Broward County Bus Accident Lawyers

Fort Lauderdale firm seeks justice for Florida passengers and others hurt in crashes

From Greyhound buses used by vacationers to shuttles designed for short trips, South Florida is filled with buses used for a wide array of purposes. Most bus routes are completed safely, but when a crash occurs, the injuries could be severe and numerous. At Fazio, DiSalvo & Abers, P.A., we are Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyers who aggressively pursue fair compensation for victims of these collisions. Our accomplished attorneys understand the complications often associated with bus accident litigation and know how to take on government entities, private operators, school districts and others whose failure to take proper safety measures contributed to the collision.

Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyers help the injured

When you’ve been hurt in a bus accident, you’ve got just one chance to collect the payment you deserve. With an experienced, Board-certified trial attorney on your side, you’ll get an accurate assessment of your case and the type of financial recovery you should expect. From there, we’ll investigate the relevant facts, interview witnesses and gather other evidence required to prove the defendant is at fault. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and though we are always prepared to assert your rights in court, our firm’s reputation often compels carriers to offer substantial settlements to avoid going to court.

Who is liable for a Fort Lauderdale bus accident?

While passenger vehicles are usually driven by their owner or someone in the owner’s family, a bus driver typically is an employee or contractor hired by the vehicle’s owner. This means that there might be more than one defendant in a personal injury claim arising from a bus accident. Our firm will investigate the facts and identify all potentially liable parties, which could include the driver, a private bus company, a municipality or board of education, if you were struck by a school bus. If a vehicle malfunction led to the crash, you might also have a claim against the negligent manufacturer. We handle all types of bus accident cases, such as those involving:

• Broward County Transit (BCT) buses
• Privately owned bus lines, such as Greyhound and RedCoach
• Privately chartered buses
• School buses
• Shuttle buses used by airports and hotels
• Commuter buses

With decades of experience handling truck accident matters, we can pinpoint who is at fault for your injury and construct a well-supported case against them. A 2023 revision to the Florida Statutes now prevents partially liable plaintiffs from winning damages if they are more than 50 percent responsible for their injury. This makes it even more important to have an attorney on your side who can prove the defendant is at fault and push back against “blame the victim” efforts.

Leading contributing factors associated with bus accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Bus drivers work long hours and often have to deal with pressures such as heavy traffic and unruly passengers. At times, they might speed or commit other traffic offenses to stay on schedule. Fatigue can lead to poor vehicle operation or the use of stimulants that affect a bus driver’s performance. We work diligently to learn what contributed to each accident case we handle. Common causes of bus collisions include:

• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Unexpected stops for pickups and drop-offs
• Drug and alcohol impairment
• Vehicle malfunctions
• Road hazards
• Driver inexperience
• Traffic violations, such as speeding, making unsafe turns and running red lights and stop signs
• Poor maintenance
• Defective buses and bus components

No matter what caused the accident, our firm will aim to get you the compensation you need to move forward.

Common injuries from a Fort Lauderdale bus accident

Buses are capable of causing a catastrophic injury, even at a low speed. A driver’s carelessness endangers others on the road, as well as their own passengers. All types of injuries can result from a bus crash, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and other back injuries
• Whiplash
• Lost limbs due to impact and medical amputation
• Severe burns
• Broken bones
• Lacerations and disfigurement
• Head and neck injuries
• Paralysis

When a bus accident is fatal, our firm represents surviving family members in wrongful death litigation. Compensation in these cases can include reimbursement for final expenses, replacement of income the decedent would have likely earned over their lifetime and compensation for intangible losses, such as the companionship and counsel the victim provided.

How long do you have to file a claim for a Fort Lauderdale bus accident?

In most Florida personal injury cases, the victim must file a lawsuit within two years of the incident. However, many defendants in bus accident claims are public entities, where some different law applies. Regardless of your particular claim, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible, so the investigation into your claim can begin. Waiting could make it difficult to find the evidence and witnesses needed to bolster your case.

Contact a Broward County lawyer for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt in a bus crash

Fazio, DiSalvo & Abers, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale represents victims of bus accidents throughout South Florida. Please call 954-463-0585 or contact us online today at [email protected] to schedule a free consultation regarding your potential claim.