Experienced Plantation Florida Bus Accident Lawyer
Plantation Bus Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Plantation bus accident lawyers
Have You Been Injured in a Bus Accident in Plantation, Florida?
If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Bus accidents can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties such as insurance companies, bus drivers, and the bus company itself.
The experienced lawyers Goldberg and Loren personal injury attorneys are here to help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages arising from a bus accident in Plantation, Florida.
Bus Accidents in Plantation, Florida
Bus accidents can be a significant safety risk on the roads of Plantation, Florida. According to Florida data, there were a total of 875 bus accidents in Broward County in 2019, which includes the city of Plantation. Out of these accidents, 221 resulted in injuries, and four were fatal. [1]
Various types of buses can be found on the roads of Plantation, including public transportation buses, private buses, school buses, shuttle buses, charter buses, and tour buses. These accidents are often caused by negligence or recklessness on the part of drivers and are particularly heartbreaking when they are school bus accidents.
The consequences of bus accidents on victims may be severe. Types of injuries that may result include catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, mental anguish, and permanent disability.
Victims of bus accidents have the right to make insurance claims to seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and property damage.
Have You Experienced a Bus Collision in South Florida?
If you have been involved in a bus accident in South Florida, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Our experienced attorneys will collect evidence related to the scene of the accident.
This can include photos of the damage to the bus, any other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
We will use all information collected to help build a strong case to get justice for you and your family.
Common Bus Accident Causes
Every year, bus accidents occur on our roads, causing serious harm to passengers and other drivers. Bus accidents can happen due to various reasons. In the Plantation area, some of the most common causes of bus accidents include the following:
- Driver negligence
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence
- Improper maintenance
Aggressive/Negligent Driving:
Aggressive driving and driver negligence are significant causes of bus accidents. Bus drivers who engage in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and failing to follow traffic rules put passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road at risk.
Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving is another common cause of bus accidents. Bus drivers who take their focus off the road, even for a few seconds, can miss important road signs, traffic signals, and hazards that could lead to an accident.
These distractions can include using a mobile phone, reading a book, eating or drinking while driving, or being distracted by passengers. A bus driver who checks his phone or sends a text message while driving may cause an accident. [2]
Driver Fatigue:
As Plantation Florida Bus Accident Lawyers at Goldberg & Loren, we understand that driver fatigue is a significant contributing factor to bus accidents. Bus drivers who spend long hours on the road without adequate rest can become fatigued, reducing their ability to focus and make quick decisions.
Fatigued drivers can have delayed reaction times, which can lead to accidents that could have been prevented. A bus driver who falls asleep at the wheel can lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident, resulting in serious injuries and damages.
Driving Under the Influence:
When a driver operates a bus under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is a serious offense with legal consequences, and it can make the driver liable for any damages resulting from an accident.
At Goldberg & Loren, we know the importance of conducting investigations to establish the driver’s liability for negligence and help the victim obtain compensation for their injuries and other damages resulting from the accident.
With our legal team, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by a reputable firm that will fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. The legal system takes driving under the influence very seriously, and we are here to help ensure that justice is served.
Improper Maintenance:
Bus companies that fail to maintain their vehicles regularly can be held liable for accidents resulting from their negligence. Poorly maintained buses can have serious mechanical issues such as faulty brakes, steering, or suspension, which can lead to accidents.
If a bus company fails to inspect and repair faulty brakes, the bus may have difficulty stopping, which can cause an accident and result in injuries and damages.
Our legal team will investigate the cause of the accident, determine if negligence on the part of the bus company played a role, and help the victims obtain compensation for their injuries and other damages.
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Common Bus Accident Injuries
Unlike driving in a passenger vehicle, buses are often not equipped with safety features, including seat belts and airbags. In many cases, passengers in a bus accident will fall on the bus floor or eject through the window during a collision.
Bus accident statistics reveal that the most common injuries occurring in bus crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injury– A lack of seat belts could cause catastrophic bodily harm, including traumatic brain injuries when the passenger is jolted forward and backward, hitting their head on metal bars, seats, windows, and the floor.
- Spinal cord injury– The intense impact of a catastrophic bus crash could damage the spinal cord resulting in muscle weakness, tingling sensations, numbness, and paralysis.
- Fractures and broken bones– The force of a bus crash can fracture the bones of all involved in the crash. Catastrophic bone injuries could leave the victim in lasting pain.
- Burns– Many catastrophic bus crashes have resulted in explosions and fires. Severe burns are excruciating and may require skin graft surgery as well as reconstructive (cosmetic) procedures in specialized burn units.
- Lacerations and cuts– Shattered glass in a horrific bus crash could cause deep cuts and lacerations that require stitches and bandaging.
- Internal organ damage– The forceful impact of a bus crash could result in life-threatening internal organ damage when the victim takes a blow to the chest, head, or abdomen.
- Amputation– A lack of seat belts on buses that roll over during a crash could result in catastrophic injuries, including severed extremities, or crushed arms and legs, leading to necessary medical amputation.
Liability for Bus Accidents
Regardless of the type of bus involved, bus accidents can cause devastating injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists on the road. Liability can fall on bus drivers, bus companies, third-party drivers, or even government entities responsible for maintaining roads.
