Bus accidents often involve more complex legal issues than typical car crashes, especially when government agencies or large companies are involved.
If you were injured in a Fort Lauderdale bus accident, you may be dealing with severe pain, costly medical treatment, and uncertainty about your next steps.
At Anidjar & Levine, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers provide free case evaluations to help crash victims understand their rights.
Our Fort Lauderdale bus accident attorneys can investigate your accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Recoverable Compensation After A Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident
Florida has a no-fault auto insurance system in place, so you must first turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. If you suffered serious injuries, however, a bus accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you pursue additional compensation.
Depending on the details of your case, there may be a range of losses that can be covered.
Compensation From Your PIP Coverage
The first place you turn after any Florida motor vehicle accident is always to your own no-fault insurance policy.
Your PIP coverage could pay for:
- A limited amount of medical coverage for non-emergency medical care
- Up to the policy limits for a portion of your emergency medical care
- A portion of your lost wages related to the accident
If you meet certain criteria, you may have other options for compensation.
Compensation From A Third-Party Liability Insurance Claim Or Personal Injury Lawsuit
Pursuing compensation after a bus accident is often more complex than a typical auto claim. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to file a third-party liability claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, whether that is an individual driver, a private bus company, or a government agency (such as after accidents involving public transit or a school bus).
If your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold or another exception to the state’s no-fault laws, these legal options may be available to you.
Our Fort Lauderdale bus accident attorneys can evaluate your case, establish liability, and pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses.
These may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing care needs
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Lost employment benefits if you cannot return to work
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses tied to the accident
- Pain and suffering and diminished enjoyment of life
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical needs, and the circumstances of the accident.
While these claims and lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve, having a Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyer by your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you pursue the maximum recovery available.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help
After a serious accident, the last thing you should be worried about is paperwork, negotiations, and deadlines. You deserve to focus on your recovery, not on gathering records or battling insurance companies. Our team can take care of every step of the legal process for you.
We will:
- Explain your legal options
- Advise you on whether a settlement offer is fair
- Collect strong evidence to prove negligence and document your losses
- Identify the correct liable party (e.g., driver, company, or agency)
- File insurance claims or lawsuits on your behalf
- Represent you in court if litigation becomes necessary
- Ensure your case complies with Florida law, including filing deadlines
With our attorneys handling the legal details, you can prioritize healing while we fight for the financial recovery you need.
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What Will It Cost to Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?
You may wonder if it’s worth hiring a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney to pursue your case and if you can afford legal representation. We don’t want these concerns to prevent you from getting the help you want.
Instead, we take cases on a contingency–fee basis. This means:
- You owe us no upfront fees to get started with a case.
- You only pay us if we collect compensation on your behalf.
- We will agree on a percentage-based fee for our services, which we will discuss when your case begins.
You don’t have to wait to get started. Call Anidjar & Levine to learn more about our contingency-based services.
Why Choose Anidjar & Levine?
Our team will go the extra mile for you and your results. Some of the reasons why you want to work with our injury lawyers include:
- We offer free case consultations any time, 24/7.
- You will receive your attorney’s phone number to ask questions as your case progresses.
- If you need help getting your car fixed, we will help make arrangements.
Whether you are looking for a bus crash lawyer, a car crash attorney, or even a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorney, we have got your back.
Our past clients had these things to say about us:
- “Back in February of this year me and my boyfriend at the time got hit by a bus. My car was totaled and the entire process was a huge hassle until my father put me in contact with the firm. After that it was pretty much smooth sailing. Most of the stress was taken off of my shoulders.”– Tyler R.
- “What unbelievable professionalism. If you have to hire an attorney to represent you during a difficult time, there is no other choice than Anidjar and Levine.” – Charles L.
We work hard to make things easier for you when we handle your personal injury case. Contact Anidjar & Levine today.
Exploring Liability In A Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident Case
Bus accidents can happen in many different ways, and each case requires a tailored legal approach. The laws that apply depend on who caused the crash, who owned or operated the bus, and other key factors.
