Types of Bus Accidents and Duty of Care: Understanding Florida Bus Accidents

There are many tour and travel buses on Florida highways. Miami city streets are full of city buses taking residents to and from home. Buses are an important means of transportation for those who do not own a car, are not able to drop off or pick up their children from school, or for those who want to travel but do not want to drive their own car. Because buses do not have seatbelts and passengers may ride a bus standing up they are at risk for enduring serious injuries as a result of a bus accident. And unfortunately, bus accidents are very common throughout the United States.

Types of Bus Accidents

There are many types of bus accidents that involve school, public and commercial buses. These accidents occur when buses collide with cars, pedestrian or cyclists. Some of the more general bus accidents include accidents as a result of the following:

• High-Speed Collisions: when a bus has a collision on the highway, it is likely to be a high-speed wreck, wherein the bus may lose control and overturn. A full investigation will require authorities to examine driver error, road conditions and potential bus equipment malfunctions. Many public and commercial buses have cameras inside them that may allow authorities to see what occurred during the accident.
• Mechanical Breakdowns: If a bus breaks down on the highway, the driver may lose control of the bus and collide with other cars. Accidents may also occur if a bus breaks down and passengers are injured getting on or off the broken-down bus.
• Low-Speed Accidents: accidents are likely to happen with a city bus at a lower speed. While these accidents happen at a lower speed, they may be equally as dangerous. Low-speed accidents may include a collision with a car pulling away from the curb or an unexpected collision with a biker. These accidents can also happen when buses are moving and unseen pedestrians are struck.

Bus Drivers Have a Duty of Care

Buses can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Depending on the circumstances, victims of bus accidents may have a basis for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The key to both claims will be determining if the bus driver or someone else was careless or negligent. Under Florida law, bus drivers have a duty to drive responsibly and prevent overcrowding. If careless driving causes passengers to fall and suffer injuries or results in a bus collision, the bus driver and company may be held responsible.

Let us help you with Your Bus Accident Claim

Bus accidents can cause devastating and life-changing injuries. However, determining the cause and responsibility for a bus accident is complex. If you have been injured as a passenger on a commercial, public or school bus, contact the Miami bus accident attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. We can advise you on your lawsuit and help ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Please contact us today at 866-936-9761, to schedule a consultation.