Plantation, FL Bus Accident Lawyer

When you step onto a bus – whether it’s a city shuttle, school bus, or private charter – you expect a smooth and safe ride. It’s supposed to be simple: get on, ride, get off. However, in Plantation, FL, bus accidents are a common occurrence. When they do, they can leave victims with painful injuries, emotional trauma, and steep financial losses. What should have been a routine commute can quickly become a life-altering event.

At Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a bus accident can be. Our experienced Plantation bus accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and fight for the compensation you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Why Bus Accidents Are So Serious for Victims

Bus accidents aren’t minor collisions. These large vehicles often carry dozens of passengers and have no seatbelts. The sheer size of buses means that even a low-speed crash can result in catastrophic injuries, and for riders, especially children or seniors, the consequences can be devastating.

Behind most bus crashes is a preventable mistake. In many cases, negligence – whether by the driver, bus company, or another party – is to blame. Knowing what caused your accident helps us identify who’s legally responsible and how best to seek compensation.

Frequent causes include:

• Reckless or aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, sudden lane changes, or ignoring traffic laws can all lead to dangerous collisions. Speeding and failure to obey traffic signals are the most common violations for commercial drivers, according to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
• Distracted driving: Drivers who use phones, adjust controls, or eat behind the wheel put every passenger at risk.
• Fatigue and overwork: Long shifts or inadequate breaks can lead to poor focus and delayed reactions, especially common in private charter and shuttle services.
• Improper training or licensing: Drivers must meet specific standards under Florida law, which governs commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements for bus operators. A violation can help support a claim of negligent hiring or supervision.

Florida Bus Laws That May Strengthen Your Case

Not all buses are governed in the same way. In Plantation, you’ll find everything from public school buses to private shuttles – each type has different rules for safety, responsibility, and insurance coverage. Here’s how Florida law applies to your situation.

School and university buses

These buses are highly regulated due to the age and vulnerability of the passengers:

• Florida law requires school bus operators to meet strict standards and all buses to be equipped with safe equipment, including stop signs, flashing lights, mirrors, and emergency exits. Failure to comply may support claims of negligent hiring. Any violation can signal negligence.
• Florida Statute § 1006.22 establishes procedures for student transport, including safe routes and pick-up/drop-off locations as well as specific training for bus drivers.
• Under Florida Statute § 768.28, lawsuits against school districts are limited to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. A formal notice of claim must be filed before suing.

These regulations are designed to protect students. If these rules are violated, you may be able to hold the school district or contractor liable.

Public transit buses

Public buses are generally run by city or county governments. These agencies must follow both operational and legal standards:

• Florida requires all local transit systems to meet state-approved safety and performance guidelines
• Before suing a government agency, you must provide written notice of your intent and allow for a 6-month review period
• Florida requires public buses to follow all traffic control devices unless otherwise directed – violations can directly prove negligence

Government agencies are often quick to deny responsibility or delay claims. Our team is experienced in navigating these cases and ensuring your claim is handled properly.

Charter buses

Charter buses are often used for weddings, events, festivals, day trips, or corporate travel. Charter buses must follow commercial safety and insurance laws:

• Commercial vehicles, including charter buses, must undergo routine safety inspections, maintain detailed records, and ensure all parts function properly. Failing to comply can make the company liable.
• Charter bus operators and all commercial carriers must carry a minimum liability insurance policy, depending on size and passenger capacity. These policies provide coverage for injury victims.
• Charter buses must adhere to strict regulations outlined by the Federal Transit Administration.

Charter bus companies and for-hire private transit providers are responsible for keeping their passengers safe. If your accident happened on one of these buses, we’ll determine whether the operator, event planner, or vehicle manufacturer should be held accountable.

Privately owned buses and private transportation services

Companies, religious groups, daycares, assisted living facilities, and community centers often operate private buses. These may not seem like commercial operations, but they are still legally obligated to follow certain rules. 

For example:

• Florida requires drivers of private buses to carry a valid CDL. If a driver doesn’t have one up to date, then the organization may be liable for negligence.
• Florida Statute § 316.302 applies to operators of commercial motor vehicles, including those not-for-profit, mandating compliance with vehicle safety rules.
• Florida Statute § 316.70(3) requires drivers of commercial vehicles to submit to safety inspections. Failing to comply can make the company liable.

• Federal Regulation 49 CFR 387, Subpart B requires charter bus operators transporting 16+ passengers to carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance, which provides coverage for injury victims.
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s other strict regulations govern all non-public transit, from faith-based carriers to hotel or airport shuttles and employer-operated buses.
• Florida Statute 320.01 allows private individuals to operate buses for various reasons, from bus-to-tiny-home conversions (or skoolies) to road-trip motorhomes. All recreational vehicle buses must adhere to state and federal regulations.

If your injury occurred while riding in a for-hire or privately operated bus, you may be able to pursue full compensation. The damage caps in government entity cases will not apply to you. 

Dangerous or poor road conditions

Sometimes the road itself is the problem. In construction zones, where lanes may shift without warning, or on surfaces riddled with potholes, it’s easy for a large vehicle to veer off course or lose control.

Other times, missing road signs, unclear markings, or poor lighting can catch even experienced drivers off guard. These environmental factors can cause swerving, sudden stops, or even tip-over accidents if handled incorrectly. 

In this case, the entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable; construction road crews, government contractors, or other third parties may be held liable for the bus accident.

Bus manufacturing problems

Sometimes, accidents happen because the vehicle was never safe to begin with. A manufacturing defect – like faulty brakes, a malfunctioning steering system, or a flawed electrical component – can compromise safety even if the driver does everything right.

These kinds of issues might not be visible until it’s too late. When something in the design or production of the bus goes wrong, the manufacturer or parts supplier may bear responsibility.

Reckless behavior by other drivers

Bus drivers aren’t the only ones on the road. A careless action by another motorist – like running a red light, failing to yield, or swerving into a lane without warning – can trigger a serious crash.

Even if the bus driver responds quickly, there’s not always enough time to avoid a collision when another driver is acting unpredictably or dangerously.

Incidents while loading or unloading

Some accidents happen not while the bus is moving, but while passengers are getting on or off. If proper safety procedures aren’t followed – such as waiting until all passengers are seated, keeping the steps dry, or checking mirrors before pulling away – passengers can easily slip, fall, or get caught in a dangerous situation. In these cases, liability may extend to multiple parties, including the transit company.

Conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists

Buses often travel through areas with heavy foot and bike traffic, especially in city centers. When a driver doesn’t spot a cyclist in his or her blind spot or fails to yield at a crosswalk, the consequences can be severe.

Sharing the road safely means paying attention to the most vulnerable people around – those without the protection of a vehicle.

Let Us Help You Reclaim Control of Your Life

Bus accident cases aren’t your typical fender-benders. They involve multiple parties, serious injuries, government regulations, and aggressive insurance companies. Trying to handle it all on your own can quickly become overwhelming, and you risk losing out on the compensation you truly deserve.

When you’re hurt and overwhelmed, the last thing you need is more stress. That’s why our team steps in to handle every aspect of your case – from gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses to negotiating with insurance companies and, when needed, going to trial. 

When you work with Kogan & DiSalvo, you’re not just getting legal support – you’re getting a team of compassionate professionals who are committed to helping you move forward. 

We handle every detail so you can focus on healing, not paperwork or red tape. Contact Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Law today to discuss your legal options.