in high-traffic areas where distracted drivers, congested roads, and complex intersections are common. If you were injured in a bus accident in one of these cities, a local bus accident lawyer can guide you through the steps needed to pursue a bus accident injury claim.
Florida school bus accident attorney teams often see a spike in incidents across Pasco County, Polk County, and Collier County, where buses frequently travel two-lane highways and rural roads. These areas pose unique dangers: poor visibility, inadequate signage, and higher speeds often lead to collisions. Our attorneys understand how Florida bus accident laws impact rural versus urban claims and how to navigate both.
Tourism-heavy cities like Orlando and Miami Beach report more tour bus accidents due to tight schedules and drivers unfamiliar with local roads. In these areas, fatigued driving, speeding, and traffic violations raise the likelihood of catastrophic crashes. A Florida-based bus accident law firm like Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys has experience pursuing bus accident compensation in these regions and knows which municipal agencies to investigate.
Knowing who is liable in a bus accident in Florida is critical. Working with a public transportation accident lawyer familiar with local jurisdictions ensures your claim accounts for all variables. We have experience filing against city transit systems, private tour operators, and school districts. If you’re searching for a local injury attorney for bus accidents, Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys brings deep regional insight and extensive legal skill to your case.
ContactOur Experienced Bus Accident Injury Lawyers Today
When you choose to work with our Florida bus accident attorneys, you can be confident in your decision. Attorneys Scott Marshall and Mark Crespo are committed to helping clients recover full and fair compensation and have more than a quarter of a century of experience pursuing justice for accident victims.
Schedule your free consultation today!
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Florida Bus Accident Claims
Do bus accident claims differ between private and public bus companies in Florida?
Yes. Claims against public transit systems like city buses are governed by Florida bus accident laws under sovereign immunity, which limits compensation and requires special notice within a short timeframe. On the other hand, private companies may be held liable under more traditional personal injury statutes. Working with a public transit injury attorney ensures your case follows the correct legal path and filing procedures.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Florida?
Generally, you have two years to file a personal injury claim in Florida. However, if your case involves a government entity, such as a city bus line, notice must often be filed within 180 days. If you’re wondering how to file a bus accident claim in Florida, we recommend speaking to a lawyer immediately to avoid missing your window.
Can I file a claim if I was injured while standing or walking inside the bus?
Absolutely. Bus driver negligence can lead to injury even without a crash, sudden stops, sharp turns, or slippery floors can cause falls. These incidents can lead to catastrophic bus accident injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
What should I do if my child was injured in a school bus accident in Florida?
Begin by seeking immediate medical attention and filing a report. Preserve all communication from the school or transportation provider. Wrongful death bus accident cases and pediatric injury claims are sensitive and complex. Whether your case involves Florida bus passenger injury rights or determining liability in bus accidents, legal representation is crucial to protect your family’s future.