Buses offer an affordable, sustainable, and convenient way to travel around Delray Beach and many parts of Florida. The city has implemented a free bus transportation service in its historic downtown area (known as “Freebee”), and Palm Tran operates paid city buses around the greater Palm Beach County area.
When you enter a bus, you place your safety in the hands of the driver. Becoming injured in a bus accident can be a jarring, traumatic experience. At Steinberg Law, P.A., our Delray Beach bus accident lawyers are here to help.
We represent all victims of bus accidents, whether you were a passenger, struck by a bus, or involved in a vehicle accident with one. Let us help you explore your compensation options and guide you through the process. Call today at 877-783-4611 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Delray Beach
Bus accidents aren’t as common as passenger vehicle accidents, but they still occur around Delray Beach on occasion. In March 2024, a rollover crash involving a Palm Tran bus and two other vehicles sent three people to the hospital. That September, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a bus after he entered the northbound lanes of I-95 on foot.
Bus accidents happen for a range of reasons. Here are a few common examples:
- Lack of driver training: Bus drivers in Florida need a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement. However, receiving this license doesn’t necessarily mean a driver is prepared to operate this massive vehicle and keep passengers safe. They may make a mistake that leads to an accident.
- Blind spots: Buses and other large vehicles have significant blind spots. Drivers need to take caution when changing lanes and merging. Sometimes, they fail to see another vehicle in their blind spots, leading to a collision.
- Driver distractions: Operating a passenger bus can be challenging with countless distractions. Drivers must contend with noisy passengers, those waiting to board the bus, pedestrians, and dense city traffic. They may become distracted by the happenings around them and make an error that leads to an accident.
- Impatient motorists: Drivers who are stuck behind a slow-moving bus or waiting for it to complete its stop may become impatient, deciding to pass the bus. This behavior quickly leads to accidents. The driver may not see a person exiting the bus when they decide to go around it, or they may strike the bus or another vehicle in the process.
- Drowsy driving: Sometimes, bus drivers need to work double shifts or extra-long hours to make up for gaps in staffing. This could cause them to operate the bus while drowsy and make serious errors.
Understanding the underlying cause of your accident is an important step in determining negligence. Let our Delray Beach bus accident lawyers pinpoint the cause in your accident case.
Possible Injuries in a Bus Accident in Delray Beach
Bus accidents can quickly lead to devastating injuries. Passengers are often unsecured, either sitting in seats without seatbelts or holding on to the railing. The impact of the crash can cause them to strike the walls of the bus, travel several feet, and knock into other passengers.
Our attorneys handle cases for clients with all of these injuries and more:
- Broken bones
- Bruises and lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Whether your injuries were mild or severe, you shouldn’t have to pay medical expenses out of pocket, especially if you were in no way at fault for the accident. Let us seek compensation to help you begin moving forward.
Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?
If you want to seek compensation after a bus crash, our Delray Beach bus accident lawyers will start by determining the liable party. This party will impact who you file a compensation claim with.
Several parties may be responsible for a bus accident.
The City
If the bus involved in your accident was operated by the city of Delray Beach, you may need to pursue a claim against the local government. For example, Palm Tran is a public bus system run by the Palm Beach County Government. If a Palm Tran driver was responsible for your accident, you would likely file a claim with the county, not with Palm Tran itself.
Our attorneys will help you do this while meeting all relevant deadlines.
A Private Bus Company
Perhaps your accident involved a privately owned bus company. The business that owns the bus would likely assume vicarious liability for its driver’s actions.
Our attorneys will help you file a liability claim against the company. Businesses typically have liability insurance for this purpose, but if the coverage limits are not high enough to pay for all your accident expenses, we may recommend taking legal action.
Another Driver
If another driver struck the bus you were riding or was otherwise responsible for the accident, you may need to pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance instead. It is unlikely that this driver’s insurance would adequately cover all injuries incurred in the accident. If so, our attorneys will explore other methods of seeking compensation, such as a personal injury lawsuit.
Seeking Compensation After a Bus Accident
You may have the right to pursue compensation to cover your injuries and related expenses after a bus accident. Our Delray Beach bus accident lawyers will seek to maximize your compensation by gathering compelling evidence, filing claims with all relevant parties, and proving your damages.
If you are filing an insurance claim, you have the opportunity to pursue economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and future medical expenses. But if an insurance settlement would not adequately cover your damages, you may need to pursue legal action against the at-fault party instead. This could allow you to seek non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
You do not need to worry about navigating the compensation process alone. Your legal representation will handle as much of this process for you as possible while you focus on healing.
Let Us Be Your Delray Beach Bus Accident Lawyers
Navigating the aftermath of a bus accident can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. At Steinberg Law, P.A., we provide experienced guidance and compassionate support for bus accident victims in Delray Beach.
Let us gather evidence to support your case, guide you through the compensation process, speak with all relevant parties on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. We will take the stress of this process off your shoulders.
Contact our Delray Beach bus accident lawyers today at 877-783-4611 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Florida Bus Accident FAQs
Is It Worth It to Hire a Bus Accident Attorney?
Hiring an accident attorney is often worthwhile if you have extensive injuries or other damages and need help navigating the compensation process. Your attorney can use their legal experience to seek the maximum payout on your behalf and improve your case outcomes.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive From a Florida Bus Accident?
You may be able to receive compensation to make up for your medical bills, time off work, and related expenses from the accident. If you are pursuing a lawsuit, you may also have the right to seek funds for non-economic costs like pain and suffering.
Can You Sue a Bus Driver in Florida?
You may have the right to sue a bus driver who is at fault in an accident. In many cases, you would actually need to sue the company or agency that employs the driver, not the driver themself. Our Delray Beach bus accident lawyers will explain your options for seeking compensation and walk you through them.