The Bus Driver
Bus driver negligence is a common cause of bus crashes and can take many forms, such as distracted driving, driver fatigue, and violation of traffic laws, as previously mentioned.
It is the responsibility of the bus driver to ensure the safety of their passengers and other road users. If a bus driver is found to have acted negligently, they may be held responsible for any harm caused.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident due to the negligence of the driver, Goldberg & Loren’s law firm can help you obtain fair compensation. We can help ensure that you receive the proper legal representation and support during this challenging time.
The Bus Company
The bus company has a responsibility to maintain their vehicles and ensure their drivers are properly trained and screened. Any negligence on their part can have serious consequences, such as accidents leading to personal injuries, property damage, and wrongful death.
As a common carrier, the bus company is held to a higher standard of care and must comply with strict regulatory requirements. Failure to do so can lead to liability in the event of an accident. For example, if a bus driver is not properly trained or licensed, or if the bus company fails to properly maintain their vehicles, they can be held liable for negligence.
Identifying the bus company as a liable party can also have benefits for injury victims. It allows for more insurance coverage to cover severe injuries, medical care expenses, and lost wages. It can also lead to the implementation of safer practices and stricter regulations, ensuring a higher level of safety for all transit passengers.
Bus Manufacturers
In a bus accident case, the manufacturer of the bus and its components can be held liable for damages caused by any defects in their design or manufacture.
Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their products are safe for use and free from defects. If a bus component defect or systems failure leads to an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for resulting damages.
If a defective bus component or system failure caused or contributed to an accident, the manufacturer can be held liable for negligence in designing, testing, and producing the faulty part.
Some of the most common bus component manufacturers that can be held liable for accidents include those that produce brakes, tires, steering systems, and engines. Liability can be established by examining the manufacturer’s quality control process and determining if the defective part was within the scope of their responsibility.
To establish the manufacturer’s liability, it is important to have transportation industry experts who can identify the specific defect and demonstrate how it contributed to the accident. In such cases, the manufacturer may owe the accident victims compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Goldberg & Loren has access to experts who can assist with proving the manufacturer’s liability.
Maintenance and Service Providers
Maintenance and service providers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users on buses.
These providers are responsible for conducting regular maintenance and repairs on the buses, as well as ensuring that the buses meet safety regulations. Improper maintenance can lead to accidents in several ways.
Failure to replace worn-out brake pads or rotors can result in brake failure, making it difficult or even impossible for the bus driver to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. The failure to maintain or replace worn-out tires can result in tire blowouts while the bus is in motion, leading to loss of control and accidents.
Government Entities
In bus accidents, government entities can also play a significant role and might be held liable due to their responsibility in maintaining roads and highways. Poorly maintained roads or highways can contribute to bus accidents, making government entities a possible defendants in accident claims.
In the event that a bus accident involves a public entity as the owner or operator, it may be required to file a claim against the relevant transit authority or public school district. [3]
Florida Statute of Limitations
In one recent year in Florida, there were 7,862 reported bus crashes. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a bus accident in Plantation, Florida, it is important to file a claim before the permitted time has passed. The Florida Statute of Limitations for bus accident cases in Plantation, Florida is two years. Therefore, initiating legal action within this time frame is required to avoid missing the deadline. [4]
Four years may seem like an extended period of time, but it is easy to put the claim on the back burner and forget all about it. It is essential to keep in mind that failure to file within the four-year Statute of Limitations period will result in the dismissal of the case.
Gathering Evidence and Establishing Liability: How Goldberg & Loren Can Help You Build a Strong Legal Case
At Goldberg & Loren, we understand that proving liability in a bus accident case can be challenging, which is why we are dedicated to helping our clients gather the evidence needed to build a solid legal case.
The process of collecting evidence may include gathering witness statements, photo or video evidence, and other documentation to determine liability for either the driver or bus company.
Our firm will work to prove that the bus company or driver breached their duty of care, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or failing to follow traffic rules.
Have you been injured in a bus accident in Plantation, Florida, or surrounding areas?
Goldberg & Loren bus accident attorneys, are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. With years of experience and a track record of success, we know how to navigate the complex legal system to get you the results you need.
We understand that being in a bus accident can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally.
That’s why we’re here to take pressure off of you and fight for your rights. You deserve justice, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you get it.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys in Plantation. We’re ready to go to bat for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – your rights are at stake.
Sources:
[1] Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/
[2] Distracted Driving | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
[3] FDOT. (n.d.). FDOT. Retrieved June 19, 2023, from https://www.fdot.gov/
[4] Crash Dashboard. (n.d.). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
1776 N Pine Island Rd #224,
Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 727-3571
If you live in or around Plantation and have been injured in an accident we may be able to help recover damages for your injuries. Contact us to find out if you have a case.
We Represent Those Injured in Bus Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Plantation, Florida.
- Broward County, FL
- Coconut Creek, FL
- Cooper City, FL
- Dania Beach, FL
- Davie, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Lauderdale Lakes, FL
- Lauderhill, FL
- Margate, FL
- North Andrews Gardens, FL
- North Lauderdale, FL
- Oakland Park, FL
- Palm Beach County, FL
- Pembroke Pines, FL
- Sunrise, FL
- Tamarac, FL
- Wilton Manors, FL
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