St. Petersburg Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a family member sustained injuries in a bus accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, claims against bus companies and common carriers can be complicated. Our St. Petersburg bus accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

We’re one of the most experienced personal injury law firms in the Tampa Bay area. With more than 300 years of experience between us, you can count on us to do everything possible to maximize your settlement or verdict. 

Take legal action today if you were injured. Contact our law offices to schedule a free consultation at (727) 591-3354.

How Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Bus Accident

Many accident victims have trouble making ends meet in the wake of an accident. Between your medical bills and living expenses, the financial strain only adds to the stress of the painful injuries you’ve sustained. 

Unfortunately, bus accident cases can take time to resolve. When it seems like the bus company and insurance adjusters have all of the power, an experienced personal injury lawyer can step in to help.

Our lawyers at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers have helped clients recover over $675 million in compensation over the years. We were the first law firm in the Tampa area to practice exclusively personal injury law. Our board-certified attorneys have also been recognized by Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

When you hire our experienced legal team to protect you, we will:

• Investigate and gather evidence to prove your case
• Provide legal advice at every stage of the personal injury process
• Work with your doctors and other experts to assess your case value
• Defend you if you’re blamed for causing the accident or failing to mitigate damages
• File a claim and negotiate with the insurance companies to recover the fair compensation you deserve 

If you were injured in a St. Petersburg bus accident, contact our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys right away. We’re always available to discuss your case.

How Common Are Bus Accidents?

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) operates the public bus system in St. Petersburg and across Pinellas County. The PSTA provides both bus and trolley services to about 10.2 million St. Petersburg area residents each year.

Unfortunately, accidents involving PSTA buses and trolleys do happen in St. Pete. Some of those accidents have the potential to cause critical and life-threatening injuries. As of January 2020, the PSTA itself reports 3.88 accidents per every 100,000 miles their buses travel.

Public buses aren’t the only types of buses that operate in the Tampa Bay area. According to National Safety Council research, 111 people were killed in school bus accidents in the U.S. during 2019. About 13,000 people sustained injuries in accidents involving school buses. 

Common Types of Buses in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a hub for tourism, commuting, and student transport. Consequently, the "buses" we see on the road vary significantly in terms of ownership and safety regulations. We represent clients involved in accidents with:

• PSTA Public Transit: The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority operates dozens of routes throughout the city. Claims against PSTA involve "sovereign immunity" laws, which have strict notice requirements and damage caps.
• School Buses: Pinellas County Schools operate hundreds of buses daily. These cases require sensitive handling, especially when children are injured.
• Charter and Tour Buses: Often carrying tourists to the Sunken Gardens or the Dali Museum, these private carriers are subject to federal Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
• Airport Shuttles: Frequent transport between St. Pete and TPA or PIE airports.
• Private Shuttles and "Limo" Buses: Often used for events and nightlife, these vehicles sometimes lack the rigorous oversight of public transit.

Common Causes of Bus Collisions

Bus accidents can happen for many reasons, but many of them are preventable. Identifying the cause of the crash is a key step in determining liability and pursuing compensation.

Common causes of bus accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Bus drivers may work long shifts or operate on tight schedules, which can lead to fatigue and slower reaction times.
• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, adjusting controls, or interacting with passengers can divert a driver's attention from the road.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Large buses require more time and distance to stop. Speeding significantly increases the risk of serious accidents.
• Poor Bus Maintenance: Mechanical failures such as brake problems, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can lead to dangerous situations.
• Inexperienced or Improperly Trained Drivers: Bus operators must receive proper training to safely handle large vehicles in traffic and crowded areas.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Construction zones, poor road maintenance, and bad weather can contribute to bus crashes.
• Negligent Drivers of Other Vehicles: In many cases, drivers of passenger cars contribute to bus accidents by cutting off buses, running red lights, or failing to yield.

A thorough investigation can determine exactly what caused the accident and who should be held responsible.

Common Bus Crash Injuries

Because buses are large vehicles that often lack seat belts, passengers and others involved in a crash can suffer severe injuries. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Common bus accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma can occur when victims strike windows, seats, or other surfaces during a crash.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine may lead to partial or permanent paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Fractures frequently occur due to the force of impact or being thrown around inside the bus.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening without immediate medical treatment.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden movement during a collision can cause significant neck and soft tissue injuries.
• Severe Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, metal fragments, and debris can cause deep wounds and permanent scarring.

Some victims also experience long-term emotional trauma, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress following a serious accident.

Florida Bus Driving Laws

Florida law treats bus operators differently from standard motorists. Understanding these statutes is vital for your claim:

• Common Carrier Doctrine: Under Florida common law, bus companies must exercise the "highest degree of care" for their passengers' safety.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Florida law requires bus drivers to maintain a CDL with a "P" (passenger) endorsement, requiring rigorous testing and medical examinations.
• Sovereign Immunity (Florida Statute § 768.28): If the accident involved a PSTA bus or a public school bus, you are suing a government entity. This means you must file a "Notice of Claim" within a specific timeframe, and damages are generally capped at $200,000 per person or $300,000 per occurrence.

Liability for a Bus Accident

Bus accident cases are often more complicated than typical car accident claims because multiple parties may share responsibility.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• The Bus Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they may be held accountable.
• The Bus Company: Employers can be liable for negligent hiring, poor training, or failing to properly maintain their vehicles.
• Government Agencies: Public transit buses are often operated by government entities, which can make claims more complex due to specific legal procedures.
• Maintenance Providers
  Companies responsible for inspecting or repairing the bus may be liable if mechanical failures caused the crash.
• Manufacturers: If a defective part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held responsible.

Our team can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and identify all parties responsible for your injuries.

Bus Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do after a bus accident?

After a bus accident, seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor. Report the accident, gather contact information from witnesses, and consider speaking with an attorney before discussing the incident with insurance companies.

How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Florida?

Florida law generally provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government agency is involved, additional notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply.

Can passengers sue after a bus accident?

Yes. Bus passengers who are injured due to negligence may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What compensation can bus accident victims recover?

Victims may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
• Emotional distress

The exact compensation available depends on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of the injuries.

Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident claim?

Bus accident cases often involve complex legal and insurance issues. Our St. Petersburg bus accident attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

An experienced St. Petersburg bus accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Just contact our lawyers today at (727) 591-3354 to schedule your free consultation.