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$4,000,000 Car Insurance Settlement
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$1,500,000 Automobile Accident Settlement
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$1,250,000 Policy Limit for Automobile Accident
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$1,250,000 Policy Limit for Automobile Accident
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$1,250,000 Policy Limit for Automobile Accident
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$1,250,000 Bike Malfunction Settlement
South Florida Bus Accident Attorneys
Trusted Coral Springs Law Firm Fighting for Bus Accident Victims
If you’re involved in a car crash in Florida, you probably know more or less what you need to do: stop and make sure everyone’s okay, inspect the damage, and exchange insurance information. Pretty straightforward. Some accidents are more complicated than others, of course, but you likely have a decent idea about what needs to happen to protect your rights.
Bus accidents, however, are different than automobile collisions. Liability and the process of seeking compensation tend to be more complicated, especially if you need to take legal action against a government entity. Because bus accidents can lead to serious injuries, including brain and spinal cord damage, you may need months or even years of medical treatment and rehabilitation. If you don’t want to burn through your savings trying to pay for care or cover lost income, you need to talk to a personal injury attorney familiar with these kinds of cases so that you can fully understand and enforce your rights.
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“In every shape way and form they have been a tremendous help in gaining my ability to perform every day activities.”- Carlota C.
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“When all the bills come rolling in and you have no idea what to do... you just pick up the phone and call Jeff, Craig or Matt they always pick up the phone, they never leave you hanging!”- Josephine B.
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“I had no idea what to do after my accident and Jeffrey took care of me. He was helpful by explaining everything to me and truest cared about how my family and I were doing.”- Stephanie M.
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“Lawyer Jeff Braxton was a huge help getting my case settled and I loved that I was able to speak with him directly whenever I needed. His firm is professional, honest, and accessible.”- Ashley H.
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“He is always prompt and available, professional, and knowledgeable in his work.”- Danielle M.
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“A year later, his law firm proved my decision to allow the firm to handle my case was the correct one!”- Liz
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“They were always easy to reach and always were available for me for any questions I had, even on the weekends!!!”- Tracy G.
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“I would like to thank Craig Posner for a wonderful job on my case. He was extremely courteous and professional and worked one on one with me throughout the entire process.”- Alberto P.
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“Jeff Braxton and his team at the South Florida Injury Law Firm are extremely professional and terrific to deal with.”- Erika P.
Proven success in a wide range of injury claims
- Auto Accidents
- Airbnb Sexual Assault
- Bicycle Accidents
- Brain Injuries
- Bus Accidents
- Live Event Injuries
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Negligent Security
- Pool Accidents
- Slip & Fall Accidents
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Florida?
In Florida, the deadline for filing a bus accident case can vary depending on who owns and operates the bus, making the statute of limitations potentially complex. For most personal injury claims involving non-government entities, including those involving bus accidents that occurred on or after March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. If the bus accident happened before March 24, 2023, the previous four-year statute of limitations may apply, as the incident occurred before Florida law changed.
If a bus accident leads to a wrongful death claim, the time limit is also two years. However, the clock starts running from the date of the victim's death, which is not necessarily the accident date.
The timelines are different if the bus involved in your accident is operated by a government entity, such as a city transit authority, county, or public school district. Before filing a lawsuit against a state or local government entity, you generally must submit a formal written "notice of claim" with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Risk Management Division within three years of the incident for personal injury cases or two years for wrongful death. This notice is a mandatory prerequisite, and you usually cannot file a lawsuit until at least six months after the notice is filed. During this waiting period, the agency will investigate the accident and potentially attempt to negotiate a settlement.
Note that the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims still applies even if your case involves a government entity, so you should not wait to consult a lawyer. Our team at The South Florida Injury Law Firm can determine the deadlines that apply to your case and walk you through your legal options. We are familiar with the challenges of suing government entities and can help you meet all legal requirements.
South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we strongly believe that people and organizations need to be held accountable for accidents and injuries caused by negligence. Why? Because when there is accountability, everyone ultimately wins.
Why Choose The South Florida Injury Law Firm?
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No Fees Unless We Win Your CaseThere are no fees of any kind until we settle or win your case in court.
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We Can Arrange to Come To YouFor our clients who are unable to travel, we make it easier for you.
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No Cost For Your ConsultationWhen you schedule a consultation, there is never an initial charge
Who Can Be Liable for a Bus Accident in Florida?
Depending on the circumstances, bus accidents may involve multiple at-fault parties, each with their own insurance providers and legal teams. Determining liability tends to require a thorough investigation. Our team at The South Florida Injury Law Firm can carefully evaluate the specifics of your case to identify all potential avenues of compensation.
One or more of the following parties could be legally responsible for a bus accident in Florida:
- The bus driver. If the bus driver's negligence caused the accident, they can be held personally liable. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigued driving, failing to obey traffic laws, making unsafe lane changes, or driving recklessly.
- The bus company or the bus driver’s employer. A bus company or private employer can be held responsible for the negligent actions of its drivers, provided the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. The company can also be directly liable for its own negligence. This could involve negligent hiring practices (such as hiring a driver with a poor driving record or without conducting proper background checks), inadequate training or supervision of drivers, pressuring drivers to work excessive hours (leading to fatigue), or failing to properly maintain their fleet of vehicles.
- Government entities. Many public transportation buses (like city or county transit buses) and school buses are operated by government agencies. Suing a government entity in Florida involves special rules and procedures under the Florida Tort Claims Act. While the state has waived sovereign immunity to allow lawsuits, there are specific notice requirements and strict caps on the amount of damages that can be recovered.
- Bus manufacturers or component manufacturers. If the bus accident was caused by a mechanical defect, liability might extend to the manufacturer of the bus itself or the manufacturer of a faulty component (such as defective brakes, steering systems, tires, or airbags). This falls under product liability law, where the manufacturer can be held responsible if their product was defectively designed or manufactured or if they failed to provide adequate warnings.
- Third-party maintenance crews. If the bus was maintained by an outside company and their negligence in repairs or servicing led to a mechanical failure that caused the accident, that maintenance company could also share liability. Their failure to properly inspect, repair, or replace parts could be a direct cause of the collision.
- Other motorists or drivers. Not all bus accidents are solely the fault of the bus driver or their employer. If another driver on the road acted negligently and caused the bus to crash, that third-party driver and their insurance company could be held liable for the resulting injuries.