If A Driver Caused The Bus Accident
Bus accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver fatigue, speeding, inebriation, or failing to follow traffic laws. Whether you were riding on the bus or driving your own vehicle, you may hold the bus driver or another motorist accountable if their negligence caused the collision and your injuries.
Our team can file a third-party liability claim with their auto insurer or pursue a personal injury lawsuit in Broward County courts.
If A Private Bus Company Was Responsible
When a driver employed by a tour operator, charter service, or another private company causes an accident, the doctrine of vicarious liability may apply.
This means the company can be held financially responsible for its driver’s negligence. Our Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyers can pursue compensation through the company’s liability insurance or a lawsuit against the business itself.
If A Public Transit Bus Or School Bus Was Involved
Crashes involving government-operated buses, such as Broward County Transit vehicles or local school district buses, may have different procedures or limitations.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents In Broward County
Bus accidents often result from negligent or unsafe actions, such as:
- Speeding to stay on schedule
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use
- Running red lights at busy intersections like Federal Highway and Davie Boulevard
- Driving too fast in rainy or stormy conditions common in South Florida
- Fatigued or drowsy driving after long shifts
- Misjudging wide turns on narrow Fort Lauderdale streets not designed for buses
- Vehicle malfunction from poor or neglected maintenance or defective bus components
- Inexperienced or undertrained bus drivers
Our attorneys investigate every crash thoroughly, working with accident reconstruction specialists, reviewing maintenance records, and analyzing witness statements to determine exactly what caused the accident.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident Attorneys Prove Negligence In Your Case
To recover compensation, we must show that negligence directly caused your injuries. This requires proving four elements:
- Duty of Care: Bus drivers and other motorists must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely on Fort Lauderdale roads.
- Breach of Duty: A driver fails to uphold this responsibility by acting negligently, such as running a red light or driving while drowsy.
- Causation: Their negligent action must be the direct cause of the crash and your injuries.
- Damages: You must have losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Once we have established negligence and liability, we can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the responsible party. Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but if needed, we are fully prepared to represent you in Broward County courts to fight for the recovery you deserve.
Because a bus accident can encompass various scenarios, there is no single way to handle establishing liability in this type of case. Different laws apply depending on who caused the accident, who owned and operated the bus, and many other factors.
Florida’s Statute Of Limitations Restricts Your Time To File Suit
Florida law generally gives us two years to file a lawsuit against a private motorist or bus company in a bus accident case. If your loved one passed away because of a Fort Lauderdale bus accident, we must file the wrongful death lawsuit within two years, as well.
However, we prefer to act quickly because it helps us build a stronger case on your behalf. Evidence can disappear quickly, and we don’t want to rush through the process of building your case.
The process is different, however, when the liable party is a public entity like a government agency. The deadline to take action is much shorter, so it is important to contact us as soon as possible for help with this type of claim.
The consequences of missing the filing deadline are significant. If you do not file your lawsuit by the deadline, Florida law could forever bar you from seeking compensation from the at-fault party.
You can continue negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer, but you won’t have the leverage necessary to get a fair settlement.
When you work with our Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyers, we ensure that all deadlines are met whenever possible to do so.
What to Do After A Bus Accident In Fort Lauderdale
The moments after a bus accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take can protect both your health and your legal rights. Your safety comes first.
Always seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Facilities like Broward Health Medical Center or Holy Cross Health can provide the urgent evaluation and treatment you need, while also creating important medical records that support your case.
Next, make sure the accident is reported. If police respond to the scene, request a copy of the crash report. If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage, and collect names and contact details of witnesses.
Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents from insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Insurers may use certain tactics to try to minimize your claim.
Instead, contact a Fort Lauderdale bus accident lawyer who can handle all communications, gather evidence, and guide you through Florida’s legal process. With legal support, you can focus on healing while your attorney works to secure the compensation you need for medical care, lost income, and other damages.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Bus Accident Lawyers Today
If you suffered serious injuries in a Fort Lauderdale bus accident, the Fort Lauderdale bus accident attorneys from Anidjar & Levine can help you understand your legal options for compensation.
Our legal team will take on every step of the legal process of your personal injury claim or lawsuit. We treat you with respect and kindness from the second you call us.
Call someone from our team today for your free consultation.
