A bus accident can have life-changing consequences. From severe physical injuries to financial burdens and emotional stress, navigating the aftermath of a bus crash can feel overwhelming. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we are here to help you every step of the way.

Whether you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver, our experienced bus accident lawyers provide aggressive legal representation tailored to your case. We fight to recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Serving communities across Florida, we combine personalized care with a proven track record of results.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident in Florida to Protect My Claim?

Taking the right steps immediately after a bus accident is essential to building a strong legal case. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety
   Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Internal injuries, whiplash, or concussions may not show symptoms right away.
   Keep all medical records, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions—these serve as critical evidence.

2. Call the Authorities
   Report the accident to the police. An official police report will document the crash, identify witnesses, and assign preliminary fault.
   Request a copy of the police report for your records.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

• • Take photos of:
    • Bus number, company logo, and license plate.
    • Vehicle damage, injuries, and skid marks.
    • Road conditions, traffic signals, and any hazards.
  • Collect contact information from witnesses, the bus driver, and other involved parties.

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
   Insurance representatives may contact you to settle quickly. Do not sign anything or provide a statement without legal advice.
   Let an experienced attorney handle negotiations to protect your rights.
5. Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A.
   The sooner you reach out to our firm, the sooner we can begin investigating, preserving evidence, and building a strong case for compensation.

How Do Bus Accident Claims Work in Florida?

A bus accident claim allows injured victims to pursue compensation for damages caused by the crash. Bus accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents due to the multiple parties involved, including government entities and private bus companies.

Key Steps in the Bus Accident Claims Process

1. Free Consultation: Meet with our attorneys to discuss your accident, injuries, and legal options.
2. Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence, including accident reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimonies, to determine liability.
3. Identify Liable Parties: Liability may involve the bus driver, transit companies, third-party drivers, or vehicle manufacturers.
4. Claim Filing: We file a claim with insurance companies or responsible parties, ensuring all legal deadlines are met.
5. Negotiation: Our attorneys fight aggressively to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full scope of your damages.
6. Litigation: If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents involve multiple potential defendants, each with varying degrees of responsibility. Identifying the at-fault parties is essential for securing maximum compensation.

The Bus Driver
Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely. Common driver-related causes include:

• Distracted driving (texting, using GPS).
• Fatigue from long shifts or inadequate rest.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Failing to follow traffic laws (speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield).

The Bus Company or Transit Authority
Bus companies are responsible for maintaining vehicles and hiring qualified drivers. They may be liable for:

• Inadequate driver training or supervision.
• Negligent bus maintenance (e.g., failing to repair brakes or tires).
• Overworking drivers, leading to fatigue.

Other Liable Parties

• Third-Party Drivers: If another driver caused the accident by reckless behavior.
• Bus Manufacturers: If mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or engine defects, contributed to the crash.
• Government Entities: For poor road conditions, faulty signals, or improper road design.

We meticulously analyze all aspects of the accident to identify every liable party and pursue compensation on your behalf.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bus Accident?

At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we pursue maximum compensation to address the full impact of your injuries and losses. Damages you may recover include:

1. Medical Expenses

• • Emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays.
  • Ongoing treatments, including therapy and rehabilitation.
  • Prescription medications and medical devices.

2. Lost Wages

• • Compensation for time missed from work during recovery.
  • Lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.

3. Pain and Suffering

• • Physical pain from injuries.
  • Emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.

4. Property Damage
   Repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle or other damaged property.
5. Wrongful Death Damages
   If you’ve lost a loved one in a bus accident, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. However, bus accidents involving public transit or government agencies may have shorter deadlines and specific procedures.

Act quickly to protect your claim. If you wait too long, you risk losing your right to compensation. Our attorneys can ensure all deadlines are met.

What Are My Rights as a Bus Accident Victim?

Understanding your rights as a bus accident victim is critical to ensuring you receive fair treatment and compensation:

1. Right to Medical Care: You are entitled to immediate and ongoing medical care for your injuries, even if you don’t have health insurance.
2. Right to Compensation: If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and property damage.
3. Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire a personal injury attorney who will protect your interests and negotiate on your behalf.
4. Right to Hold Negligent Parties Accountable: Whether the driver, bus company, or government entity was at fault, you can pursue justice through a legal claim.

Our attorneys will explain your rights clearly and guide you in asserting them.

What Makes Bus Accidents More Complex Than Car Accidents?

Bus accident cases are often more complicated than typical car crashes due to several unique factors:

1. Multiple Liable Parties
   Unlike car accidents, bus crashes often involve third parties such as bus companies, municipalities, manufacturers, or maintenance providers.
2. Public vs. Private Bus Companies
   Accidents involving public transit buses require navigating special legal processes, shorter deadlines, and government claims rules.
   Private companies, on the other hand, have different insurance policies and legal complexities.
3. Greater Injury Risk
   Buses often lack seat belts, and passengers may stand during transit. This increases the risk of severe injuries during accidents.
4. Complex Evidence Gathering
   Bus accident claims may require:

• • Surveillance Footage: Obtaining video from the bus or traffic cameras.
  • Maintenance Records: Proving bus companies neglected vehicle upkeep.
  • Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction specialists to determine fault.

At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we have the experience and resources to address these complexities and fight for maximum compensation.

What Types of Bus Accidents Do We Handle?

At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we handle all types of bus accident cases, including:

1. Public Transit Bus Accidents
   • Collisions involving city or municipal buses.
   • Accidents caused by negligent drivers, poor road conditions, or faulty maintenance.
2. School Bus Accidents
   • Injuries involving children as passengers.
   • Accidents caused by improperly trained drivers or unsafe school bus conditions.
3. Charter Bus Accidents
   • Private buses used for tours, events, or group travel.
   • Claims against companies for driver negligence or mechanical failures.
4. Shuttle Bus Accidents: Injuries involving airport, hotel, or event shuttle buses.
5. Interstate and Greyhound Bus Accidents: Long-distance accidents often involving driver fatigue or improper vehicle maintenance.

We tailor our approach to the specific details of your case, ensuring you receive the support and advocacy you deserve.

What Are Common Injuries in Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:

1. Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures caused by forceful impact.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries: Back injuries, herniated discs, and paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).
3. Broken Bones and Fractures: Common in arms, legs, ribs, and shoulders due to the lack of restraints.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle strains.
5. Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and chest trauma.
6. Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and emotional distress.

If you or a loved one suffers injuries in a bus accident, seek medical treatment immediately. Our attorneys will ensure all medical costs are accounted for in your claim.

How Will Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Help My Bus Accident Case?

When you hire Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., you gain a dedicated legal team that:

• Handles Everything for You: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of the details so you can focus on recovery.
• Fights for Maximum Compensation: We don’t settle for low offers. We aggressively advocate for what you deserve.
• Provides Personalized Attention: You are more than a case number to us. We provide compassionate, one-on-one legal representation.
• Communicates Openly: Our bilingual team (English and Spanish) ensures you’re informed every step of the way.

With a proven track record of success in bus accident cases, we have recovered millions for injury victims across Florida.

Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Today 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident, don’t face this journey alone. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we provide the experience, dedication, and results you need to move forward.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.