Tampa Bus Accident Lawyer

Tampa Bus Accident Attorney

Being involved in a bus accident can be jolting, injurious, and traumatic. Whether you are a bus passenger or a passenger of an involved vehicle, you deserve compensation. A Tampa bus accident lawyer can be your first line of defense for recovering a range of damages.

The Frank Santini Law Firm is a practice of nationally recognized lawyers with a stellar reputation litigating personal injury cases. We are devoted to aggressively defending our clients and getting them the compensation they deserve. Bus accidents are serious and may lead to life-changing injuries as well as emotional trauma. We can work with medical professionals and other professionals to ensure our clients are fairly represented.

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813-750-0422

7269 Bucks Ford Dr.
Riverview, FL 33578

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Bus Accidents in Tampa, Florida

There are many ways people can be involved in bus accidents. Because these vehicles can weigh over 20,000 pounds, being involved in an accident with one can greatly increase a person’s chances of being severely injured. Some of the most common types of bus accidents include:

• Single-vehicle – Sometimes, buses are the only vehicle involved in an accident. This may be due to weather, dangerous road conditions, or reckless driving.
• Multiple-vehicle – Multiple-vehicle accidents occur when a bus and another vehicle collide. These accidents may be more severe and cause serious injuries depending on the impact.
• Bus conditions – In other cases, the bus itself may be dangerous because of poor maintenance or other unsafe conditions. For example, in 2024, a bus caught fire on the Florida Turnpike while transporting children. No one was injured in this particular case, but children could have been injured under different circumstances.

In 2024, there were 1,192 bus accidents in Florida, with 1,054 of them resulting in injuries, according to the United States Department of Transportation statistics. Bus accidents can involve school buses, private charter buses, or public transit. No matter the type, if a person is in a bus accident, they can face serious damages.

Common Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can be particularly life-threatening not only because of their sheer size and weight but also because many buses lack or fail to enforce seat belt laws. Without the extra protection and because of the strength of the impact in bus accidents, serious injuries may occur. A person involved in a bus accident may sustain the following injuries:

• Head and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

All Florida bus drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and obey all traffic laws. CDL requirements are more stringent than general driver’s license requirements because of the size of the vehicle, blind spots, and the risk of causing significant injury or death. This means bus drivers should take extra precautions while on the road; however, sometimes, bus drivers neglect their responsibilities and cause accidents.

Some of the reasons bus accidents occur include, but are not limited to:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• The driver operating the vehicle while drowsy or fatigued
• Reckless driving
• The driver breaking traffic laws
• Failure to conduct regular maintenance

Proving Fault in Bus Accidents in Tampa

Florida operates under the comparative negligence rule, which asserts that both parties can assume some responsibility for an accident, and if a party is more than 50% at fault, they may not recover damages. It is often up to a skilled and experienced lawyer to investigate the accident case and collect enough evidence to prove the other involved party was at fault.

In bus accidents, the burden of proof falls upon the victim or plaintiff based on a preponderance of evidence. The claimant must prove that the responsible party had a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that the breach caused injuries, and that the injuries resulted in damages.

Examples of evidence that can be used to prove fault include the police report created at the scene, eyewitness testimony, photographs of the scene, and medical bills and records.

Unlike other accidents that may have only one person at fault, in bus accidents, multiple parties may be at fault. For one, the bus driver may be at fault if there was some kind of driver error. For example, if they broke a traffic law, were driving under the influence, or were driving while drowsy or fatigued.

In other cases, the bus company may be at fault. Most buses are owned by companies that are responsible for ensuring the buses are properly maintained, and the drivers are suitable for the job. If a bus has bad brakes or balding tires, an accident may ensue in which blame may be pointed at the bus company. On the other hand, the company may have hired a driver without the proper license or who was otherwise poorly trained.

Bus manufacturers can also be liable for accidents. For example, if a bus is manufactured using a defective part, it can lead to a collision. In this case, the driver may be unaware of the defective part, so the fault may be placed on the manufacturer instead.

Finally, sometimes, bus companies hire third-party drivers to drive their buses instead of an employee of the company. If the third-party driver drives recklessly or acts negligently and causes a crash, they may be at fault. Another driver on the road could also be responsible for the accident.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

While it is possible to handle a personal injury case, like a bus accident case, without the help of a lawyer, hiring a lawyer in Tampa may increase your chances of reaching a fair settlement. Proving fault in civil cases is difficult, especially with Florida’s comparative negligence laws, so attempting to fight a case yourself without legal knowledge may prove challenging, especially if you are trying to recover from injuries.

If your lawyer is successful, you may be able to recover economic damages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages if the driver was reckless or driving under the influence. Your settlement may include medical expenses, lost wages, lawyer fees, and property damage. Do not risk forfeiting these gains, which can make your recovery and healing easier.

FAQs About Tampa, FL Bus Accident Laws

How Much Compensation Can You Get From a Bus Accident?

The amount of compensation you can get from a bus accident varies. Compensation depends on factors such as the extent of your injuries, the length of time it takes you to recover, the level of fault the other driver assumes, and the skill of your lawyer. More skilled lawyers who can effectively present quality evidence tend to have a better chance of obtaining substantial settlements or court awards.

How Can I Make a Claim Against a Bus Company?

Making a claim against a bus company involves straightforward steps, but the process may be complicated. If you are involved in a bus accident, first you should check for injuries and call the police to make a report. After receiving medical attention, you should immediately contact a lawyer to help you with your claim. Your lawyer can help you file a claim, which may involve collecting evidence and taking photos of the scene.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Bus Accident Attorney?

Yes, it is worth it to hire a bus accident attorney. If you are injured in a bus accident, hiring an attorney may be your first line of defense for receiving compensation. While some accidents result in minor injuries, others can be severe and may cause life-long injuries that require frequent medical treatment. You do not want to be responsible for paying for those injuries alone, and hiring a lawyer may help you avoid this.

What Is the Burden of Proof for Bus Accidents in Florida?

In Florida, the burden of proof for bus accidents rests on the plaintiff or claimant who sustained injuries in the accident. The claimant must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident. Proving negligence requires a duty of care, a breach of that duty, injuries sustained because of that breach, and damages as a result of the injuries, which can be proven with evidence.

How Do Most Bus Accidents Occur in Florida?

Many bus accidents in Florida occur due to driver error. Because of the size and weight of buses, whether a school bus or charter bus, a small error can lead to a major accident. Common driver errors that lead to bus accidents include speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and breaking traffic laws. Other causes of accidents involve poor maintenance or defective parts.

Contact The Frank Santini Law Firm Today

At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we are experienced lawyers committed to ensuring positive outcomes for our clients. Whether your bus accident caused a crippling physical injury or lasting emotional or mental trauma, we are here to help. We know that monetary compensation cannot take away all the pain, but it can help you take care of expenses related to your accident. contact us todayto learn more about all we have to offer.