School Bus Accidents

School bus accidents are amongst the most tragic of all motor vehicle accidents due to the inherent involvement of young children. As a result, substantial damages are often at issue in cases of this type, and vigorous representation is required to bring all responsible parties to justice. In Florida, each school board district can be held liable for tort claims arising out of any incident or occurrence involving a school bus or other motor vehicle owned, or operated by the school board to transport persons.

While bus accidents occur infrequently in Florida, when they do, the results are often catastrophic. Because of their high center of gravity and tremendous size and weight, bus accidents can result in wrongful death and can leave surviving victims with life altering injuries which may include: traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, burn injury or orthopedic injury.

Private charter buses, tour buses, school buses, city buses, county buses and other commercial buses and passenger vans are classified as "common carriers" under Florida and federal laws. For a common carrier to operate, they must adhere to certain industry specific regulations implemented to protect the general public. Common carriers owe a heightened legal duty of care to passengers and the general public.

Depending on the circumstances, personal injury claims arising out of an accident involving a bus that is owned and operated by a municipality may be limited by Florida laws providing for sovereign immunity. However, claims for personal injury arising out of an accident involving a privately owned bus such as a private charter or tour bus are not ordinarily subject to those limitations.

Anyone injured in an accident involving a bus may be entitled to substantial compensation. This is generally true whether they are a bus passenger, a pedestrian, riding a bicycle or motorcycle, or the driver or passengers of another vehicle hit by a bus.

In all vehicular accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident, call Williams & Moore, P.A. now at (866) 258-6700. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.