Schedule Appointment
Due to COVID-19, we offer free consultation via phone or video with ZOOM/Facetime if you can't make it to our office! 
Schedule Appointment

School Bus Accident

School Bus Accident

Everyday we get onto public transportation trusting someone else to get us to our final destination safely. It can be scary putting your life, or the life of someone you love, in the hands on someone you do not know. This is especially true when it comes to children. Parents across the country put their children on school buses everyday, hoping for the best, but an accident can occur at any time.

Driving a bus is not easy. Having approximately thirty children behind you, talking, even at a low tone, can be distracting. Also, the size and weight of a bus can be difficult for some to grasp while driving. This is why Florida has various rules and requirements which are created by the Commissioner of Education, for anyone interested in becoming a school bus driver. In Florida, the qualifications include, among other things, mental alertness, good hearing and vision, and a commercial license with a passenger endorsement.

Causes of School Bus Accidents

Accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. If you, your child or your property were injured or damaged, you have rights and should hold the correct party responsible. In the case of school bus accidents, it is the school district’s board that is liable for any personal injury stemming from the accident.

The district is liable for claims in the same manner and to the same extent as a private individual under similar circumstances, but liability will not include punitive damages or interest for the period before judgment. The district is not liable for personal injuries by a school bus passenger for an injury caused solely by another passenger’s use or nonuse of a safety belt in a dangerous or unsafe manner. The district’s liability cannot be more than $5,000 multiplied by the number of persons allowed on the bus or $100,000, whichever one is less, for any one incident. This means if more than twenty persons are harmed in one accident and the district found liable, you will have no more than $100,000 to split amongst yourselves.

Florida Law in School Bus Accidents

In order to bring a case against a school district in Florida, you must provide notice in writing to the district as well as the Department of Financial Services, within three years of the incident. In addition to information regarding the accident, the state Florida has a list of items that must be included in your claim, in order for the district to accept your written notice. If you are missing any of this information, your claim can be denied. You have the ability to resubmit your claim, as long as a complete and accurate claim is accepted within the time frame.

Ask A Lawyer

Litigation is complicated to begin with, but it can become even more confusing when dealing with a state agency, such as a school district. State agencies have special rules that you must comply with in order to begin your case which are not as easy to locate as the general court rules for your area. Having a Florida attorney that has experience with accidents that can find the necessary laws and regulations is key. In Broward call 954-961-5100 or 1-877-961-5100 in Florida.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

What Our Clients Say

  • June loochkartt

    "Mr. Gonzalez is a highly effective personal injury who gets results and practices with diligence, professionalism and integrity. He is swift to get results, fights for you and never backs down from a difficult case to obtain a great result. Always responsive to questions and very thorough handling of the case. I would highly recommend his firm to anyone looking for representation."

  • DANIELLA PREVOST

    "I would highly recommend Rafael Gonzalez as a personal injury attorney. He demonstrates Professionalism, was very knowledge, and was responsive to all my concerns. He answered all my questions in a timely manner with compassion and wisdom. He is a great negotiator and always has his client’s best interest at heart. I would highly recommend him as a personal injury attorney. Thank you, Rafael Gonzalez!"

  • ANA QUIJANO

    I had an awesome experience with this law firm. Rafael Gonzalez and his team are great all the time take the phone. Answer questions, always ready to help you. Being in an accident is already so stressful, they would help you with everything you need: guide you with your doctors visits, give you an advise all the time. I strongly recommend them for ALL your situations. Love them!!!!

  • Ada Fondeur

    Very professional and attentive team. Attorney Gonzalez was always willing to answer my questions and concerns and most of all always looking out for my best interest. Very satisfied.

  • LESLIE DIXON

    My process was very long but it was worth the wait. Mr. Gonzalez and his team are very professional and a great to work with. I received updates as to my case frequently and I appreciate all the updates. Thank you very much for handling my case.

  • Kayann Rainford

    Attorney Rafael Gonzalez and his paralegal gave good customer service, very friendly, respectful and nice.

  • SARA T.

    I was referred to Attorney Ralph Gonzalez to take care of injuries sustained from a car accident where I was rear ended. Not only did they make sure I got the care I needed, but were extremely professional and thorough in communication to explain the processes, follow ups, and expectations. Just closed the case after some time with a bigger settlement than expected, and I couldn't be happier with the treatment/services received from this office. Will 100% recommend to everyone. Thank you!

  • BARBARA P.

    I am very pleased with the service and I received from this law firm. I am thankful to have Mr. R. Gonzalez as my attorney. I would recommend calling this office to represent you.

  • JENNIFER D.

    Mr. Rafael is always professional and gives realistic expectations of everything.

AskMyAttorneys footer logo
Real answers from real attorneys. Case evaluation within 24 hours guaranteed. Affordable pricing. Our initial consultation is always 100% Free.
Mon - Sun
6:00am -10:00pm
AskMyAttorneys
Online Marketing and SEO by RedCastleServices.com
chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram Skip to content