Common Injuries in Bus Accidents

Buses serve as a vital means of transportation for both work and leisure in South Florida. When so many school, city and tour buses travel on the road, the chances for an accident increase. Common injuries in bus accidents include brain trauma, broken bones, crushed limbs and spinal injuries. Because significant injuries are costly to treat, legal action is sometimes needed to hold the responsible parties accountable. Miami bus accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims injured in motor vehicle accidents. He recognizes the complexities presented by accidents caused by different types of buses and seek to serve as strong legal advocate to protect your legal rights. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon offers knowledgeable and experienced legal guidance for clients across South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you need legal assistance after you or your loved one has been injured in a bus accident, please set up a free consultation with our office to see how we can help.

In 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 25,000 people were injured and 274 suffered fatalities in bus-related accidents nationwide. Of these fatalities, 79 involved a school bus, while 104 involved city buses. The FMCSA additionally reported that approximately 63,000 buses are involved in accidents each year. Injuries and fatalities from these incidents not only affect bus passengers but also drivers and passengers of other motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Collisions involving buses often involve extreme forces which can lead to whiplash or other head trauma when a passenger’s head strikes the seat in front or behind them. Additionally, as seatbelts are not always present or required on city buses, these types of injuries can be more serious than those in vehicles where seat belts are available. When a bus strikes another vehicle or object, or stops suddenly, passengers on the bus may fall, leading to broken or fractured bones. Given the number of windows on a bus, lacerations may also occur when windows shatter, leading to permanent disfigurement or scarring, as well as significant blood loss. For pedestrians or cyclists, common injuries in bus accidents include internal damage like punctured lungs, injuries to kidneys, or internal hemorrhaging. Costs associated with these types of injuries can escalate quickly, in the form of hospital stays, doctor visits, missed time from work, and even permanent disability. Victims of Miami bus accidents may seek compensation for these expenses in a personal injury suit.

Many bus accidents are caused by a bus driver’s negligent acts. Negligence exists when a party breaches their duty of reasonable care owed to another, causing injury, and resulting in damages. Bus drivers not only have a duty to passengers, but also to others on the road, and must act as a reasonable and prudent driver would given the same or similar circumstances. That duty can be breached by a number of actions, including being distracted, not engaging in proper protocols when making turns or other maneuvers, and speeding. Companies that own or operate commercial buses can also be held liable if they breached their legal duty to maintain their vehicles in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. These companies are also required to train their bus drivers properly regarding safety measures and driving practices. A shortcoming in any of these areas that leads to an accident may be evidence of negligence. Victims who have been injured by a company or driver’s negligence may be awarded damages in the form of past or future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, as well as compensation for pain and suffering in some cases. In certain circumstances, government entities, such as school districts, may have immunity from suit. An experienced Miami attorney can fully investigate the accident, identify all the responsible parties, and seek recovery from the other parties even if some defendants are protected by sovereign immunity.

Serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage, can significantly interfere with a victim’s day-to-day life, as well as permanently impact their ability to work or enjoy activities as they once did. When these injuries are caused by a negligent party, they should be held legally accountable. Attorney Robert Dixon is committed to seeking compensation for his clients in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami so that they can continue on their path to recovery. If you have questions regarding your legal options in the aftermath of a bus accident, please call the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at (877) 499-4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation and speak with an attorney today.