Bus Accidents

From public transportation to school buses to traveling on a privately owned bus to get from city to city, buses can be convenient ways to get around Florida. However, due to their size, and the amount of passengers they can hold, these vehicles can also be very dangerous and lead to significant injuries when they are involved in a collision. The accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon represent Miami residents who have been hurt because of the negligence of others. Often in these cases, there are many parties involved with multiple victims as well as regulatory agencies, bus companies, and insurers. Our firm is dedicated to representing individuals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across Florida. We can help you understand your rights and legal options through all stages of the process.

Bus accidents can be caused by a wide range of circumstances, such as failing to yield the right of way or changing lanes improperly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the federal agency responsible for regulations regarding bus as well as truck safety, has reported that over 800,000 buses are registered in the U.S. They are designed to have extended heights, making their center of gravity higher than other vehicles. Due to this feature, combined with their massive weight, buses have a higher risk of rollovers when involved in a collision.

These accidents can often cause severe injuries, since a passenger can be thrown from the seat and suffer head or brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or broken bones. If you have been hurt in a bus accident, you may sustain harm that requires years of medical care or rehabilitation. These catastrophic injuries can forever alter your life, and making sure you are financially stable while you focus on recovery can be vital to your future.

When a bus accident occurs due to a driver’s carelessness, that individual as well as potentially other responsible parties can often be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit. Victims who are hurt in a collision sometimes can seek to recover damages from companies that own and operate commercial buses. These entities have a legal duty to ensure their vehicles are maintained pursuant to state as well as federal regulations. Bus drivers are also required to participate in extensive safety and driving training. Failing to follow these requirements and duties can be found to constitute negligence if it leads to an accident.

For a victim to establish a defendant’s negligence, he or she must prove that:

• The defendant owed him or her a duty of reasonable care;
• That duty was breached with some careless conduct;
• The breach was a proximate cause of the accident; and
• The victim was forced to incur damages.

For instance, a bus charter company that fails to conduct routine and regular inspections of its vehicles may possibly be held liable if a faulty part leads to a serious accident and injuries. The assistance of a skilled attorney to determine what actions, or inactions, lead to an accident can be important in establishing a defendant’s liability. Once fault is shown, injured individuals often can recover damages for medical costs, lost income or earning capacity, future medical expenses, and their pain and suffering.

Bus accidents can result in catastrophic harm, and the financial impact that accompanies such a lifestyle change can be significant. The injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to pursuing proper compensation for Miami residents regrouping from motor vehicle collisions. The team assist their clients in all steps of their legal journey, from investigating an accident’s cause through negotiations and settlements to litigation if necessary. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.