Bus Accidents
Recently Injured in a Bus Accident in Florida?
Contact Elle Rudisill Law Firm today and speak with an attorney who will focus on your unique case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a Bus accident (personal injury)?
A bus accident occurs when a public, private, school, charter, or commercial bus is involved in a collision that causes injuries or death. Because buses carry many passengers and are often operated by government agencies or commercial transportation companies, these cases can involve complex liability and insurance issues.
Common causes of bus accidents
Bus accidents may result from:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Improper lane changes
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Inadequate driver training
- Mechanical failures
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Defective bus parts
- Dangerous road conditions
- Negligent hiring or supervision by the bus company
Common types of bus accidents
- School bus accidents
- Public transit bus accidents
- Charter bus accidents
- Tour bus accidents
- Shuttle bus accidents
- Airport shuttle accidents
- Intercity bus accidents
- Bus rollovers
- Bus-pedestrian accidents
- Bus-bicycle accidents
- Multi-vehicle bus collisions
Common injuries
Bus accident victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Permanent disabilities
- Wrongful death
Who may be liable?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:
- The bus driver
- The bus company
- A public transit agency
- A school district
- A charter or tour bus operator
- A maintenance contractor
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer
- Another negligent driver
- A government entity responsible for unsafe roadway conditions
Compensation available
An injured victim may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage (when applicable)
- Wrongful death damages
Evidence commonly used
Strong evidence in a bus accident claim may include:
- Police crash reports
- Driver qualification and training records
- Bus maintenance and inspection records
- Electronic data recorder (black box) information
- Surveillance or onboard camera footage
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Medical records
- Photographs and videos from the scene
Florida bus accident claims
Bus accident claims in Florida can differ depending on who owns or operates the bus. Claims involving public transit agencies or school districts may have special notice requirements, shorter deadlines, or statutory limitations because they involve government entities. Claims against private bus companies generally follow standard personal injury procedures but often require extensive investigation into company policies, maintenance records, and driver qualifications.
Because multiple parties may share responsibility, it is important to investigate the accident promptly and preserve evidence before it is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a bus accident?
- Call 911 and seek medical attention.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Take photographs of the accident scene if it is safe.
- Obtain contact information for witnesses.
- Keep copies of your medical records and expenses.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
Can passengers file a bus accident claim?
Yes. Passengers injured due to the negligence of a bus driver, another motorist, or another responsible party may be entitled to pursue compensation.
Can I sue a public transit agency?
Potentially. Government entities can sometimes be held liable, but claims are subject to specific legal procedures, notice requirements, and statutory limitations.
What if another driver caused the bus accident?
You may have a claim against the negligent driver, and depending on the circumstances, additional parties — such as the bus operator or another company — may also share responsibility.
contact elle rudisill Law firm
We Put Your Recovery & Compensation First
Elle Rudisill Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide knowledgeable, strategic, and client-focused representation in matters including:
✔ Car Accidents
✔ Truck Accidents
✔ Bus Accidents
Each case is handled with personalized attention, a thorough investigation, and a results-driven approach to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.