Broward County Transit buses, school buses, college shuttles, and private charter coaches all share Davie’s busy roads. When one of them is involved in a crash, the people inside the bus aren’t the only ones at risk. Pedestrians waiting at stops, cyclists, and drivers in smaller vehicles can suffer serious injuries too.
If you were hurt in a bus accident in Davie, the Davie accident lawyers at Rosen Injury Law are right here in town and ready to help. Call our Davie office or complete the short form on our contact page today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Rosen Injury Law in Davie
- We’re located on South University Drive. Meeting with us doesn’t require a trip across the county.
- Our team is led by a double board-certified trial lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience representing injured Floridians.
- From local schools to Nova Southeastern University, we’re invested in the town we serve and the people who live, work, and study here.
- Our bilingual team makes sure you understand every step of your case.
- No upfront costs. We offer free consultations, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Who Gets Hurt in Davie Bus Accidents
Bus accidents affect a wide range of people in Davie, and each case’s circumstances shape how the claim moves forward.
College students and commuters. Davie is home to Nova Southeastern University, Broward College’s central campus, and a Florida Atlantic University campus. Thousands of students and staff ride buses and campus shuttles along University Drive and College Avenue. Crowded buses, frequent stops, and heavy traffic around the campuses raise the risk of crashes and onboard injuries.
Broward County Public Schools buses make stops throughout Davie’s neighborhoods every morning and afternoon. Children are vulnerable both on the bus and while crossing the street to reach it.
Many riders walk or bike to their bus stop. People waiting at stops along busy roads can be hit when a bus or another vehicle leaves the roadway. Cyclists may be struck by a bus making a right turn or pulling away from the curb.
A bus weighs many times more than a passenger car. Drivers in western Broward can be seriously injured when a bus runs a red light, changes lanes without checking its blind spots, or stops suddenly in traffic.
Why Bus Crashes Happen on Davie Roads
Many crashes come down to human error or neglect, including:
- A speeding driver trying to stay on schedule
- Distraction from phones or passengers
- Driver fatigue
- Pulling away from a stop before passengers are seated or clear of the doors
- Poor maintenance of brakes, tires, and wheelchair lifts
- Other drivers cutting in front of buses or following too closely
Florida’s School Bus Stop Law
School bus crashes often involve drivers who ignore a stopped bus. Fla. Stat. § 316.172 was enacted to help protect school bus passengers. It requires drivers traveling in either direction on a two-way road to stop when a school bus displays its stop signal. They must stay stopped until the signal is withdrawn.
The only exception is a divided highway with a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, and only drivers going the opposite direction may keep moving. Passing a stopped school bus is a serious traffic violation and strong evidence of fault when it leads to an accident.
Florida now allows school districts to install cameras on school bus stop arms to catch drivers who illegally pass. When a crash happens near a stopped school bus, that footage can be valuable evidence.
Injuries at Bus Stops and While Boarding
Not every bus-related injury happens on the road. People are also hurt while getting on or off a bus, or while waiting at a stop. Common examples include:
- Falls caused by a bus pulling away while a passenger is still boarding or exiting
- Injuries from malfunctioning doors, steps, ramps, or wheelchair lifts
- Trips on broken pavement, uneven curbs, or damaged areas around a bus shelter
- Being struck while crossing the street to catch a bus
These cases may involve the bus operator, the property owner, or the government agency responsible for maintaining the stop. Each carries different legal requirements.
Common Injuries in Davie Bus Accidents
Most transit buses and school buses don’t have seat belts for every passenger, and standing riders have little protection in a sudden stop or collision. Injuries we frequently see include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, back, and spinal injuries
- Fractures to the wrists, hips, arms, and legs
- Knee and shoulder injuries from falls inside the bus
- Cuts, bruises, and facial injuries
- Severe injuries to pedestrians and cyclists struck by buses
What Your Claim May Be Worth
The compensation available depends on your injuries and who was at fault. You may be able to recover your medical bills and future treatment costs, lost income, and reduced earning ability. You may also recover pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the cost of help at home. If a child was hurt, the parents may be able to recover medical expenses on the child’s behalf.
Florida’s comparative fault rule under Fla. Stat. § 768.81 can reduce your recovery if you share some of the blame. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, your claim will be barred.
You must file most claims against private parties within two years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11. Claims against government agencies have their own notice requirements and timelines.
How a Davie Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Davie bus accident lawyer can take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. Your attorney can determine who owned and operated the bus involved in your accident, prepare and send required notices, and ensure you meet all deadlines. They can act quickly to preserve and collect evidence before it is lost or destroyed and build your strongest case.
Your attorney can work to negotiate a fair resolution of your claim as quickly as possible. And, if a fair settlement is not reached, they can take your case to court to demand the full value of your damages.
Talk to Our Davie Office Today
If you have been injured in a bus accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Davie bus accident lawyers at Rosen Injury Law want to help you. Call our Davie office today at (954) 835-4436 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation.